City Comparison
Malmö vs Stockholm
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Malmö is ~31% 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
Stockholm
Sweden
COL+Rent
51
Rent Index
32.7
Groceries
59.6
Restaurant
62.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Malmö | Stockholm | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $756 | $1,449 | $693 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $594 | $1,139 | $545 |
| Groceries | $260 | $339 | $79 |
| Restaurant Meal | $13 | $17 | $4 |
| Transit Pass | $71 | $93 | $22 |
| Utilities | $79 | $103 | $24 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Malmö | Stockholm |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $978/mo | $1,640/mo |
| Typical | $1,361/mo | $2,239/mo |
| Comfortable | $1,721/mo | $2,779/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Malmö | ≈ in Stockholm | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,179/mo | +$679 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,906/mo | +$906 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,359/mo | +$1,359 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malmö or Stockholm cheaper to live in?
Malmö is approximately 31% cheaper overall. Malmö's COL+Rent Index is 35.1 vs Stockholm's 51 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Malmö vs Stockholm?
A 1BR in Malmö city center costs ~$756/mo vs $1,449/mo in Stockholm. Outside the center: $594 vs $1,139.
What is $2,000/month in Malmö worth in Stockholm?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Malmö has the purchasing power of approximately $2,906/month in Stockholm.
Are groceries cheaper in Malmö or Stockholm?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $260 in Malmö vs $339 in Stockholm. Groceries Index: 45.6 vs 59.6 (NYC = 100).