Cost Comparison 2025

StockholmvsWarsaw

Sweden
Poland

Overall

šŸ’°

-41.2%

Stockholm is 41.2%cheaper

Rent

šŸ 

-33.3%

Housing is 33.3% lower

Dining

šŸ½ļø

-50.6%

Restaurants 50.6% cheaper

Groceries

šŸ›’

-43.8%

Food shopping 43.8% less

Comparing the cost of living between Stockholm, Sweden and Warsaw, Poland reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Stockholm is more affordable than Warsaw by approximately 41.2%. 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 Warsaw by 50%. A one-bedroom apartment in Stockholm's city center costs around SEKĀ 15,000, while the same in Warsaw is approximately PLNĀ 3,500.

Dining out in Stockholm is notably more expensive compared to Warsaw. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs SEKĀ 120 in Stockholm versus PLNĀ 40 in Warsaw.

Public transportation in Stockholm is more expensive, with monthly passes at SEKĀ 970 compared to PLNĀ 110 in Warsaw.

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

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 SEKĀ 4,702 per month (excluding rent), while in Warsaw, the same lifestyle would cost around PLNĀ 1,578. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about SEKĀ 16,457 monthly in Stockholm versus PLNĀ 5,523 in Warsaw. 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
Warsaw, Poland

šŸ  Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
SEKĀ 15,000
PLNĀ 3,500
1BR Outside Center
SEKĀ 11,000
PLNĀ 2,500
3BR City Center
SEKĀ 25,000
PLNĀ 6,000

šŸ½ļø Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
SEKĀ 120
PLNĀ 40
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
SEKĀ 800
PLNĀ 200
Cappuccino
SEKĀ 45
PLNĀ 13
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
SEKĀ 70
PLNĀ 12

šŸ›’ Groceries

Milk (1L)
SEKĀ 13
PLNĀ 4
Bread (500g)
SEKĀ 25
PLNĀ 3
Eggs (12)
SEKĀ 35
PLNĀ 8
Cheese (1kg)
SEKĀ 100
PLNĀ 30

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
SEKĀ 39
PLNĀ 4
Monthly Pass
SEKĀ 970
PLNĀ 110
Taxi Start
SEKĀ 50
PLNĀ 8
Gasoline (1L)
SEKĀ 18
PLNĀ 7

šŸ’” Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
SEKĀ 1,000
PLNĀ 700
Internet (60 Mbps)
SEKĀ 300
PLNĀ 60
Mobile Minute
SEKĀ 1
PLNĀ 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Warsaw 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 Warsaw 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

Warsaw

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index65

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stockholm more expensive than Warsaw?

No, Stockholm is approximately 41.2% cheaper than Warsaw. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 71% of your Warsaw salary when living in Stockholm. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Warsaw, you'd need about $35,417 in Stockholm for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Stockholm and Warsaw?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 102%, 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 Warsaw for affordability.

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

In Stockholm, a single person needs approximately SEKĀ 15,702 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about SEKĀ 34,457. In Warsaw, these figures are PLNĀ 4,078 for singles and PLNĀ 10,023 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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