Gothenburg vs Krakow
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Krakow is ~26% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Gothenburg
Sweden
COL+Rent
37
Rent Index
18.5
Groceries
47.7
Restaurant
45
Krakow
Poland
COL+Rent
27.4
Rent Index
13.2
Groceries
36.2
Restaurant
40
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Gothenburg | Krakow | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $819 | $590 | +$229 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $644 | $425 | +$219 |
| Groceries | $271 | $211 | +$60 |
| Restaurant Meal | $14 | $12 | +$2 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $28 | +$47 |
| Utilities | $82 | $150 | $68 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Gothenburg | Krakow |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,047/mo | $799/mo |
| Typical | $1,457/mo | $1,159/mo |
| Comfortable | $1,844/mo | $1,470/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Gothenburg | ≈ in Krakow | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,111/mo | -$389 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,481/mo | -$519 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,222/mo | -$778 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Gothenburg vs Krakow for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Krakow is approximately 26% more affordable than Gothenburg when combining rent and daily living costs. Gothenburg's COL+Rent Index of 37 vs Krakow's 27.4 (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 Gothenburg costs $819/month versus $590/month in Krakow — giving Krakow a $229/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $2,748 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Gothenburg ($271/mo) vs Krakow ($211/mo) reflect Krakow's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $14 vs $12 show Krakow 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, Krakow offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,159 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.