Stockholm vs New York
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Stockholm is ~38% 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
New York
United States
COL+Rent
82.5
Rent Index
70
Groceries
98.7
Restaurant
105.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Stockholm | New York | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,449 | $3,182 | $1,733 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,139 | $2,494 | $1,355 |
| Groceries | $339 | $566 | $227 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $30 | $13 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $99 | $6 |
| Utilities | $103 | $229 | $126 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Stockholm | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,640/mo | $3,338/mo |
| Typical | $2,239/mo | $4,526/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,779/mo | $5,567/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Stockholm | ≈ in New York | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,426/mo | +$926 |
| $2,000/mo | $3,235/mo | +$1,235 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,853/mo | +$1,853 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Stockholm vs New York for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Stockholm is approximately 38% more affordable than New York when combining rent and daily living costs. Stockholm's COL+Rent Index of 51 vs New York's 82.5 (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 $3,182/month in New York — giving Stockholm a $1,733/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $20,796 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Stockholm ($339/mo) vs New York ($566/mo) reflect Stockholm's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $17 vs $30 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.