City Comparison

Chicago vs Malmö

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Malmö is ~39% cheaper overall

Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026

Chicago

United States

COL+Rent

57.1

Rent Index

44

Groceries

72.9

Restaurant

73.7

Malmö

Sweden

COL+Rent

35.1

Rent Index

17.1

Groceries

45.6

Restaurant

42.6

Monthly Cost Comparison

CategoryChicagoMalmöDiff
Rent (1BR City)$1,998$756+$1,242
Rent (1BR Outside)$1,566$594+$972
Groceries$418$260+$158
Restaurant Meal$22$13+$9
Transit Pass$73$71+$2
Utilities$169$79+$90

Monthly Budget Comparison

LifestyleChicagoMalmö
Minimal$2,189/mo$978/mo
Typical$2,988/mo$1,361/mo
Comfortable$3,701/mo$1,721/mo

Purchasing Power Equivalence

Budget in Chicago≈ in MalmöDifference
$1,500/mo$922/mo-$578
$2,000/mo$1,229/mo-$771
$3,000/mo$1,844/mo-$1,156

Detailed Budget Analysis

See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:

Analysis: Chicago vs Malmö for Expats & Remote Workers

Our data shows Malmö is approximately 39% more affordable than Chicago when combining rent and daily living costs. Chicago's COL+Rent Index of 57.1 vs Malmö's 35.1 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.

Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Chicago costs $1,998/month versus $756/month in Malmögiving Malmö a $1,242/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $14,904 in annual savings.

Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Chicago ($418/mo) vs Malmö ($260/mo) reflect Malmö's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $13 show Malmö offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.

Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Malmö offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,361 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Malmö cheaper to live in?
Malmö is approximately 39% cheaper overall. Chicago's COL+Rent Index is 57.1 vs Malmö's 35.1 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Chicago vs Malmö?
A 1BR in Chicago city center costs ~$1,998/mo vs $756/mo in Malmö. Outside the center: $1,566 vs $594.
What is $2,000/month in Chicago worth in Malmö?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Chicago has the purchasing power of approximately $1,229/month in Malmö.
Are groceries cheaper in Chicago or Malmö?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $418 in Chicago vs $260 in Malmö. Groceries Index: 72.9 vs 45.6 (NYC = 100).