City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Sweden
COL index 76.8
Sweden
COL index 84.2
Gothenburg vs Stockholm — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Gothenburg is 8.8% cheaper than Stockholm for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Gothenburg | Metric | Stockholm | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 76.8 | Cost of living index | 84.2 | +9.6% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €31,620 | Net at €50,000 gross | €31,620 | 0.0% |
| €1,680 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,920 | +14.3% |
| €2,425 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,736 | +12.8% |
| €41,172 | PPP — net / COL | €37,553 | -8.8% |
| 36.8% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 36.8% | 0.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Sweden = €2,635 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Stockholm, you would need roughly €54,818 gross in Sweden (≈ €2,889 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Lower rent (€1,680 vs €1,920)
- −High cost of living (index 77)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (63.8%)
- −High cost of living (index 84)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (72.9%)
The verdict
Across the data, Gothenburg carries a lower cost-of-living index; Gothenburg wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Gothenburg edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Gothenburg cheaper than Stockholm?+
Gothenburg is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Gothenburg 76.8, Stockholm 84.2 — a 8.8% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Gothenburg and Stockholm?+
Gothenburg sits at 76.8 on our COL index, Stockholm at 84.2. That works out to roughly 8.8% — Gothenburg being the cheaper of the two.
Is Gothenburg a good place to live compared to Stockholm?+
It depends on priorities. Gothenburg delivers €31,620 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 36.8% effective tax rate. Stockholm delivers €31,620 at 36.8%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,680 vs €1,920.
How do salaries compare in Gothenburg vs Stockholm?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €31,620/year (€2,635/month) in Gothenburg and €31,620/year (€2,635/month) in Stockholm.
Which city has lower taxes, Gothenburg or Stockholm?+
Sweden has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Sweden 36.8%, Sweden 36.8%.
More Gothenburg comparisons
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