Cost Comparison 2025

StockholmvsSão Paulo

Sweden
Brazil

Overall

💰

-43.5%

Stockholm is 43.5%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-50.0%

Housing is 50.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-52.9%

Restaurants 52.9% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-43.8%

Food shopping 43.8% less

Comparing the cost of living between Stockholm, Sweden and São Paulo, Brazil reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Stockholm is more affordable than São Paulo by approximately 43.5%. 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 São Paulo by 100%. A one-bedroom apartment in Stockholm's city center costs around SEK 15,000, while the same in São Paulo is approximately R$2,800.

Dining out in Stockholm is notably more expensive compared to São Paulo. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs SEK 120 in Stockholm versus R$30 in São Paulo.

Public transportation in Stockholm is more expensive, with monthly passes at SEK 970 compared to R$230 in São Paulo.

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

Grocery shopping in Stockholm is more expensive by approximately 78%. 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 São Paulo, the same lifestyle would cost around R$1,250. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about SEK 16,457 monthly in Stockholm versus R$4,375 in São Paulo. 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
São Paulo, Brazil

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
SEK 15,000
R$2,800
1BR Outside Center
SEK 11,000
R$1,800
3BR City Center
SEK 25,000
R$5,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
SEK 120
R$30
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
SEK 800
R$150
Cappuccino
SEK 45
R$8
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
SEK 70
R$10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
SEK 13
R$5
Bread (500g)
SEK 25
R$7
Eggs (12)
SEK 35
R$10
Cheese (1kg)
SEK 100
R$40

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
SEK 39
R$4
Monthly Pass
SEK 970
R$230
Taxi Start
SEK 50
R$5
Gasoline (1L)
SEK 18
R$6

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
SEK 1,000
R$300
Internet (60 Mbps)
SEK 300
R$100
Mobile Minute
SEK 1
R$1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from São Paulo 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 São Paulo 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

São Paulo

Cost of Living Index48
Rent Index30
Purchasing Power Index35

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stockholm more expensive than São Paulo?

No, Stockholm is approximately 43.5% cheaper than São Paulo. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Stockholm compared to São Paulo?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 70% of your São Paulo salary when living in Stockholm. For example, if you earn $50,000 in São Paulo, you'd need about $34,836 in Stockholm for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Stockholm and São Paulo?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 113%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. 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 São Paulo for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Stockholm vs São Paulo?

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 São Paulo, these figures are R$3,050 for singles and R$7,875 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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