Stockholm vs Chicago
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Stockholm is ~11% 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
Chicago
United States
COL+Rent
57.1
Rent Index
44
Groceries
72.9
Restaurant
73.7
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Stockholm | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,449 | $1,998 | $549 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,139 | $1,566 | $427 |
| Groceries | $339 | $418 | $79 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $22 | $5 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $73 | +$20 |
| Utilities | $103 | $169 | $66 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Stockholm | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,640/mo | $2,189/mo |
| Typical | $2,239/mo | $2,988/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,779/mo | $3,701/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Stockholm | ≈ in Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,679/mo | +$179 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,239/mo | +$239 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,359/mo | +$359 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Stockholm vs Chicago for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Stockholm is approximately 11% more affordable than Chicago when combining rent and daily living costs. Stockholm's COL+Rent Index of 51 vs Chicago's 57.1 (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 $1,998/month in Chicago — giving Stockholm a $549/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $6,588 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Stockholm ($339/mo) vs Chicago ($418/mo) reflect Stockholm's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $17 vs $22 show Stockholm is the better value for dining out. 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, Stockholm offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,239 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.