Townleap

Cost of Living: Graz vs Malmo (2026)

Austria vs Sweden — relocation comparison

TL;DRGraz is 29% cheaper on rent ($772/mo vs $1092/mo). Malmo scores 9.4 vs 8.3 on democracy. Both cities require a personal relationship with your winter coat.
77
Livability Score
🇦🇹 Graz
Austria
Full profile
73
Livability Score
🇸🇪 Malmo
Sweden
Full profile
Too close to call — 77 vs 73. Graz has a slight edge, but Malmo might suit you better depending on your priorities.
Graz
Malmo
$772/mo
Rent
$1092/mo
8.3/10
Democracy
9.4/10
0.9/100k
Safety
1.1/100k
74/100
English
71/100
Time to PR
5 yr
💰
Cost of Living
Graz
$320/mo cheaper on rent alone
🗳️
Democracy
Malmo
9.4/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
25°C vs 20°C summers
🗣️
English
Graz
higher proficiency score
Graz
Metric
Malmo
$772/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1092/mo
$909/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$692/mo
🧳
Cost to land
$2,979
0.9 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
1.1 / 100k
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
55 / 100
25°C
☀️
Summer high
20°C
-3°C
❄️
Winter low
-1°C
Internet speed
84 Mbps
15.1 μg/m³
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
7.3 μg/m³
8.3 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
9.4 / 10
74/100
🗣️
Street English
71/100
$74k
💼
GDP per capita
$72k
2.9% · Boringly steady
📈
Inflation
2.8% · Boringly steady
77 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
73 / 100
Grid reliability
82/100 — Mostly stable
🗽
Freedom House
99/100
📋
Time to PR
5 years

Settler Essentials

Democracy trend
stable
Industries
biotechgamingictcleantech
Startup ecosystem
active
Grid reliability
82/100
Time to PR
5 yrs
EU visa
Easy
RU visa
Complex
UA visa
Moderate

Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals

The Short Version

  • Rent is 29% cheaper in Graz ($772/mo vs $1092/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are noticeably warmer in Graz (25°C vs 20°C).
  • Malmo scores higher on democracy (9.4 vs 8.3 / 10 EIU).

Graz vs Malmo — Common Questions

Is Graz cheaper than Malmo?

Graz is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $772/month in Graz vs $1092/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Graz or Malmo?

Graz is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Graz has a rate of 0.88 per 100,000 and Malmo has 1.10 per 100,000.

Should I move to Graz or Malmo?

Too close to call — 77 vs 73. Graz has a slight edge, but Malmo 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.

Is it easier to get residency in Graz or Malmo?

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

Which has better weather, Graz or Malmo?

Graz is warmer in summer (25°C vs 20°C). Malmo has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

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