City Comparison
Stockholm vs Malmö
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Malmö is ~31% 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
Malmö
Sweden
COL+Rent
35.1
Rent Index
17.1
Groceries
45.6
Restaurant
42.6
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Stockholm | Malmö | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,449 | $756 | +$693 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,139 | $594 | +$545 |
| Groceries | $339 | $260 | +$79 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $13 | +$4 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $71 | +$22 |
| Utilities | $103 | $79 | +$24 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Stockholm | Malmö |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,640/mo | $978/mo |
| Typical | $2,239/mo | $1,361/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,779/mo | $1,721/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Stockholm | ≈ in Malmö | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,032/mo | -$468 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,376/mo | -$624 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,065/mo | -$935 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stockholm or Malmö cheaper to live in?
Malmö is approximately 31% cheaper overall. Stockholm's COL+Rent Index is 51 vs Malmö's 35.1 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Stockholm vs Malmö?
A 1BR in Stockholm city center costs ~$1,449/mo vs $756/mo in Malmö. Outside the center: $1,139 vs $594.
What is $2,000/month in Stockholm worth in Malmö?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Stockholm has the purchasing power of approximately $1,376/month in Malmö.
Are groceries cheaper in Stockholm or Malmö?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $339 in Stockholm vs $260 in Malmö. Groceries Index: 59.6 vs 45.6 (NYC = 100).