Cost of living in Stockholm — is your salary enough?
Stockholm median private rent is 9,500 kr/month; the rent-controlled sector has multi-year waiting lists. Stockholm earners benefit from Sweden's strong savings culture and pension system, though private rental costs are rising.
Rent in Stockholm
Other monthly costs
How different incomes stack up
At typical Stockholm costs (9,500 kr rent)
See your personal verdict for Stockholm
Cost figures are estimates based on reported median rents and typical spending patterns. Savings benchmarks from SCB Household Finances Survey 2022. Figures in SEK.
Frequently asked questions — Living in Stockholm
How much does it cost to live in Stockholm?+
Core monthly costs in Stockholm run about 20,000 kr — roughly 9,500 kr for rent and 10,500 kr for other living expenses (food, transport, utilities, basics). Stockholm median private rent is 9,500 kr/month; the rent-controlled sector has multi-year waiting lists.
What is the median rent in Stockholm?+
The median rent in Stockholm is around 9,500 kr per month. Stockholm is classified as a high cost cost-of-living city in Sweden.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Stockholm?+
Using the 70%-rule (core costs ≤ 70% of gross), you need roughly 342,857 kr per year before tax to live comfortably in Stockholm. That leaves room to hit the 14% savings benchmark for Sweden.
Is Stockholm expensive compared to the rest of Sweden?+
Stockholm sits in the high cost tier within Sweden. Stockholm earners benefit from Sweden's strong savings culture and pension system, though private rental costs are rising.
How much of your income should rent take in Stockholm?+
The standard rule is no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 9,500 kr/month in Stockholm, that means a gross income of at least 380,000 kr per year to stay under the 30% threshold.
Can you still save money living in Stockholm?+
Yes — the Sweden benchmark for mid-income earners is 14% of gross income. In a high cost city like Stockholm, hitting that rate is tighter but achievable with disciplined budgeting.
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