Stockholm vs Mexico City
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Mexico City is ~32% 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
Mexico City
Mexico
COL+Rent
34.8
Rent Index
23.8
Groceries
42
Restaurant
30.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Stockholm | Mexico City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,449 | $922 | +$527 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,139 | $602 | +$537 |
| Groceries | $339 | $253 | +$86 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $12 | +$5 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $26 | +$67 |
| Utilities | $103 | $59 | +$44 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Stockholm | Mexico City |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,640/mo | $912/mo |
| Typical | $2,239/mo | $1,440/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,779/mo | $1,809/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Stockholm | ≈ in Mexico City | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,024/mo | -$476 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,365/mo | -$635 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,047/mo | -$953 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Stockholm vs Mexico City for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Mexico City is approximately 32% more affordable than Stockholm when combining rent and daily living costs. Stockholm's COL+Rent Index of 51 vs Mexico City's 34.8 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a meaningful difference that adds up over months of living expenses.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Stockholm costs $1,449/month versus $922/month in Mexico City — giving Mexico City a $527/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $6,324 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Stockholm ($339/mo) vs Mexico City ($253/mo) reflect Mexico City's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $17 vs $12 show Mexico City 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, Mexico City offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,440 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.