Cost Comparison 2025

LondonvsStockholm

United Kingdom
Sweden

Overall

💰

-10.5%

London is 10.5%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-29.4%

Housing is 29.4% lower

Dining

🍽️

-10.5%

Restaurants 10.5% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

0.0%

Food shopping 0.0% same

Comparing the cost of living between London, United Kingdom and Stockholm, Sweden reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that London 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 London are higher than in Stockholm by 42%. A one-bedroom apartment in London's city center costs around £2,500, while the same in Stockholm is approximately SEK 15,000.

Dining out in London is notably more expensive compared to Stockholm. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs £18 in London versus SEK 120 in Stockholm.

Public transportation in London is more affordable, with monthly passes at £180 compared to SEK 970 in Stockholm.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in London can expect to spend approximately £716 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 £2,505 monthly in London 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
London, United Kingdom
Stockholm, Sweden

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
£2,500
SEK 15,000
1BR Outside Center
£1,800
SEK 11,000
3BR City Center
£5,500
SEK 25,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
£18
SEK 120
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
£80
SEK 800
Cappuccino
£4
SEK 45
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
£6
SEK 70

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
£1
SEK 13
Bread (500g)
£2
SEK 25
Eggs (12)
£3
SEK 35
Cheese (1kg)
£10
SEK 100

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
£3
SEK 39
Monthly Pass
£180
SEK 970
Taxi Start
£4
SEK 50
Gasoline (1L)
£2
SEK 18

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
£200
SEK 1,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
£35
SEK 300
Mobile Minute
£0
SEK 1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Stockholm to London, 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 London 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

London

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index85
Purchasing Power Index90

Stockholm

Cost of Living Index85
Rent Index60
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is London more expensive than Stockholm?

No, London 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 London compared to Stockholm?

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

What are the biggest cost differences between London and Stockholm?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 42%, 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, London provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider London if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Stockholm for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for London vs Stockholm?

In London, a single person needs approximately £2,516 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about £6,005. 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 London 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 London

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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