Time for a weekend and shopping trip in a big city? What does it really cost in the different big cities and how big is the price difference between Milan, London and New York? The FOREX Shopping Index gives a picture of what you get for your money in ten cities with a wide range of stores.
The FOREX Shopping Index* compares the price of a selected shopping bag with clothing and everyday expenses in different big cities. In Paris, for example, the jeans in the bag cost around SEK 1,100, almost twice as much as in New York, where the equivalent garment costs SEK 635.
Many compare prices to avoid surprises, but just as important is to know how to pay on the spot. Cash, cards and local payment habits can affect both cost and experience. Make sure you are prepared - Have both cash and cards with you on the trip, it is the most convenient. Cards work in big cities, but in smaller shops, in markets and unforeseen expenses, then cash is appreciated. Exchanging some local currency to the destination before departure also means that you avoid card fees and unnecessary surcharges.
| CITY | INDEX |
| Budapest | 73 |
| Berlin | 85 |
| Barcelona | 92 |
| Rome | 97 |
| Madrid | 100 |
| Stockholm | 100 |
| London | 112 |
| Milan | 114 |
| Paris | 114 |
| Copenhagen | 117 |
| New York | 137 |
The items in the FOREX shopping bag are about SEK 600 cheaper in New York than in Stockholm, and in Rome they cost SEK 1500 less. In Milan, the shopping bag costs about the same (4400 SEK) as at home. The fact that several of the cities still have a higher total index than Stockholm is due to other costs on site, especially hotels. If you have friends to stay with or are considering other accommodation options, the shopping trip can be cheaper than the index shows.
In Sweden, about one in seven payments is made in cash. In Hungary, just over half of customers still pay with banknotes and coins, while in Italy almost two out of three use cash at the checkout, according to FOREX Cash Index.
If you have a well-thought-out mix of cash and cards, you are prepared for any situation, and FOREX helps you maximize your travel budget for your particular trip, shopping and destination payment habits.
Exchange rate
1 EUR = 0.0000 SEK
The currency rates are updated around 11 am on weekdays and on Fridays also around 16 pm. Please note that the rates shown online may differ from those offered in our stores.
**In addition to the shopping bag, the FOREX Shopping Index includes, among other things, the cost of hotels, restaurant visits and taxis, as well as shopping. The prices in the FOREX Shopping Index are taken from Numbeo 3–10 September 2025. The hotel prices are obtained from Trivago and refer to 25/10-2/11 2025. Taxis are calculated for a journey of five kilometers, and hotel rates are for two people in three-star hotels. Keep in mind that a low index overall doesn't always mean that all costs are cheaper – some expenses may still be higher; The index gives an indication of the price level at the destination.
