Stockholm vs. Manama: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Stockholm and Manama present distinct profiles regarding cost of living and quality of life. Stockholm boasts a higher GDP per capita ($60,300 vs. $57,200) and a slightly higher GDP growth rate (0.31% vs. 2.98%), though Manama's population growth is marginally faster (0.82% vs. 0.51%). The cities share similar overall quality of life scores (178.87), but differ significantly in specific aspects. Notably, Manama's safety index (81.78) is considerably higher than Stockholm's (74.31), while Stockholm's pollution index (85.33) is substantially worse than Manama's (62.33). Healthcare quality is comparable, but costs are lower in Manama.

The most striking difference lies in the cost of living. Manama's overall Cost of Living Index (45.0) is significantly lower than Stockholm's (74.0). This is reflected in various categories: groceries are cheaper in Manama, dining out is more expensive, transportation costs (especially fuel) are lower, and basic utilities are more affordable. Crucially, healthcare expenses are substantially lower in Manama. Property prices, while high for a capital city, are significantly more affordable than Stockholm's, with a much lower Property Price to Income Ratio (4.89 vs. 10.26). Salaries in Stockholm ($4,863/month) are more than double those in Manama ($2,331/month), but the higher cost of living in Stockholm means lower purchasing power after expenses.

In summary, Manama offers a significantly more affordable cost of living, particularly concerning property, transportation, groceries, and healthcare, alongside a higher safety rating. Stockholm provides a higher quality of life in terms of healthcare, safety, and environmental factors but comes at a substantially higher cost, especially for housing and groceries. The choice between the two cities depends heavily on individual priorities regarding budget, quality of life factors like safety and environment, and economic considerations.