🇫🇮 Helsinki vs 🇸🇪 Stockholm

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇫🇮

Helsinki

Finland

$2,523–$3,995/mo

€2,336 – €3,699 / month (local)

🇸🇪

Stockholm

Sweden

$2,400–$3,800/mo

kr25,263 – kr40,000 / month (local)

Helsinki is 5% more expensive

Stockholm wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryHelsinki (USD)Stockholm (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,892–$2,944$1,800–$2,800🟢 Stockholm
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$999–$1,577$950–$1,500🟢 Stockholm
Utilities$79–$152$75–$145🟢 Stockholm
Groceries$399–$599$380–$570🟢 Stockholm
Eating out (mid-range meal)$53–$95$50–$90🟢 Stockholm
Public transport (monthly)$100–$121$95–$115🟢 Stockholm
Internet & Mobile$32–$53$30–$50🟢 Stockholm
Gym membership$37–$68$35–$65🟢 Stockholm
Cinema ticket$15–$19$14–$18🟢 Stockholm
Monthly total (single)$2,523–$3,995$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

Housing5.2 / 10 · 4.1 / 10
Helsinki▲ better
Stockholm
Safety9.5 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Helsinki▲ better
Stockholm
Healthcare7.8 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Helsinki
Stockholm▲ better
Education7.4 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Helsinki
Stockholm▲ better
Environment8.2 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Helsinki
Stockholm▲ better
Economy8.2 / 10 · 6.8 / 10
Helsinki▲ better
Stockholm
Culture8.8 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Helsinki▲ better
Stockholm
Internet9.2 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Helsinki▲ better
Stockholm

Who should choose which city?

Choose Helsinki if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Helsinki offers vs Stockholm
  • ✓Education
  • ✓Tech
  • ✓Saunas
  • ✓Gaming

Choose Stockholm if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Helsinki
  • ✓Innovation
  • ✓Nature
  • ✓English proficiency
  • ✓Tech

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📊

Full Helsinki guide

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📊

Full Stockholm guide

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Explore Stockholm →