🇩🇪 Berlin vs 🇸🇪 Stockholm

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇩🇪

Berlin

Germany

$2,215–$3,508/mo

€2,051 – €3,248 / month (local)

🇸🇪

Stockholm

Sweden

$2,400–$3,800/mo

kr25,263 – kr40,000 / month (local)

Stockholm is 8% more expensive

Berlin wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryBerlin (USD)Stockholm (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,662–$2,585$1,800–$2,800🟢 Berlin
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$877–$1,385$950–$1,500🟢 Berlin
Utilities$69–$134$75–$145🟢 Berlin
Groceries$351–$526$380–$570🟢 Berlin
Eating out (mid-range meal)$46–$83$50–$90🟢 Berlin
Public transport (monthly)$88–$106$95–$115🟢 Berlin
Internet & Mobile$28–$46$30–$50🟢 Berlin
Gym membership$32–$60$35–$65🟢 Berlin
Cinema ticket$13–$17$14–$18🟢 Berlin
Monthly total (single)$2,215–$3,508$2,400–$3,800🟢 Berlin

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing5.0 / 10 · 4.1 / 10
Berlin▲ better
Stockholm
Safety8.6 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Berlin▲ better
Stockholm
Healthcare8.6 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Berlin▲ better
Stockholm
Education8.2 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Berlin▲ better
Stockholm
Environment9.0 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Berlin▲ better
Stockholm
Economy7.3 / 10 · 6.8 / 10
Berlin▲ better
Stockholm
Culture7.9 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Berlin▲ better
Stockholm
Internet8.3 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Berlin▲ better
Stockholm

Who should choose which city?

Choose Berlin if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Stockholm
  • ✓Startup scene
  • ✓Nightlife
  • ✓Value vs London
  • ✓Creatives

Choose Stockholm if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Stockholm offers vs Berlin
  • ✓Innovation
  • ✓Nature
  • ✓English proficiency
  • ✓Tech

You might also like…

📊

Full Berlin guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Berlin →

📊

Full Stockholm guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Stockholm →