Cost Comparison 2025

StockholmvsVancouver

Sweden
Canada

Overall

💰

-5.9%

Stockholm is 5.9%cheaper

Rent

🏠

+33.3%

Housing is 33.3% higher

Dining

🍽️

-11.8%

Restaurants 11.8% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

0.0%

Food shopping 0.0% same

Comparing the cost of living between Stockholm, Sweden and Vancouver, Canada reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Stockholm is more affordable than Vancouver by approximately 5.9%. 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 Vancouver by 25%. A one-bedroom apartment in Stockholm's city center costs around SEK 15,000, while the same in Vancouver is approximately CA$2,600.

Dining out in Stockholm is notably more expensive compared to Vancouver. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs SEK 120 in Stockholm versus CA$20 in Vancouver.

Public transportation in Stockholm is more expensive, with monthly passes at SEK 970 compared to CA$131 in Vancouver.

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 Vancouver, the same lifestyle would cost around CA$698. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about SEK 16,457 monthly in Stockholm versus CA$2,443 in Vancouver. 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
Vancouver, Canada

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
SEK 15,000
CA$2,600
1BR Outside Center
SEK 11,000
CA$2,100
3BR City Center
SEK 25,000
CA$4,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
SEK 120
CA$20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
SEK 800
CA$100
Cappuccino
SEK 45
CA$6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
SEK 70
CA$7

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
SEK 13
CA$2
Bread (500g)
SEK 25
CA$4
Eggs (12)
SEK 35
CA$5
Cheese (1kg)
SEK 100
CA$18

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
SEK 39
CA$3
Monthly Pass
SEK 970
CA$131
Taxi Start
SEK 50
CA$4
Gasoline (1L)
SEK 18
CA$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
SEK 1,000
CA$120
Internet (60 Mbps)
SEK 300
CA$85
Mobile Minute
SEK 1
CA$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Vancouver 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 Vancouver 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

Vancouver

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index80
Purchasing Power Index90

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stockholm more expensive than Vancouver?

No, Stockholm is approximately 5.9% cheaper than Vancouver. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 94% of your Vancouver salary when living in Stockholm. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Vancouver, you'd need about $47,222 in Stockholm for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Stockholm and Vancouver?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 25%, 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 Vancouver for affordability.

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

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 Vancouver, these figures are CA$2,798 for singles and CA$5,943 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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