Cost of Living: Gothenburg vs Krakow (2026)
Sweden vs Poland — relocation comparison
- VAT-free under €7k
- 29% social
- €1000/yr accountant
- VAT-free under €47k
- €450/yr accountant
Sourced from Numbeo · Updated April 2026
Sources: Numbeo · UNODC · Ookla · WHO · EIU · World Bank · Freedom House · Updated April 2026
Sun
How much sky you actually get
Sun clocks out before 5pm in both cities come December. Plan accordingly.
Source: WeatherSpark (clear-sky share of daytime hours)
Settler Essentials
Visa stamps:Easy <90 daysModerate 3–6 moComplex 6+ mo
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
Reproductive Rights
Because your body shouldn't need a visa too
On request up to 18 weeks. Between 18-22 weeks requires board approval.
Near-total ban since 2021. Only permitted for life/health threat or rape/incest. One of Europe's most restrictive.
Source: Center for Reproductive Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights
Can you hold hands without doing a risk assessment first
Source: Rainbow Europe (ILGA-Europe)
The Short Version
- •Rent is 10% cheaper in Krakow ($976/mo vs $1080/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are noticeably warmer in Krakow (23°C vs 19°C).
- •Krakow is safer by homicide rate (0.4 vs 1.1 per 100k).
- •Gothenburg scores higher on democracy (9.4 vs 7.4 / 10 EIU).
Gothenburg vs Krakow — Common Questions
Is Gothenburg cheaper than Krakow?▾
Krakow is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $976/month in Krakow vs $1080/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Gothenburg or Krakow?▾
Krakow is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Gothenburg has a rate of 1.10 per 100,000 and Krakow has 0.38 per 100,000.
Should I move to Gothenburg or Krakow?▾
Gothenburg edges ahead 80 to 75. Krakow isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.
Is it easier to get residency in Gothenburg or Krakow?▾
Gothenburg: Sweden Self-Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (renewable)). Krakow: Poland Temporary Residence (moderate requirements, Up to 3 years). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Gothenburg or Krakow?▾
Krakow is warmer in summer (23°C vs 19°C). Gothenburg has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.
What's the cost of rent in Gothenburg vs Krakow?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $976/month in Krakow, $1080/month in Gothenburg (Numbeo). That's 10% cheaper rent in Krakow.
Is Gothenburg or Krakow better for democracy and rule of law?▾
Gothenburg scores 9.4/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 7.4/10 for Krakow. That puts it in 'full democracy' territory — free press, independent courts, the works.
Is healthcare better in Gothenburg or Krakow?▾
Gothenburg scores higher on our composite healthcare index (84/100 vs 73/100 for Krakow). That score combines clinical outcomes (IHME), universal coverage (WHO), and resident perception (Numbeo) — not just whether hospitals exist but whether the system actually works for settlers.
Plot twist: other matchups exist
Maybe the real city was the comparisons we made along the way.
Compare Gothenburg
Gothenburg vs Graz
Compare Gothenburg
Gothenburg vs Salzburg
Compare Krakow
Krakow vs Graz
Let the algorithm judge you
2 min quiz — surprisingly accurate
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