Stockholm vs Toronto
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Stockholm is ~16% 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
Toronto
Canada
COL+Rent
60.6
Rent Index
49.3
Groceries
73.2
Restaurant
72.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Stockholm | Toronto | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,449 | $2,174 | $725 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,139 | $1,728 | $589 |
| Groceries | $339 | $410 | $71 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $22 | $5 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $92 | +$1 |
| Utilities | $103 | $160 | $57 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Stockholm | Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,640/mo | $2,355/mo |
| Typical | $2,239/mo | $3,166/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,779/mo | $3,904/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Stockholm | ≈ in Toronto | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,782/mo | +$282 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,376/mo | +$376 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,565/mo | +$565 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Stockholm vs Toronto for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Stockholm is approximately 16% more affordable than Toronto when combining rent and daily living costs. Stockholm's COL+Rent Index of 51 vs Toronto's 60.6 (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 $2,174/month in Toronto — giving Stockholm a $725/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $8,700 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Stockholm ($339/mo) vs Toronto ($410/mo) reflect Stockholm's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $17 vs $22 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.