The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 38% cheaper than Stockholm.
If you move from Birmingham to Stockholm, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Birmingham, you would need to earn about £61,714 in Stockholm.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Birmingham:
Why people love Stockholm:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | Stockholm | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £2,300 | +£1,300 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £333 | +£4 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £255 | +£60 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £157 | +£26 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £189 | +£31 |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £3,233 | +£1,419 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (38% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Prioritize safety (score: 86/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,850/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Stockholm to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Stockholm | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £46,286 | £16,286 more |
| £40,000 | £61,714 | £21,714 more |
| £50,000 | £77,143 | £27,143 more |
| £60,000 | £92,571 | £32,571 more |
| £80,000 | £123,429 | £43,429 more |
| £100,000 | £154,286 | £54,286 more |
Birmingham vs Stockholm: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 38%. Birmingham is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while Stockholm has 115.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs Stockholm: £2,850/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 6, while Stockholm wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.