Stockholm vs Izmir
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Izmir is ~60% 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
Izmir
Turkey
COL+Rent
20.2
Rent Index
8.2
Groceries
32.1
Restaurant
28.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Stockholm | Izmir | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,449 | $344 | +$1,105 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,139 | $226 | +$913 |
| Groceries | $339 | $205 | +$134 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $8 | +$9 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $20 | +$73 |
| Utilities | $103 | $49 | +$54 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Stockholm | Izmir |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,640/mo | $471/mo |
| Typical | $2,239/mo | $738/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,779/mo | $951/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Stockholm | ≈ in Izmir | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $594/mo | -$906 |
| $2,000/mo | $792/mo | -$1,208 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,188/mo | -$1,812 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Stockholm vs Izmir for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Izmir is approximately 60% more affordable than Stockholm when combining rent and daily living costs. Stockholm's COL+Rent Index of 51 vs Izmir's 20.2 (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 $344/month in Izmir — giving Izmir a $1,105/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $13,260 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Stockholm ($339/mo) vs Izmir ($205/mo) reflect Izmir's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $17 vs $8 show Izmir 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, Izmir offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $738 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.