Cost Comparison 2025

StockholmvsCalgary

Sweden
Canada

Overall

💰

-15.3%

Stockholm is 15.3%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-16.7%

Housing is 16.7% lower

Dining

🍽️

-11.8%

Restaurants 11.8% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

0.0%

Food shopping 0.0% same

Comparing the cost of living between Stockholm, Sweden and Calgary, Canada reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Stockholm is more affordable than Calgary by approximately 15.3%. 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 Calgary by 20%. A one-bedroom apartment in Stockholm's city center costs around SEK 15,000, while the same in Calgary is approximately CA$1,600.

Dining out in Stockholm is notably more expensive compared to Calgary. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs SEK 120 in Stockholm versus CA$20 in Calgary.

Public transportation in Stockholm is more expensive, with monthly passes at SEK 970 compared to CA$112 in Calgary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Stockholm can expect to spend approximately SEK 4,702 per month (excluding rent), while in Calgary, the same lifestyle would cost around CA$730. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about SEK 16,457 monthly in Stockholm versus CA$2,555 in Calgary. 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
Calgary, Canada

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
SEK 15,000
CA$1,600
1BR Outside Center
SEK 11,000
CA$1,300
3BR City Center
SEK 25,000
CA$2,800

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
SEK 120
CA$20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
SEK 800
CA$90
Cappuccino
SEK 45
CA$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
SEK 70
CA$7

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
SEK 13
CA$3
Bread (500g)
SEK 25
CA$3
Eggs (12)
SEK 35
CA$5
Cheese (1kg)
SEK 100
CA$15

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
SEK 39
CA$4
Monthly Pass
SEK 970
CA$112
Taxi Start
SEK 50
CA$4
Gasoline (1L)
SEK 18
CA$1

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
SEK 1,000
CA$180
Internet (60 Mbps)
SEK 300
CA$80
Mobile Minute
SEK 1
CA$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Calgary 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 Calgary 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 Index85
Rent Index60
Purchasing Power Index100

Calgary

Cost of Living Index72
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stockholm more expensive than Calgary?

No, Stockholm is approximately 15.3% cheaper than Calgary. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 87% of your Calgary salary when living in Stockholm. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Calgary, you'd need about $43,367 in Stockholm for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Stockholm and Calgary?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 20%, 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?

Calgary 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 cultural experiences, or Calgary for affordability.

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

In Stockholm, a single person needs approximately SEK 15,702 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about SEK 34,457. In Calgary, these figures are CA$2,030 for singles and CA$4,755 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Stockholm and Calgary 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 Calgary to maintain your lifestyle from Stockholm

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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