Stockholm vs Dublin
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Stockholm is ~34% 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
Dublin
Ireland
COL+Rent
77.5
Rent Index
74.2
Groceries
74.1
Restaurant
78.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Stockholm | Dublin | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,449 | $3,142 | $1,693 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,139 | $2,455 | $1,316 |
| Groceries | $339 | $420 | $81 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $24 | $7 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $114 | $21 |
| Utilities | $103 | $225 | $122 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Stockholm | Dublin |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,640/mo | $3,184/mo |
| Typical | $2,239/mo | $4,261/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,779/mo | $5,176/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Stockholm | ≈ in Dublin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,279/mo | +$779 |
| $2,000/mo | $3,039/mo | +$1,039 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,559/mo | +$1,559 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Stockholm vs Dublin for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Stockholm is approximately 34% more affordable than Dublin when combining rent and daily living costs. Stockholm's COL+Rent Index of 51 vs Dublin's 77.5 (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 $3,142/month in Dublin — giving Stockholm a $1,693/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $20,316 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Stockholm ($339/mo) vs Dublin ($420/mo) reflect Stockholm's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $17 vs $24 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.