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Cost of Living: Ljubljana vs Malmo (2026)

Slovenia vs Sweden — relocation comparison

80
Livability Score
🇸🇮 Ljubljana
Slovenia
Full profile
73
Livability Score
🇸🇪 Malmo
Sweden
Full profile
Ljubljana
Malmo
$1118/mo
Rent
$1092/mo
80/100
Livability
73/100
86/100
Safety
79/100
Healthcare
68/100
PR path
5 yr
130 Mbps
Internet
84 Mbps
Freelance setup

Wise ✓

Enskild firma
TL;DRLjubljana is safer — homicide rate 0.6 vs 1.1 per 100k. Malmo scores 9.4 vs 7.8 on democracy. Both cities will charge you about the same to exist.
Ljubljana edges ahead 80 to 73. Malmo isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you.
Ljubljana
Metric
Malmo
$1118/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1092/mo
$701/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$692/mo
🧳
Cost to land
$2,979
0.6 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
1.1 / 100k
22 / 100
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
55 / 100
27°C
☀️
Summer high
20°C
-1°C
❄️
Winter low
-1°C
130 Mbps
Internet speed
84 Mbps
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
7.3 μg/m³
7.8 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
9.4 / 10
72/100
🗣️
Street English
71/100
$57k
💼
GDP per capita
$72k
2.0% · Boringly steady
📈
Inflation
2.8% · Boringly steady
80 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
73 / 100
Grid reliability
82/100 — Mostly stable
🗽
Freedom House
99/100
📋
Time to PR
5 years
💰
Cost of Living
Malmo
$27/mo cheaper on rent alone
🔒
Safety
Ljubljana
0.6 homicides per 100k
🗳️
Democracy
Malmo
9.4/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
27°C vs 20°C summers

Settler Essentials

Democracy trend
stable
Inflation trend
improving
Industries
biotechgamingictcleantech
Startup ecosystem
active
Grid reliability
82/100
Time to PR
5 yrs
EU visa
Easy
RU visa
Complex
UA visa
Moderate
Spouse works
Partner can work immediately

Visa stamps:Easy <90 daysModerate 3–6 moComplex 6+ mo

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

The Short Version

  • Rent is 2% cheaper in Malmo ($1092/mo vs $1118/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are noticeably warmer in Ljubljana (27°C vs 20°C).
  • Ljubljana is safer by homicide rate (0.6 vs 1.1 per 100k).
  • Malmo scores higher on democracy (9.4 vs 7.8 / 10 EIU).

Ljubljana vs Malmo — Common Questions

Is Ljubljana cheaper than Malmo?

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

Which is safer, Ljubljana or Malmo?

Ljubljana is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Ljubljana has a rate of 0.57 per 100,000 and Malmo has 1.10 per 100,000.

Should I move to Ljubljana or Malmo?

Ljubljana edges ahead 80 to 73. Malmo 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 Ljubljana or Malmo?

Ljubljana: 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, Ljubljana or Malmo?

Ljubljana is warmer in summer (27°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.

Factor in your salary, family size, weather preferences, and deal-breakers.