Cost Comparison 2025

StockholmvsSantiago

Sweden
Chile

Overall

💰

-35.3%

Stockholm is 35.3%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-41.7%

Housing is 41.7% lower

Dining

🍽️

-41.2%

Restaurants 41.2% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-31.3%

Food shopping 31.3% less

Comparing the cost of living between Stockholm, Sweden and Santiago, Chile reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Stockholm is more affordable than Santiago by approximately 35.3%. 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 Santiago by 71%. A one-bedroom apartment in Stockholm's city center costs around SEK 15,000, while the same in Santiago is approximately CLP 500,000.

Dining out in Stockholm is notably more expensive compared to Santiago. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs SEK 120 in Stockholm versus CLP 7,000 in Santiago.

Public transportation in Stockholm is more affordable, with monthly passes at SEK 970 compared to CLP 33,000 in Santiago.

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

Grocery shopping in Stockholm is more expensive by approximately 45%. 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 4,702 per month (excluding rent), while in Santiago, the same lifestyle would cost around CLP 286,600. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about SEK 16,457 monthly in Stockholm versus CLP 1,003,100 in Santiago. 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
Santiago, Chile

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
SEK 15,000
CLP 500,000
1BR Outside Center
SEK 11,000
CLP 350,000
3BR City Center
SEK 25,000
CLP 900,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
SEK 120
CLP 7,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
SEK 800
CLP 40,000
Cappuccino
SEK 45
CLP 3,000
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
SEK 70
CLP 3,000

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
SEK 13
CLP 900
Bread (500g)
SEK 25
CLP 1,000
Eggs (12)
SEK 35
CLP 2,500
Cheese (1kg)
SEK 100
CLP 8,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
SEK 39
CLP 800
Monthly Pass
SEK 970
CLP 33,000
Taxi Start
SEK 50
CLP 700
Gasoline (1L)
SEK 18
CLP 1,200

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
SEK 1,000
CLP 80,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
SEK 300
CLP 20,000
Mobile Minute
SEK 1
CLP 100

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Santiago 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 Santiago 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

Santiago

Cost of Living Index55
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index50

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stockholm more expensive than Santiago?

No, Stockholm is approximately 35.3% cheaper than Santiago. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 74% of your Santiago salary when living in Stockholm. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Santiago, you'd need about $36,957 in Stockholm for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Stockholm and Santiago?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 71%, 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 Santiago for affordability.

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

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 Santiago, these figures are CLP 636,600 for singles and CLP 1,653,100 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Stockholm and Santiago in 2025 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 Santiago to maintain your lifestyle from Stockholm

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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