🇩🇰 Copenhagen vs 🇸🇪 Stockholm
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇩🇰
Copenhagen
Denmark
$2,831–$4,482/mo
kr20,221 – kr32,014 / month (local)
🇸🇪
Stockholm
Sweden
$2,400–$3,800/mo
kr25,263 – kr40,000 / month (local)
Copenhagen is 18% more expensive
Stockholm wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Copenhagen (USD) | Stockholm (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,123–$3,303 | $1,800–$2,800 | 🟢 Stockholm |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,121–$1,769 | $950–$1,500 | 🟢 Stockholm |
| Utilities | $88–$171 | $75–$145 | 🟢 Stockholm |
| Groceries | $448–$672 | $380–$570 | 🟢 Stockholm |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $59–$106 | $50–$90 | 🟢 Stockholm |
| Public transport (monthly) | $112–$136 | $95–$115 | 🟢 Stockholm |
| Internet & Mobile | $35–$59 | $30–$50 | 🟢 Stockholm |
| Gym membership | $41–$77 | $35–$65 | 🟢 Stockholm |
| Cinema ticket | $17–$21 | $14–$18 | 🟢 Stockholm |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,831–$4,482 | $2,400–$3,800 | 🟢 Stockholm |
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
Housing3.4 / 10 · 4.1 / 10
Copenhagen
Stockholm▲ better
Safety8.3 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Copenhagen▲ better
Stockholm
Healthcare8.3 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Copenhagen▲ better
Stockholm
Education7.9 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Copenhagen▲ better
Stockholm
Environment8.7 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Copenhagen▲ better
Stockholm
Economy7.0 / 10 · 6.8 / 10
Copenhagen▲ better
Stockholm
Culture7.6 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Copenhagen▲ better
Stockholm
Internet8.0 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Copenhagen▲ better
Stockholm
Who should choose which city?
Choose Copenhagen if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Copenhagen offers vs Stockholm
- ✓Bikes
- ✓Design
- ✓Happiness metrics
- ✓Life sciences
Choose Stockholm if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Copenhagen
- ✓Innovation
- ✓Nature
- ✓English proficiency
- ✓Tech
You might also like…
📊
Full Copenhagen guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Copenhagen →📊
Full Stockholm guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Stockholm →