City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Denmark
COL index 88.4
Sweden
COL index 84.2
Copenhagen vs Stockholm — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Stockholm is 4.8% cheaper than Copenhagen for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Copenhagen | Metric | Stockholm | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 88.4 | Cost of living index | 84.2 | -4.8% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €46,000 | Net at €50,000 gross | €31,620 | -31.3% |
| €2,080 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,920 | -7.7% |
| €2,994 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,736 | -8.6% |
| €52,036 | PPP — net / COL | €37,553 | -27.8% |
| 8.0% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 36.8% | +359.5% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Denmark = €3,833 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Stockholm, you would need roughly €69,284 gross in Sweden (≈ €3,651 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- −High cost of living (index 88)
- +Favourable tax rate (8.0%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (54.3%)
- +Lower rent (€1,920 vs €2,080)
- −High cost of living (index 84)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (72.9%)
The verdict
Across the data, Copenhagen delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Stockholm carries a lower cost-of-living index; Copenhagen has the lighter effective tax burden; Copenhagen wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Copenhagen edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Copenhagen cheaper than Stockholm?+
Stockholm is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Copenhagen 88.4, Stockholm 84.2 — a 4.8% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Copenhagen and Stockholm?+
Copenhagen sits at 88.4 on our COL index, Stockholm at 84.2. That works out to roughly 4.8% — Stockholm being the cheaper of the two.
Is Copenhagen a good place to live compared to Stockholm?+
It depends on priorities. Copenhagen delivers €46,000 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 8.0% effective tax rate. Stockholm delivers €31,620 at 36.8%. Centre 1-bed rent: €2,080 vs €1,920.
How do salaries compare in Copenhagen vs Stockholm?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €46,000/year (€3,833/month) in Copenhagen and €31,620/year (€2,635/month) in Stockholm.
Which city has lower taxes, Copenhagen or Stockholm?+
Denmark has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Denmark 8.0%, Sweden 36.8%.