Cost Comparison 2025

Hong KongvsStockholm

Hong Kong
Sweden

Overall

💰

-10.5%

Hong Kong is 10.5%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-45.5%

Housing is 45.5% lower

Dining

🍽️

+21.4%

Restaurants 21.4% pricier

Groceries

🛒

-20.0%

Food shopping 20.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between Hong Kong, Hong Kong and Stockholm, Sweden reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Hong Kong is more affordable than Stockholm by approximately 10.5%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Hong Kong are higher than in Stockholm by 83%. A one-bedroom apartment in Hong Kong's city center costs around HK$20,000, while the same in Stockholm is approximately SEK 15,000.

Dining out in Hong Kong offers significant savings compared to Stockholm. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs HK$60 in Hong Kong versus SEK 120 in Stockholm.

Public transportation in Hong Kong is more affordable, with monthly passes at HK$500 compared to SEK 970 in Stockholm.

Purchasing power in Stockholm is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Hong Kong.

Grocery shopping in Hong Kong is more expensive by approximately 25%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Hong Kong can expect to spend approximately HK$3,840 per month (excluding rent), while in Stockholm, the same lifestyle would cost around SEK 4,702. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about HK$13,440 monthly in Hong Kong versus SEK 16,457 in Stockholm. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Stockholm, Sweden

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
HK$20,000
SEK 15,000
1BR Outside Center
HK$15,000
SEK 11,000
3BR City Center
HK$45,000
SEK 25,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
HK$60
SEK 120
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
HK$500
SEK 800
Cappuccino
HK$40
SEK 45
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
HK$50
SEK 70

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
HK$25
SEK 13
Bread (500g)
HK$15
SEK 25
Eggs (12)
HK$25
SEK 35
Cheese (1kg)
HK$150
SEK 100

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
HK$10
SEK 39
Monthly Pass
HK$500
SEK 970
Taxi Start
HK$27
SEK 50
Gasoline (1L)
HK$20
SEK 18

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
HK$1,000
SEK 1,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
HK$200
SEK 300
Mobile Minute
HK$1
SEK 1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Stockholm to Hong Kong, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Hong Kong to Stockholm requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Hong Kong

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index110
Purchasing Power Index85

Stockholm

Cost of Living Index85
Rent Index60
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hong Kong more expensive than Stockholm?

No, Hong Kong is approximately 10.5% cheaper than Stockholm. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Hong Kong compared to Stockholm?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 90% of your Stockholm salary when living in Hong Kong. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Stockholm, you'd need about $45,238 in Hong Kong for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Hong Kong and Stockholm?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 83%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Stockholm offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Hong Kong provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Hong Kong if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Stockholm for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Hong Kong vs Stockholm?

In Hong Kong, a single person needs approximately HK$18,840 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about HK$43,440. In Stockholm, these figures are SEK 15,702 for singles and SEK 34,457 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Hong Kong and Stockholm in 2025 shows notable differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Stockholm to maintain your lifestyle from Hong Kong

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers