Updated January 5, 2026
Cost Comparison 2026

StockholmvsHanoi

Sweden
Vietnam
Share:

Overall

💰

-48.8%

Stockholm is 48.8%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-62.1%

Housing is 62.1% lower

Dining

🍽️

-57.3%

Restaurants 57.3% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-42.3%

Food shopping 42.3% less

Comparing the cost of living between Stockholm, Sweden and Hanoi, Vietnam reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2026. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Stockholm is more affordable than Hanoi by approximately 48.8%. 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 Hanoi by 164%. A one-bedroom apartment in Stockholm's city center costs around SEK 16,800, while the same in Hanoi is approximately ₫12,000,000.

Dining out in Stockholm is notably more expensive compared to Hanoi. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs SEK 150 in Stockholm versus ₫50,000 in Hanoi.

Public transportation in Stockholm is more affordable, with monthly passes at SEK 1,020 compared to ₫200,000 in Hanoi.

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

Grocery shopping in Stockholm is more expensive by approximately 73%. 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 Hanoi, the same lifestyle would cost around ₫4,820,000. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about SEK 18,799 monthly in Stockholm versus ₫16,870,000 in Hanoi. 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
Hanoi, Vietnam

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
SEK 16,800
₫12,000,000
1BR Outside Center
SEK 12,500
₫7,000,000
3BR City Center
SEK 28,000
₫25,000,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
SEK 150
₫50,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
SEK 900
₫400,000
Cappuccino
SEK 52
₫50,000
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
SEK 80
₫25,000

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
SEK 16
₫35,000
Bread (500g)
SEK 28
₫20,000
Eggs (12)
SEK 42
₫35,000
Cheese (1kg)
SEK 115
₫350,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
SEK 42
₫8,000
Monthly Pass
SEK 1,020
₫200,000
Taxi Start
SEK 52
₫15,000
Gasoline (1L)
SEK 20
₫24,000

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
SEK 1,150
₫2,000,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
SEK 320
₫200,000
Mobile Minute
SEK 1
₫2,000

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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

Hanoi

Cost of Living Index42
Rent Index22
Purchasing Power Index28

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stockholm more expensive than Hanoi?

No, Stockholm is approximately 48.8% cheaper than Hanoi. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 67% of your Hanoi salary when living in Stockholm. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Hanoi, you'd need about $33,607 in Stockholm for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Stockholm and Hanoi?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 164%, 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 Hanoi for affordability.

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

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 Hanoi, these figures are ₫11,820,000 for singles and ₫31,870,000 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Planning Your Move? Get Global Health Insurance

Whether you're moving from Stockholm to Hanoi or vice versa, SafetyWing provides comprehensive health insurance for expats and digital nomads.

  • • Coverage in 180+ countries including Sweden and Vietnam
  • • No home country restrictions
  • • Monthly subscription from $45/month, cancel anytime
  • • Covers COVID-19 and pre-existing conditions
Get Insurance Quote

Trusted by 100,000+ nomads worldwide

Transfer Money Between Sweden and Vietnam

Moving money from SEK to VND? Wise offers the real exchange rate with low, transparent fees - up to 8x cheaper than banks.

  • • Real mid-market exchange rate, no hidden fees
  • • Transfer to 80+ countries in 50+ currencies
  • • Most transfers arrive in seconds
  • • Trusted by 16+ million people worldwide
Send Money with Wise

Fee-free first transfer up to $500

Stay Updated on Cost of Living Changes

Get monthly updates delivered to your inbox. We update data on the 1st of every month.

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