City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Germany
COL index 72.8
Sweden
COL index 84.2
Berlin vs Stockholm — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Berlin is 13.5% cheaper than Stockholm for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Berlin | Metric | Stockholm | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72.8 | Cost of living index | 84.2 | +15.7% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €33,725 | Net at €50,000 gross | €31,620 | -6.2% |
| €1,500 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,920 | +28.0% |
| €2,206 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,736 | +24.0% |
| €46,326 | PPP — net / COL | €37,553 | -18.9% |
| 32.5% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 36.8% | +12.9% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Germany = €2,810 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Stockholm, you would need roughly €61,680 gross in Sweden (≈ €3,251 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€1,500)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (53.4%)
- −High cost of living (index 84)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (72.9%)
The verdict
Across the data, Berlin delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Berlin carries a lower cost-of-living index; Berlin has the lighter effective tax burden; Berlin wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Berlin edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Berlin cheaper than Stockholm?+
Berlin is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Berlin 72.8, Stockholm 84.2 — a 13.5% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Berlin and Stockholm?+
Berlin sits at 72.8 on our COL index, Stockholm at 84.2. That works out to roughly 13.5% — Berlin being the cheaper of the two.
Is Berlin a good place to live compared to Stockholm?+
It depends on priorities. Berlin delivers €33,725 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 32.5% effective tax rate. Stockholm delivers €31,620 at 36.8%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,500 vs €1,920.
How do salaries compare in Berlin vs Stockholm?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €33,725/year (€2,810/month) in Berlin and €31,620/year (€2,635/month) in Stockholm.
Which city has lower taxes, Berlin or Stockholm?+
Germany has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Germany 32.5%, Sweden 36.8%.