Graz vs Malmö
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Malmö is ~11% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Graz
Austria
COL+Rent
39.4
Rent Index
18.1
Groceries
61.7
Restaurant
58
Malmö
Sweden
COL+Rent
35.1
Rent Index
17.1
Groceries
45.6
Restaurant
42.6
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Graz | Malmö | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $821 | $756 | +$65 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $630 | $594 | +$36 |
| Groceries | $370 | $260 | +$110 |
| Restaurant Meal | $15 | $13 | +$2 |
| Transit Pass | $47 | $71 | $24 |
| Utilities | $170 | $79 | +$91 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Graz | Malmö |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,166/mo | $978/mo |
| Typical | $1,633/mo | $1,361/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,055/mo | $1,721/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Graz | ≈ in Malmö | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,336/mo | -$164 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,782/mo | -$218 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,673/mo | -$327 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Graz vs Malmö for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Malmö is approximately 11% more affordable than Graz when combining rent and daily living costs. Graz's COL+Rent Index of 39.4 vs Malmö's 35.1 (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 Graz costs $821/month versus $756/month in Malmö — giving Malmö a $65/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Graz ($370/mo) vs Malmö ($260/mo) reflect Malmö's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $15 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.