Cost Comparison 2025

StockholmvsWarsaw

Sweden
Poland

Overall

💰

-41.2%

Stockholm is 41.2%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-33.3%

Housing is 33.3% lower

Dining

🍽️

-50.6%

Restaurants 50.6% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-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 SEK 15,000, while the same in Warsaw is approximately PLN 3,500.

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

Public transportation in Stockholm is more expensive, with monthly passes at SEK 970 compared to PLN 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 SEK 4,702 per month (excluding rent), while in Warsaw, the same lifestyle would cost around PLN 1,578. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about SEK 16,457 monthly in Stockholm versus PLN 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

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
SEK 15,000
PLN 3,500
1BR Outside Center
SEK 11,000
PLN 2,500
3BR City Center
SEK 25,000
PLN 6,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

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

🛒 Groceries

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

🚌 Transportation

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

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
SEK 1,000
PLN 700
Internet (60 Mbps)
SEK 300
PLN 60
Mobile Minute
SEK 1
PLN 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 SEK 15,702 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about SEK 34,457. In Warsaw, these figures are PLN 4,078 for singles and PLN 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