Chicago vs Stockholm
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Stockholm is ~11% 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
Stockholm
Sweden
COL+Rent
51
Rent Index
32.7
Groceries
59.6
Restaurant
62.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Chicago | Stockholm | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,998 | $1,449 | +$549 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,566 | $1,139 | +$427 |
| Groceries | $418 | $339 | +$79 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $17 | +$5 |
| Transit Pass | $73 | $93 | $20 |
| Utilities | $169 | $103 | +$66 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Chicago | Stockholm |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,189/mo | $1,640/mo |
| Typical | $2,988/mo | $2,239/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,701/mo | $2,779/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Chicago | ≈ in Stockholm | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,340/mo | -$160 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,786/mo | -$214 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,680/mo | -$320 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Chicago vs Stockholm for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Stockholm is approximately 11% more affordable than Chicago when combining rent and daily living costs. Chicago's COL+Rent Index of 57.1 vs Stockholm's 51 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Chicago costs $1,998/month versus $1,449/month in Stockholm — giving Stockholm a $549/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $6,588 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Chicago ($418/mo) vs Stockholm ($339/mo) reflect Stockholm's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $17 show Stockholm 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, Stockholm offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,239 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.