City comparison

Madrid vs Stockholm

Stockholm scores higher on salary; Madrid has a lower cost of living. Compare Madrid and Stockholm on earnings, rent pressure, career opportunity, and 3-year financial impact.

Overall verdict

Stockholm scores higher overall

You improve balance with limited downside in Stockholm

How they compare

If you want to save more

MadridOverall fitStockholm
44 / 53+9 Stockholm
MadridSavingsStockholm
42 / 44+2 Stockholm
MadridCareerStockholm
52 / 65+13 Stockholm
MadridLow pressureStockholm
43 / 66+23 Stockholm

If you want career growth

MadridOverall fitStockholm
48 / 61+13 Stockholm
MadridSavingsStockholm
42 / 44+2 Stockholm
MadridCareerStockholm
52 / 65+13 Stockholm
MadridLow pressureStockholm
43 / 66+23 Stockholm

If you want better balance

MadridOverall fitStockholm
57 / 67+10 Stockholm
MadridSavingsStockholm
42 / 44+2 Stockholm
MadridCareerStockholm
52 / 65+13 Stockholm
MadridLow pressureStockholm
43 / 66+23 Stockholm

Financial impact: moving from Madrid to Stockholm

Based on a representative $80,000 USD salary. Not tax-adjusted.

+$1,297
Monthly
+$15,564
1 year
+$46,692
3 years

Moving from Madrid to Stockholm: trade-offs

You gain

++$1,297/mo estimated net gain — $15,564 over the first year
+Higher career ceiling — Stockholm has stronger job market depth and salary upside
+Less financial pressure — lower rent-to-income ratio means more breathing room

Madrid

ES
Salary index
42
Cost index
50
Rent pressure
57
Opportunity
58

Stockholm

SE
Salary index
60
Cost index
68
Rent pressure
34
Opportunity
68

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