City Comparison
Gothenburg vs Malmö
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Malmö is ~5% 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
Malmö
Sweden
COL+Rent
35.1
Rent Index
17.1
Groceries
45.6
Restaurant
42.6
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Gothenburg | Malmö | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $819 | $756 | +$63 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $644 | $594 | +$50 |
| Groceries | $271 | $260 | +$11 |
| Restaurant Meal | $14 | $13 | +$1 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $71 | +$4 |
| Utilities | $82 | $79 | +$3 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Gothenburg | Malmö |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,047/mo | $978/mo |
| Typical | $1,457/mo | $1,361/mo |
| Comfortable | $1,844/mo | $1,721/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Gothenburg | ≈ in Malmö | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,423/mo | -$77 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,897/mo | -$103 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,846/mo | -$154 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gothenburg or Malmö cheaper to live in?
Malmö is approximately 5% cheaper overall. Gothenburg's COL+Rent Index is 37 vs Malmö's 35.1 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Gothenburg vs Malmö?
A 1BR in Gothenburg city center costs ~$819/mo vs $756/mo in Malmö. Outside the center: $644 vs $594.
What is $2,000/month in Gothenburg worth in Malmö?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Gothenburg has the purchasing power of approximately $1,897/month in Malmö.
Are groceries cheaper in Gothenburg or Malmö?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $271 in Gothenburg vs $260 in Malmö. Groceries Index: 47.7 vs 45.6 (NYC = 100).