Cost Comparison 2025

StockholmvsHong Kong

Sweden
Hong Kong

Overall

💰

+11.8%

Stockholm is 11.8%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+83.3%

Housing is 83.3% higher

Dining

🍽️

-17.6%

Restaurants 17.6% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

+25.0%

Food shopping 25.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Stockholm, Sweden and Hong Kong, Hong Kong reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Stockholm is more expensive than Hong Kong by approximately 11.8%. 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 lower than in Hong Kong by 45%. A one-bedroom apartment in Stockholm's city center costs around SEK 15,000, while the same in Hong Kong is approximately HK$20,000.

Dining out in Stockholm is notably more expensive compared to Hong Kong. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs SEK 120 in Stockholm versus HK$60 in Hong Kong.

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

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 Stockholm is more affordable by approximately 20%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

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 Hong Kong, the same lifestyle would cost around HK$3,840. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about SEK 16,457 monthly in Stockholm versus HK$13,440 in Hong Kong. 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
Hong Kong, Hong Kong

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

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

🍽️ Food & Dining

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

🛒 Groceries

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

🚌 Transportation

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

💡 Utilities & Internet

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

Stockholm

Cost of Living Index85
Rent Index60
Purchasing Power Index100

Hong Kong

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index110
Purchasing Power Index85

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stockholm more expensive than Hong Kong?

Yes, Stockholm is approximately 11.8% more expensive than Hong Kong overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Hong Kong salary when living in Stockholm. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Hong Kong, you'd need about $55,882 in Stockholm for a comparable lifestyle.

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

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 45%, 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 Stockholm if you prioritize earning potential, or Hong Kong for affordability.

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

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 Hong Kong, these figures are HK$18,840 for singles and HK$43,440 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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