Stockholm vs Budapest

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Budapest is roughly 25% more affordable than Stockholm (index 31 vs 42, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Budapest
More affordable overall
25% cheaper than Stockholm · Cost index: 31 vs 42

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 Index31✓
3,850✓Median Income /mo1,784
82✓Safety Index75
32✓Income Tax %33
115Internet (Mbps)150✓
380Coworking /mo180✓

Price Breakdown

StockholmCategoryBudapest
$1,730/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
49% ← cheaper
$882/month
$1.52/liter
Meal for One
39% ← cheaper
$0.92/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
44% ← cheaper
$10/meal
$107/month
Monthly Transit Pass
73% ← cheaper
$29/month
$276/month
Utilities (Monthly)
41% ← cheaper
$162/month
$150/visit
Doctor Visit
63% ← cheaper
$55/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Stockholm

Internet115 Mbps
Coworking$380/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability80/100

Budapest

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$180/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability75/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stockholm cheaper than Budapest?

Budapest is cheaper than Stockholm. Budapest has a cost of living index of 31/100 compared to 42/100 for Stockholm (New York = 100), making it roughly 25% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Budapest than Stockholm?

Budapest is approximately 25% cheaper than Stockholm based on cost index scores (31 vs 42, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Stockholm could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,240/month in Budapest.

What is the rent comparison between Stockholm and Budapest?

In Stockholm, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,730/month. In Budapest, the equivalent is around $882/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Stockholm offers 115 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$380/month. Budapest offers 150 Mbps and coworking at ~$180/month. Budapest has a cost advantage of 25%.

What is the average income in Stockholm vs Budapest?

The median net monthly salary in Stockholm is approximately $3,850 USD, compared to $1,784 USD in Budapest.

Compare Stockholm with…

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

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