Sweden is one of the key countries of the European Union, which expats choose for temporary or permanent relocation, because it has a high standard of living, strong economy, developed infrastructure, rich culture and stability. Find out how much it costs to live in Sweden in 2024-2025

Sweden offers an excellent standard of living, good infrastructure and quality medical care. That is why the country is a promising destination for expats from different parts of the world, including citizens of the Philippines, Poland, India and Germany. However, the first thing that comes to mind when planning to move to Sweden is that living in this European country is very expensive. However, in reality, this is not entirely true. Tourist restaurants and shops are expensive, and the cost of living in Sweden is lower than in most Western European countries. In fact, it is the cheapest of the Northern European countries. The cost of living in Sweden is lower than in Norway, Finland, Iceland and Denmark.

Read more about the cost of living in Sweden and what expenses expats should expect when planning to move to the country in this article.

Is it expensive to live in Sweden?

In 2024, in the Mercer Cost of Living study, Sweden ranked 102 out of 226 cities in terms of cost of living, in 2021, the country was on the 72nd place. Living in Sweden is also cheaper than in France, Germany and Great Britain.

Without a doubt, the most expensive city in Sweden is the country's capital - Stockholm, but living here costs less than Brussels, Luxembourg and Madrid, but more expensive than Barcelona, ​​Prague and Toronto. In addition to the capital, the list of expensive cities in Sweden includes the cities of Sulna, Gothenburg, Västerås and Uppsala. Umeå, Örebro, Linköping, Malmö and Lund belong to the category of most affordable cities.

The average budget for a family of 2 will be 2,600 euros (28,000 SEK) per month. A family of 4 will need 3,245 euros (37,620 SEK) for a comfortable life in Sweden, excluding wages.

Prices for renting housing in Sweden

As in most European countries, renting a house in Sweden will be the largest expense item. Expect to spend up to 30% of your budget on rental property in Sweden.

Stockholm is the most expensive city in the country, and this is immediately felt, including in rental prices. Renting a one-room apartment in the city center costs on average from 1,250 to 1,500 euros. A three-room apartment is almost a thousand euros more expensive (2,000-2,500 euros). Prices will be lower if you choose to live outside the city center. A one-room apartment can be found there at a price from 900 to 1100 euros, a three-room apartment from 1400 to 1700 euros.

On average, in the city center, a one-room apartment in Sweden costs from 750 to 950 euros, and a three-room apartment costs from 1,200 to 1,500 euros. The affordable cities mentioned above boast lower rental prices than the national average. In Lund, you can find one-bedroom apartments for €730 to €890 and three-bedroom apartments for €1,300 to €1,500 in the city centre. Prices are even lower if you decide to live a little further north.

Features of renting real estate in Sweden

There is a very high demand for rental real estate in Sweden. Renting from the owner is quite difficult. Most often, expats first rent a short-term accommodation after moving, so that there is a little more time to find the optimal accommodation.

When signing the agreement, the owner may request an employment contract and proof of income. Some landlords require an additional guarantor if they think your income is too low. Payment upon entry of the first and last month's rent is a common request.

Utilities costs in Sweden

The average cost of utilities will be EUR 75-95 (SEK 800) per month. This amount includes payment for heating, electricity, water and other standard utilities.

 An interesting fact is that in Sweden you can choose a company that will provide you with utility services. However, most often the cost of these services is already included in the rental agreement.

Internet costs about 30 euros per month.

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Food price in Sweden

An important item of expenditure for most people living in Sweden is food. Of course, the amount of expenses will depend on your preferences, but a family should count on the amount of 500-600 euros per month.

Prices for locally produced goods are quite moderate. The cost of imported products is much higher due to logistical features. Large European supermarket chains operate in the country. It is cheaper to buy products there than in small shops or markets in Sweden.

The average prices for a basic grocery set are as follows: milk (1 liter) - 1.50 euros, a loaf of fresh white bread (500 g) - 1.90-2.3 euros, eggs (12 pieces) - 3.70-4.20 euros, local cheese (1 kg) – 7.50-12 euros, chicken fillet (1 kg) – 8.00-14 euros, apples (1 kg) – 2.70-2.90 euros, water (1.5 liter bottle) - 1.20 euros, bottle of wine (middle class) - 7-8.00 euros, beer (0.5 liter bottle) - 1.5- 2 euros.

Cost of eating out and entertainment in Sweden

Cooking at home is usually a more budget-friendly option than eating out or ordering food out.

Lunch in an inexpensive restaurant will cost from 10 to 12.50 euros. In addition, food trucks have become quite popular in Sweden. Food prices are lower here.

If you prefer fine dining, a three-course meal for two here averages between $68 and $83.50.

The price of a movie ticket is from 12.50 to 15 euros per ticket.

Alcohol in Sweden is more expensive compared to food prices: a draft beer costs between 6 and 7.30 euros on average.

Cost of transport in Sweden

The public transport system in Sweden is very developed. Most of the costs are financed by the state. A one-time ticket costs 3.5 euros (39 crowns). A monthly pass in Stockholm will cost EUR 85.38 (SEK 970).

Swedes often use public transport. Buses are the most common way of moving people around the city. But depending on where you are in the country, you'll also find trams, metros or even ferries offered as part of the city's transport system.

The following prices are set for fuel in the country: 95 gasoline – 1.6-1.85 euros (19-21 crowns), 98 gasoline – 1.76-2 euros (20-22 crowns), diesel – 1.76-2 euros (20-22 crowns).

Education costs in Sweden

The public school system in Sweden is free, including not only primary and secondary schools, but also universities. There are also many international schools for expats in the country. On average, an international school will cost between 2,400 and 3,000 euros per year per child.

The cost of medical services in Sweden

Sweden has one of the best publicly funded healthcare systems in the world. All residents, including expats and foreigners working in Sweden, can access the health care system. To register, you must obtain a residence permit and a Swedish tax identification number (personnummer).

The surcharge for a doctor's consultation for insured persons is minimal, 10-15 euros (110-160 crowns). The state also covers a significant percentage of costs for prescription drugs.

If you need urgent medical care, but you do not yet have a Swedish tax number, you can receive treatment at your local emergency center (närakut).

Moving to Sweden will be a good stage in your life, because it is a country with a rich culture, rich life, good career prospects for foreigners, as well as its favorable cost.

We will remind you! Sweden is an economically developed EU country, which in recent years has been experiencing a shortage of personnel more and more acutely. That is why local employers actively seek international talent and sponsor work visas. Find out what an expat needs to get a job in Sweden in 2024 and which industries are experiencing a shortage of workers.

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Ihor Usyk - head of Visit World's legal department

To organize a safe move to Sweden, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations when traveling abroad.

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