Cost of Living: Split vs Stockholm (2026)

Croatia vs Sweden — relocation comparison

TL;DRSplit is 41% cheaper on rent ($1077/mo vs $1816/mo). Stockholm scores 9.4 vs 6.5 on democracy. You can get by in English in both — your Duolingo streak can wait.
68
Livability Score
🇭🇷 Split
Croatia
Full profile
75
Livability Score
🇸🇪 Stockholm
Sweden
Full profile
Stockholm edges ahead 75 to 68. Split isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you.
💰
Cost of Living
Split
$740/mo cheaper on rent alone
🔒
Safety
Split
0.8 homicides per 100k
🗳️
Democracy
Stockholm
9.4/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
30°C vs 20°C summers
🗣️
English
Stockholm
higher proficiency score
Split
Metric
Stockholm
$1077/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1816/mo
$670/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$908/mo
$5,244
🧳
Cost to land
$3,990
0.8 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
1.1 / 100k
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
47 / 100
30°C
☀️
Summer high
20°C
4°C
❄️
Winter low
-4°C
Internet speed
190 Mbps
6.5 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
9.4 / 10
Very High (84/100)
🗣️
English ease
Very High (86/100)
$50k
💼
GDP per capita
$72k
3.0%
📈
Inflation
2.8%
68 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
75 / 100
Grid reliability
82/100 — Mostly stable
🗽
Freedom House
99/100
📋
Time to PR
5 years

For the Kids

Schools, pediatric care, and whether your children can actually enroll

474
PISA
country avg
488
4
Intl schools
4
Public school
Yes (Swedish)
Pediatric care
Free for all children; excellent child health clinics (BVC)
Specialist wait
4–12 weeks
$650/mo
Childcare
full-day
$174/mo
capped*

Sources: OECD PISA 2022 · Wikipedia · Numbeo · official health systems

Settler Essentials

stable
Democracy trend
stable
Industries
fintechgamingictlife-sciences
Startup ecosystem
hub
Grid reliability
82/100
Time to PR
5 yrs
EU visa
Easy
RU visa
Complex
UA visa
Easy
Spouse works
Your partner can also work

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

The Short Version

  • Rent is 41% cheaper in Split ($1077/mo vs $1816/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are dramatically warmer in Split (30°C vs 20°C).
  • Stockholm scores higher on democracy (9.4 vs 6.5 / 10 EIU).
  • English is easier to get by in Stockholm (86/100 vs 84/100 English proficiency).

Split vs Stockholm — Common Questions

Is Split cheaper than Stockholm?

Split is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1077/month in Split vs $1816/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Split or Stockholm?

Split is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Split has a rate of 0.77 per 100,000 and Stockholm has 1.10 per 100,000.

Should I move to Split or Stockholm?

Stockholm edges ahead 75 to 68. Split 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 Split or Stockholm?

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

Which has better weather, Split or Stockholm?

Split is warmer in summer (30°C vs 20°C). Stockholm has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Can I live in Split or Stockholm without speaking the local language?

English is easier to get by in Stockholm (EF EPI score: 86/100) than in Split (84/100). In Stockholm, daily life and professional settings often work in English. In Split, learning some of the local language will make long-term settlement significantly smoother.

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

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