Cost of Living: Bratislava vs Malmo (2026)

Malmo is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1092/month there vs $1118/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Malmo is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Bratislava has a rate of 1.12 per 100,000 and Malmo has 1.10 per 100,000.

Too close to call — 75 vs 72. Malmo has a slight edge, but Bratislava might suit you better depending on your priorities. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Bratislava: no specific remote work visa. Malmo: Sweden Self-Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (renewable)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Bratislava is warmer in summer (81°F vs 68°F). Malmo has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Malmo is easier for street-level English (71/100) than Bratislava (58/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

A 1-bedroom in the centre: $1092/month in Malmo, $1118/month in Bratislava (Numbeo). That's 2% cheaper rent in Malmo.

Malmo scores 9.4/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 7.2/10 for Bratislava. That puts it in 'full democracy' territory — free press, independent courts, the works.