Updated January 5, 2026
Cost Comparison 2026

StockholmvsCairo

Sweden
Egypt
Share:

Overall

💰

-57.3%

Stockholm is 57.3%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-74.1%

Housing is 74.1% lower

Dining

🍽️

-63.4%

Restaurants 63.4% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-59.0%

Food shopping 59.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between Stockholm, Sweden and Cairo, Egypt reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2026. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Stockholm is more affordable than Cairo by approximately 57.3%. 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 Stockholm are higher than in Cairo by 287%. A one-bedroom apartment in Stockholm's city center costs around SEK 16,800, while the same in Cairo is approximately EGP 10,000.

Dining out in Stockholm is notably more expensive compared to Cairo. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs SEK 150 in Stockholm versus EGP 150 in Cairo.

Public transportation in Stockholm is more expensive, with monthly passes at SEK 1,020 compared to EGP 200 in Cairo.

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

Grocery shopping in Stockholm is more expensive by approximately 144%. 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 Stockholm can expect to spend approximately SEK 5,371 per month (excluding rent), while in Cairo, the same lifestyle would cost around EGP 4,980. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about SEK 18,799 monthly in Stockholm versus EGP 17,430 in Cairo. 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
Stockholm, Sweden
Cairo, Egypt

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
SEK 16,800
EGP 10,000
1BR Outside Center
SEK 12,500
EGP 6,000
3BR City Center
SEK 28,000
EGP 20,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
SEK 150
EGP 150
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
SEK 900
EGP 600
Cappuccino
SEK 52
EGP 60
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
SEK 80
EGP 60

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
SEK 16
EGP 35
Bread (500g)
SEK 28
EGP 20
Eggs (12)
SEK 42
EGP 50
Cheese (1kg)
SEK 115
EGP 200

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
SEK 42
EGP 10
Monthly Pass
SEK 1,020
EGP 200
Taxi Start
SEK 52
EGP 20
Gasoline (1L)
SEK 20
EGP 13

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
SEK 1,150
EGP 1,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
SEK 320
EGP 400
Mobile Minute
SEK 1
EGP 2

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Cairo to Stockholm, 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 Stockholm to Cairo 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

Stockholm

Cost of Living Index82
Rent Index58
Purchasing Power Index105

Cairo

Cost of Living Index35
Rent Index15
Purchasing Power Index25

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stockholm more expensive than Cairo?

No, Stockholm is approximately 57.3% cheaper than Cairo. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Stockholm compared to Cairo?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 64% of your Cairo salary when living in Stockholm. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Cairo, you'd need about $31,783 in Stockholm for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Stockholm and Cairo?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 287%, 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, Stockholm provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Stockholm if you prioritize earning potential, or Cairo for affordability.

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

In Stockholm, a single person needs approximately SEK 17,871 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about SEK 38,799. In Cairo, these figures are EGP 10,980 for singles and EGP 29,430 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Stockholm and Cairo in 2026 shows significant 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 Cairo to maintain your lifestyle from Stockholm

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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Last updated: 2026-01-08 • Data sourced from multiple providers