Gothenburg vs. Tangier: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Gothenburg presents a significantly more expensive lifestyle compared to Tangier, with the former boasting a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 87.3 and the latter a substantially lower index of 35.76. This difference permeates nearly every category, from groceries and transportation to housing and dining out. While Gothenburg offers a higher standard of living with better public services and amenities, Tangier represents a much more budget-conscious option, albeit with significant trade-offs in quality of life metrics.

Housing is the most pronounced cost difference. Gothenburg's 1-bedroom apartments average around €1,500/month, nearly four times the cost of a similar apartment in Tangier (~€400/month). This disparity extends to the "Property Price to Income Ratio," which is 3.1 in Gothenburg versus a substantially higher 14.61 in Tangier, indicating that housing costs consume a much larger percentage of the average income in Tangier.

Public transportation costs also reflect the overall price difference. A monthly pass in Gothenburg costs approximately €100, nearly six times the €17.5 monthly pass available in Tangier. While Gothenburg boasts excellent and frequent public transport, the lower cost combined with higher overall expenses makes commuting cheaper in Tangier but doesn't compensate for the city's general higher price point.

Groceries and household essentials are considerably cheaper in Tangier. Basic groceries cost about €300 per month in Tangier, compared to approximately €500 in Gothenburg. Furthermore, dining out for two people at a mid-range restaurant in Gothenburg averages €50, while the same meal in Tanger costs around €15, highlighting the significant difference in restaurant expenses.

Healthcare and safety show a stark contrast. Gothenburg scores much higher on healthcare quality (index 70) and safety (index 75), while Tangier scores considerably lower (healthcare index 33, safety index 30). This indicates significantly better medical facilities and lower crime rates in Gothenburg, factors that heavily influence quality of life but are not reflected in the lower cost structure of Tangier.

In conclusion, while Tangier offers substantial savings across most living expenses, Gothenburg provides a significantly higher quality of life regarding safety, healthcare, and amenities, albeit at a much higher cost. The decision between these two cities hinges on prioritizing financial savings versus the quality of life markers like safety and healthcare access.