Stockholm vs Bali
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Bali is ~69% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Stockholm
Sweden
COL+Rent
51
Rent Index
32.7
Groceries
59.6
Restaurant
62.4
Bali
Indonesia
COL+Rent
16
Rent Index
8
Groceries
30.9
Restaurant
13.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Stockholm | Bali | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,449 | $299 | +$1,150 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,139 | $202 | +$937 |
| Groceries | $339 | $170 | +$169 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $3 | +$14 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $10 | +$83 |
| Utilities | $103 | $39 | +$64 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Stockholm | Bali |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,640/mo | $382/mo |
| Typical | $2,239/mo | $563/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,779/mo | $687/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Stockholm | ≈ in Bali | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $471/mo | -$1,029 |
| $2,000/mo | $627/mo | -$1,373 |
| $3,000/mo | $941/mo | -$2,059 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Stockholm vs Bali for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Bali is approximately 69% more affordable than Stockholm when combining rent and daily living costs. Stockholm's COL+Rent Index of 51 vs Bali's 16 (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 Stockholm costs $1,449/month versus $299/month in Bali — giving Bali a $1,150/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $13,800 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Stockholm ($339/mo) vs Bali ($170/mo) reflect Bali's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $17 vs $3 show Bali 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, Bali offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $563 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.