Stockholm vs Rome
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Rome is ~5% 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
Rome
Italy
COL+Rent
48.6
Rent Index
32.2
Groceries
58
Restaurant
55.1
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Stockholm | Rome | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,449 | $1,426 | +$23 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,139 | $1,000 | +$139 |
| Groceries | $339 | $329 | +$10 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $18 | $1 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $37 | +$56 |
| Utilities | $103 | $211 | $108 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Stockholm | Rome |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,640/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Typical | $2,239/mo | $2,273/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,779/mo | $2,823/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Stockholm | ≈ in Rome | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,429/mo | -$71 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,906/mo | -$94 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,859/mo | -$141 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Stockholm vs Rome for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Rome is approximately 5% more affordable than Stockholm when combining rent and daily living costs. Stockholm's COL+Rent Index of 51 vs Rome's 48.6 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Stockholm costs $1,449/month versus $1,426/month in Rome — giving Rome a $23/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Stockholm ($339/mo) vs Rome ($329/mo) reflect Rome's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $17 vs $18 show Rome 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, Rome offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,273 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.