Stockholm vs Calgary
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Calgary is ~6% 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
Calgary
Canada
COL+Rent
47.7
Rent Index
33.6
Groceries
62.9
Restaurant
57.8
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Stockholm | Calgary | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,449 | $1,481 | $32 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,139 | $1,178 | $39 |
| Groceries | $339 | $353 | $14 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $19 | $2 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $79 | +$14 |
| Utilities | $103 | $137 | $34 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Stockholm | Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,640/mo | $1,717/mo |
| Typical | $2,239/mo | $2,335/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,779/mo | $2,913/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Stockholm | ≈ in Calgary | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,403/mo | -$97 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,871/mo | -$129 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,806/mo | -$194 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Stockholm vs Calgary for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Calgary is approximately 6% more affordable than Stockholm when combining rent and daily living costs. Stockholm's COL+Rent Index of 51 vs Calgary's 47.7 (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 Stockholm costs $1,449/month versus $1,481/month in Calgary — giving Stockholm a $32/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 Stockholm ($339/mo) vs Calgary ($353/mo) reflect Stockholm's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $17 vs $19 show Calgary 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, Calgary offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,335 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.