Cost of Living in Stockholm
A rental apartment in Stockholm municipality cost an average of SEK 9,834 a month in 2026, heating and water included, or SEK 1,806 per m² a year. A 2-room apartment averaged SEK 8,814. An adult SL 30-day ticket costs SEK 530 at half price until 2 December 2026.
This page covers what living in Stockholm costs, using official figures only: rents from Statistics Sweden (SCB), public transport fares from SL, the region's transport operator, and local tax rates. Where no official Stockholm figure exists, we leave the item out.
Rent in Stockholm, 2026
Transport and local taxes in Stockholm, 2026
Rent comes first
A rental apartment in Stockholm municipality cost an average of SEK 9,834 a month in 2026, with heating and water included. By size, the average was SEK 6,648 for 1 room, SEK 8,814 for 2 rooms, SEK 11,078 for 3 rooms and SEK 14,001 for 4 rooms or more. Per m², rent averaged SEK 1,806 a year, against SEK 1,771 in Stockholm County and SEK 1,540 in Sweden, so Stockholm is 17% above the national level.
Average rent per m² in the city rose 4.2% from SEK 1,734 in 2025. Across Sweden, rents rose 3.3% in the 2026 rent round. These figures cover rental apartments in the existing stock. Many newcomers rent second hand or buy a cooperative apartment, and no official average is published for those costs, so we leave them out.
Getting around
SL runs buses, the metro, commuter trains, light rail and some ferries across Stockholm County on one ticket. During 2026 the 30-day ticket is at half price under a government support decision: SEK 530 for adults and SEK 325 for students, seniors and people under 20. 2 December 2026 is the last day to buy and activate a ticket at that price; after that the ordinary price applies. The 90-day ticket costs SEK 3,070, the annual ticket SEK 11,130 and a 75-minute single ticket SEK 43.
Local taxes
Income tax in Sweden includes a municipal part. In Stockholm it is 30.55% in 2026: 18.22% to the city and 12.33% to Region Stockholm, down from 30.60% in 2025 and below the Swedish average of 32.38%. Stockholm also sets its own burial fee, 0.07% in 2026, against 0.292% in most other municipalities.
We found no official consumer price index for Stockholm alone, so we do not show a city inflation rate. For pay levels, see average salary in Stockholm.
Hiring in Stockholm? Our Stockholm guide covers pay, rent and employer costs, and the guide to hiring in Sweden covers the national rules. Need the right person? We place remote professionals across Europe, with a shortlist of 3 within 21 days. See how placement works.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and collective agreements can set different terms. Confirm with a local accountant or lawyer before you hire.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Stockholm?
A rental apartment in Stockholm municipality cost an average of SEK 9,834 a month in 2026, heating and water included, according to SCB. A 2-room apartment averaged SEK 8,814 and a 3-room apartment SEK 11,078.
Are rents in Stockholm rising?
Yes. Average rent per m² in the city rose 4.2% from 2025 to 2026, to SEK 1,806 a year. Across Sweden, rents rose 3.3% in 2026.
How much is a monthly transport pass in Stockholm?
An SL 30-day ticket costs SEK 530 for adults and SEK 325 at the reduced fare during the 2026 half-price period, which ends for new tickets on 2 December 2026. An annual ticket costs SEK 11,130.
What is the tax rate in Stockholm?
The total municipal income tax rate is 30.55% in 2026. State income tax of 20% is national and applies on top above SEK 643,000 of taxable income.
Is Stockholm more expensive than the rest of Sweden?
For rent, yes: average rent per m² in Stockholm was 17% above the Swedish average in 2026. The municipal tax rate is lower than the Swedish average of 32.38%.
Sources
- SCB, Rents in rental apartments by number of rooms 2016 to 2026. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- SCB, Rents in rental apartments by county and municipality 2016 to 2026. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- SCB, Rents in rental apartments 2026. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- SL, Temporary price reduction. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- SL, 30-day ticket. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- SCB, Total municipal tax rates 2026 by municipality. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- Skatteverket, Begravningsavgift. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
