City Comparison
Malmö vs Gothenburg
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Malmö is ~5% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Malmö
Sweden
COL+Rent
35.1
Rent Index
17.1
Groceries
45.6
Restaurant
42.6
Gothenburg
Sweden
COL+Rent
37
Rent Index
18.5
Groceries
47.7
Restaurant
45
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Malmö | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $756 | $819 | $63 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $594 | $644 | $50 |
| Groceries | $260 | $271 | $11 |
| Restaurant Meal | $13 | $14 | $1 |
| Transit Pass | $71 | $75 | $4 |
| Utilities | $79 | $82 | $3 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Malmö | Gothenburg |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $978/mo | $1,047/mo |
| Typical | $1,361/mo | $1,457/mo |
| Comfortable | $1,721/mo | $1,844/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Malmö | ≈ in Gothenburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,581/mo | +$81 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,108/mo | +$108 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,162/mo | +$162 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malmö or Gothenburg cheaper to live in?
Malmö is approximately 5% cheaper overall. Malmö's COL+Rent Index is 35.1 vs Gothenburg's 37 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Malmö vs Gothenburg?
A 1BR in Malmö city center costs ~$756/mo vs $819/mo in Gothenburg. Outside the center: $594 vs $644.
What is $2,000/month in Malmö worth in Gothenburg?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Malmö has the purchasing power of approximately $2,108/month in Gothenburg.
Are groceries cheaper in Malmö or Gothenburg?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $260 in Malmö vs $271 in Gothenburg. Groceries Index: 45.6 vs 47.7 (NYC = 100).