Stockholm vs Singapore
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Stockholm is ~34% 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
Singapore
Singapore
COL+Rent
77.4
Rent Index
73.1
Groceries
75.3
Restaurant
50.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Stockholm | Singapore | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,449 | $3,120 | $1,671 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,139 | $2,280 | $1,141 |
| Groceries | $339 | $410 | $71 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $11 | +$6 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $86 | +$7 |
| Utilities | $103 | $166 | $63 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Stockholm | Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,640/mo | $2,863/mo |
| Typical | $2,239/mo | $3,947/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,779/mo | $4,662/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Stockholm | ≈ in Singapore | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,276/mo | +$776 |
| $2,000/mo | $3,035/mo | +$1,035 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,553/mo | +$1,553 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Stockholm vs Singapore for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Stockholm is approximately 34% more affordable than Singapore when combining rent and daily living costs. Stockholm's COL+Rent Index of 51 vs Singapore's 77.4 (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 $3,120/month in Singapore — giving Stockholm a $1,671/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $20,052 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Stockholm ($339/mo) vs Singapore ($410/mo) reflect Stockholm's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $17 vs $11 show Singapore 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, 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.