Updated January 5, 2026
Cost Comparison 2026

StockholmvsSingapore

Sweden
Singapore
Share:

Overall

💰

+7.3%

Stockholm is 7.3%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+63.8%

Housing is 63.8% higher

Dining

🍽️

-12.2%

Restaurants 12.2% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

+17.9%

Food shopping 17.9% more

Comparing the cost of living between Stockholm, Sweden and Singapore, Singapore reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2026. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Stockholm is more expensive than Singapore by approximately 7.3%. 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 lower than in Singapore by 39%. A one-bedroom apartment in Stockholm's city center costs around SEK 16,800, while the same in Singapore is approximately SGD 3,618.

Dining out in Stockholm is notably more expensive compared to Singapore. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs SEK 150 in Stockholm versus SGD 13 in Singapore.

Public transportation in Stockholm is more expensive, with monthly passes at SEK 1,020 compared to SGD 128 in Singapore.

Grocery shopping in Stockholm is more affordable by approximately 15%. 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 5,371 per month (excluding rent), while in Singapore, the same lifestyle would cost around SGD 766. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about SEK 18,799 monthly in Stockholm versus SGD 2,681 in Singapore. 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
Singapore, Singapore

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
SEK 16,800
SGD 3,618
1BR Outside Center
SEK 12,500
SGD 2,768
3BR City Center
SEK 28,000
SGD 7,655

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
SEK 150
SGD 13
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
SEK 900
SGD 90
Cappuccino
SEK 52
SGD 6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
SEK 80
SGD 10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
SEK 16
SGD 4
Bread (500g)
SEK 28
SGD 3
Eggs (12)
SEK 42
SGD 4
Cheese (1kg)
SEK 115
SGD 24

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
SEK 42
SGD 2
Monthly Pass
SEK 1,020
SGD 128
Taxi Start
SEK 52
SGD 5
Gasoline (1L)
SEK 20
SGD 3

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
SEK 1,150
SGD 202
Internet (60 Mbps)
SEK 320
SGD 40
Mobile Minute
SEK 1
SGD 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Stockholm to Singapore, 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 Singapore 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 Index82
Rent Index58
Purchasing Power Index105

Singapore

Cost of Living Index88
Rent Index95
Purchasing Power Index105

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stockholm more expensive than Singapore?

Yes, Stockholm is approximately 7.3% more expensive than Singapore overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Singapore salary when living in Stockholm. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Singapore, you'd need about $53,659 in Stockholm for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Stockholm and Singapore?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 39%, 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?

Singapore offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Singapore provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Stockholm if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Singapore for affordability.

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

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 Singapore, these figures are SGD 3,534 for singles and SGD 7,568 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Stockholm and Singapore in 2026 shows moderate 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 Singapore to maintain your lifestyle from Stockholm

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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