Chicago vs Stockholm

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Chicago is roughly 4% more affordable than Stockholm (index 42 vs 44, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Chicago
More affordable overall
4% cheaper than Stockholm · Cost index: 42 vs 44

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

42Cost Index44
6,250Median Income /mo4,515
52Safety Index74
28Income Tax %31
940Internet (Mbps)95
350Coworking /mo350

Price Breakdown

ChicagoCategoryStockholm
$2,368/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
39% ← cheaper
$1,435/month
$1.28/liter
Meal for One
5% cheaper →
$1.35/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
$18/meal
$75/month
Monthly Transit Pass
34% cheaper →
$114/month
$182/month
Utilities (Monthly)
2% cheaper →
$185/month
$150/visit
Doctor Visit
33% ← cheaper
$100/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Chicago

Internet940 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Stockholm

Internet95 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago cheaper than Stockholm?

Chicago is cheaper than Stockholm. Chicago has a cost of living index of 42/100 compared to 44/100 for Stockholm (New York = 100), making it roughly 4% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Chicago than Stockholm?

Chicago is approximately 4% cheaper than Stockholm based on cost index scores (42 vs 44, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Stockholm could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,885/month in Chicago.

What is the rent comparison between Chicago and Stockholm?

In Chicago, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,368/month. In Stockholm, the equivalent is around $1,435/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Chicago or Stockholm?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Chicago offers 940 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Stockholm offers 95 Mbps and coworking at ~$350/month. Chicago has a cost advantage of 4%.

What is the average income in Chicago vs Stockholm?

The median net monthly salary in Chicago is approximately $6,250 USD, compared to $4,515 USD in Stockholm.

Compare Chicago with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Chicago wins or loses.

Cities that cost about the same as Chicago

Same spending tier, different part of the world — the head-to-heads people actually weigh when relocating.

Explore this comparison interactively

See radar charts, detailed category breakdowns, and compare any two cities in real time.

Free to start · No credit card needed