Stockholm vs The Hague
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
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
The Hague
Netherlands
COL+Rent
50.9
Rent Index
34.8
Groceries
55.8
Restaurant
57.7
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Stockholm | The Hague | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,449 | $1,546 | $97 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,139 | $1,214 | $75 |
| Groceries | $339 | $319 | +$20 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $19 | $2 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $93 | $0 |
| Utilities | $103 | $179 | $76 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Stockholm | The Hague |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,640/mo | $1,785/mo |
| Typical | $2,239/mo | $2,422/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,779/mo | $3,003/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Stockholm | ≈ in The Hague | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,497/mo | -$3 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,996/mo | -$4 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,994/mo | -$6 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Stockholm vs The Hague for Expats & Remote Workers
Stockholm and The Hague are remarkably close in overall cost, with less than 2% difference in their combined COL+Rent indices. Stockholm's COL+Rent Index of 51 vs The Hague's 50.9 (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 $1,546/month in The Hague — giving Stockholm a $97/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 The Hague ($319/mo) reflect The Hague's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $17 vs $19 show The Hague 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, The Hague offers similar value to its counterpart, so your choice should weigh factors like climate, visa accessibility, internet speed, and community. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.