Singapore vs Gothenburg
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Gothenburg is ~52% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Singapore
Singapore
COL+Rent
77.4
Rent Index
73.1
Groceries
75.3
Restaurant
50.4
Gothenburg
Sweden
COL+Rent
37
Rent Index
18.5
Groceries
47.7
Restaurant
45
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Singapore | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $3,120 | $819 | +$2,301 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,280 | $644 | +$1,636 |
| Groceries | $410 | $271 | +$139 |
| Restaurant Meal | $11 | $14 | $3 |
| Transit Pass | $86 | $75 | +$11 |
| Utilities | $166 | $82 | +$84 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Singapore | Gothenburg |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,863/mo | $1,047/mo |
| Typical | $3,947/mo | $1,457/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,662/mo | $1,844/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Singapore | ≈ in Gothenburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $717/mo | -$783 |
| $2,000/mo | $956/mo | -$1,044 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,434/mo | -$1,566 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Singapore vs Gothenburg for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Gothenburg is approximately 52% more affordable than Singapore when combining rent and daily living costs. Singapore's COL+Rent Index of 77.4 vs Gothenburg's 37 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Singapore costs $3,120/month versus $819/month in Gothenburg — giving Gothenburg a $2,301/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $27,612 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Singapore ($410/mo) vs Gothenburg ($271/mo) reflect Gothenburg's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $11 vs $14 show Gothenburg 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, Gothenburg offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,457 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.