Software Engineer salary: Stockholm vs Toronto (2026)

Stockholm pays Software Engineers 410% more than Toronto at the mid-level band — a median of kr 673k vs CA$132k.

Estimates based on public benchmarks and modelled data. How we calculate →

Median salary gap
410%
Stockholm wins by kr 541k/yr at mid-level
2026 · Gross annual base

Stockholm

Higher pay
Median (mid-level)
kr 673k
Typical range (p25–p75)
kr 551kkr 836k
Senior median
kr 1.0M
Junior median
kr 397k

Toronto

Median (mid-level)
CA$132k
Typical range (p25–p75)
CA$101kCA$169k
Senior median
CA$206k
Junior median
CA$73k

Stockholm vs Toronto — the verdict

Stockholm pays Software Engineers a median of kr 673k per year, around 410% more than Toronto's CA$132k. That's roughly kr 541k of additional gross base pay every year for the same role at the mid-level band.

The premium narrows once you factor in cost of living, tax, and housing. Toronto often delivers stronger real purchasing power, especially for early-career professionals — and the local market is typically less competitive.

Use the CompVerdict offer checker below to test a specific offer against either city's market. A strong offer sits above the p75; a fair offer lands near the median; below p25 there's a clear case to negotiate.

Software Engineer salary by experience band

BandStockholmTorontoGap
Juniorkr 397kCA$73k444%
Mid-levelkr 673kCA$132k410%
Seniorkr 1.0MCA$206k395%

Medians shown. Gap is computed against the lower-paying city at each band.

Got an offer in either city?

Knowing the gap is step one. The real question is where your specific offer sits within Stockholm's or Toronto's range. If your offer is in the bottom 30% for the role and city, there's a strong case to push back.

Use the CompVerdict tool to get your verdict instantly. No signup. You'll also get a ready-to-send negotiation script based on the local market.

Check an offer →

Frequently asked questions

Which city pays more for Software Engineers — Stockholm or Toronto?

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Stockholm pays more. The median Software Engineer salary in Stockholm is kr 673k vs CA$132k in Toronto — a 410% gap at the mid-level band. Stockholm median is kr 673k; Toronto median is CA$132k.

What's the salary gap between Stockholm and Toronto for Software Engineers?

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At the mid-level (3–5 years experience) band, Stockholm pays 410% more than Toronto for Software Engineers. The absolute difference is roughly kr 541k per year on the median. Junior and senior bands shift the gap slightly, but the direction is consistent.

Which is better for senior Software Engineers — Stockholm or Toronto?

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Senior Software Engineers earn kr 1.0M median in Stockholm vs CA$206k in Toronto. Stockholm maintains its lead at the senior band, often widening as total comp (equity, bonus) compounds with seniority. Toronto can still close the gap when you adjust for cost of living.

Are Stockholm and Toronto salaries cost-of-living adjusted?

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No — these are gross annual base salary figures. Stockholm typically has higher living costs alongside its higher pay. To see how either salary translates into rent affordability, use SpendVerdict; for savings potential, use PathVerdict. The headline gap of 410% narrows significantly once you adjust for housing, tax, and lifestyle costs.

Salary estimates are based on public benchmarks and modelled data. They represent gross annual base salary and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits. Read our methodology →