Cost of Living in Sweden for Single Person & Family

Sweden, a Scandinavian nation known for its welfare system, beautiful landscapes, and high standard of living, also ranks among the most expensive countries in Europe to live in. Whether you’re a student, a single professional, or planning to move with a family, understanding the cost of living is crucial for financial planning.

This article provides a detailed breakdown of living expenses in Sweden for various demographics. It offers insights into different cities to help you estimate and prepare for life in the country.

Disclaimer: This article contains information gathered from online platforms as of September 2024. The sources are provided below.

Team Digit

Living Cost for Students
Living Cost for Bachelors, Couples & Families
Living Cost in Top Cities of Sweden
- Stockholm
- Gothenburg
- Malmö
- Uppsala
- Lund
Factors Impacting the Cost of Living in Sweden
What is the Average Income in Sweden?
How Expensive is Sweden Compared to Other Countries?
Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in Sweden
Frequently Asked Questions

Average Cost of Living in Sweden for International Students

Swedish institutions have been attracting students from all over the world through quality education service provision and quality living. Below is a breakdown of typical monthly expenses for international students

Area of Expense	Monthly Expenses (in SEK)
Accommodation	3,500-7,500 SEK
Food & Groceries	2,000-3500 SEK
Transportation	500-900 SEK
Utilities	800-1200 SEK
Entertainment	400-700 SEK
Personal Expenses	500-1,000 SEK

Average Cost of Living in Sweden for Bachelors, Couples & Families

The prices for single people, couples, and families living in Sweden are different depending on the city and their lifestyle. Here’s a more detailed look at the average monthly costs:

Area of Expense	Bachelors	Couples	Families
Accommodation	5,000-9,000 SEK	8,000-15,000 SEK	12,000-25,000 SEK
Food & Groceries	2,500-4,000 SEK	4,500-6,500 SEK	7,000-10,000 SEK
Transportation	700-1200 SEK	1,200-1,800 SEK	2,000-3,000 SEK
Utilities	1,200-1,800 SEK	1,800-2,500 SEK	2,500-4,000 SEK
Entertainment	500-1,200 SEK	1,200-2,500 SEK	2,000-3,500 SEK

Cost of Living in Major Cities in Sweden

Sweden’s cities vary in living costs, with larger cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg being more expensive than smaller cities or towns. Below is a breakdown of typical costs in Sweden’s major cities:

Cost of Living in Stockholm

Stockholm is the capital and largest city in Sweden. It is ranked as having one of the highest standards of living. However, it is also one of the most costly cities in the country and one of the most congested.

Area of Expense	Cost (in SEK)
Accommodation	8,000-15,000 SEK
Food & Groceries	3,000-5,000 SEK
Transportation	800-1,500 SEK
Utilities	1,500-2,500 SEK
Entertainment	600-1,500 SEK

Cost of Living in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is Sweden’s second-most populous city, and therefore, its cost of living is a bit lower than in Stockholm. It is an industrial, cultural, and educational center where youths and other people, including students and professionals, flock.

Area of Expense	Cost (in SEK)
Accommodation	6,000-12,000 SEK
Food & Groceries	2,500-4,000 SEK
Transportation	600-1,200 SEK
Utilities	1,200-2,000 SEK
Entertainment	500-1,200 SEK

Cost of Living in Malmö

Malmö is located in the southern part of Sweden, near Copenhagen in Denmark. Its living costs are comparatively lower than those of other Swedish cities. The youth and families are mainly attracted to this city because of the affordable housing and the diversified culture.

Area of Expense	Cost (in SEK)
Accommodation	5,000-10,000 SEK
Food & Groceries	2,000-3,500 SEK
Transportation	500-1,000 SEK
Utilities	1,000-1,800 SEK
Entertainment	400-1,000 SEK

Cost of Living in Uppsala

Uppsala is located in the northern part of Sweden and is a university city near Stockholm. It attracts a lot of students and academicians due to the relatively cheaper cost of living compared to Stockholm despite being nearer to Stockholm.

Area of Expense	Cost (in SEK)
Accommodation	5,000-9,000 SEK
Food & Groceries	2,500-4,000 SEK
Transportation	400-900 SEK
Utilities	1,000-1,200 SEK

Cost of Living in Lund

Lund is also a university town located in the southern part of Sweden. It has a good standard of living with cheap and affordable house rents, which are cheaper than Stockholm and Gothenburg. This makes it perfect for students and families.

Area of Expense	Cost (in SEK)
Accommodation	5,000-8,000 SEK
Food & Groceries	2,500-4,000 SEK
Transportation	400-900 SEK
Utilities	1,000-1,800 SEK

Factors Impacting the Cost of Living in Sweden

Several factors determine the cost of living in Sweden, including the city, lifestyle and many more. Here are the key factors to consider:

Location

It will cost a lot more to live in such locations as Stockholm or Gothenburg than in the countryside or less populated towns. Rent, groceries, and utility bills are always cheaper in urban areas.

Lifestyle

This includes eating out, attending cultural occasions, and leading an energetic social life, among other factors likely to drain a significant part of the monthly income. Some examples include dining out, which will set one back between 100 and 500 SEK for a single meal, depending on the OUT establishment of choice.

Housing

The Swedish Association of landlords reported that rent prices are among the highest in Europe, especially in large cities. Few apartments in metallic centers are cheap, but people can get cheaper flats in suburban areas.

Utilities & Groceries

Basic services such as electricity, heating, water, and Internet are quite similar all over the country, but they depend on season and frequency of usage. Food, especially groceries, may be slightly more costly in rural areas than in urban areas.

What is the Average Income in Sweden?

In 2024 the average household income in Sweden is around 500000 SEK per year. Wages vary depending on the industry, location, and profession, but here are general guidelines for the income levels needed to live comfortably in Sweden:

Students: One can estimate that spending on marketing and promotion in Fjord, Sweden, ranges between 150,000 and 200,000 SEK per year.
Singles: All Gerlesborg’s employees are paid between 300 000 and 400 000 SEK annually.
Couples: It is estimated that M2 will cost between 600,000 SEK and 700,000 SEK per year.
Families: EU Universities: 800 000 – 1 000 000 SEK per year

The Swedish pay scale is relatively affordable, especially for specialised careers in engineering, IT, health, and other fields such as finance. For instance, the software engineer will be paid between 45,000 to 60,000 SEK per month’s work, while a nurse will only be paid 30,000 to 40,000 SEK per month maximum.

The following table provides an overview of the average salary in Sweden:

Job Profile	Average Annual Income (in SEK)
Software Engineer	550,000-700,000 SEK
Doctor/Medical Specialist	800,000-1,500,000 SEK
Civil Engineer	450,000-600,000 SEK
Architect	500,000-700,000 SEK
Teacher	250,000-450,000 SEK
Nurse	350,000-450,000 SEK
Lawyer	600,000-900,000 SEK
Accountant	400,000-600,000 SEK
Marketing Manager	600,000-850,000 SEK
HR Manager	500,000-800,000 SEK
Project Manager (IT)	600,000-900,000 SEK
Data Scientist	650,000-900,000 SEK
Financial Analyst	500,000-750,000 SEK
Pharmacist	450,000-600,000 SEK
Electrician	350,000-500,000 SEK
Chef	300,000-450,000 SEK
Graphic Designer	350,000-500,000 SEK
Sales Manager	550,000-800,000 SEK
Journalist	400,000-600,000 SEK

How Expensive is Sweden Compared to Other Countries?

Sweden has relatively high living expenses, and the cost is higher than in 85 percent of the world's countries. However, the advantages consist of high salaries, great medical insurance, and a good public transport system.

City	Accommodation (1BHK)	Transportation	Meal for 2 (3 Course)	Miscellaneous
Stockholm	12,000-15,000 SEK	1,500 SEK	900 SEK	1,500 SEK/MONTH
New York	$3,000	$130	$100	$200/Month
London	£1,500	£150	£80	£150/month
Tokyo	¥180,000	¥15,000	¥7,000	¥12,000/month

Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in Australia

The following is a guide for individuals who want to reduce their living expenses in Sweden:

If you are concerned about rent, you may prefer shared accommodation to save money.
Spend less money on food by buying the necessities from cheap stores.
Try to find any discount for students or senior citizens.
Install energy-efficient goods for lighting and heating to reduce electricity costs.

Thus, Sweden has a great standard of living, although it is comparatively costly in most areas, including large cities such as Stockholm and Gothenburg. It may be expensive to afford a house, use a car, or eat out, but public service offerings in the country are impressive, with free health care and schooling.

Whether a person is a student, an income earner or with a family, it is pertinent to exercise a lot of prudency when it comes to managing finances in Sweden.

FAQs about the Cost of Living in Sweden

All

How much does living in Sweden cost compared to other European countries?

Sweden is slightly more expensive than other European countries, especially in the sectors of food, housing, and transport. Nevertheless, such expenses are often compensated by the very high living standard, free medical care, and excellent public services.

Which lifestyle in Sweden is affordable, or how much does it take to live comfortably in Sweden?

For instance, a single adult who wants to maintain a comfortable lifestyle without overspending would require approximately 15,000-20,000 SEK per month, depending on the city.

What does a student spend monthly to live comfortably in Sweden?

International students require between 7,000 to 10,000 SEK per month to cover their accommodation as well as other expenditures such as feeding, transport, and general expenses.

Specifically, what is the cost of a house in Sweden?

Sweden's cost of living shows that housing is one of the most expensive products and services. It is estimated that the rent of a one-bedroom apartment in Central Stockholm or Gothenburg is between 8,000 and 15,000 SEK per month. The rent can be as low as 5,000 SEK in a suburban or small town.

What do people in Sweden spend on food shopping?

A single person's grocery expenses range between 2500 and 4000 SEK per month, and for a family of four, they may go up to 7,000 to 10,000 SEK.

Is public transport affordable in Sweden?

Yes, public transportation is efficient and reasonably priced. A monthly transport pass costs between 500 and 1,500 SEK, depending on the city. For students, discounts are often available.

Is healthcare free in Sweden?

Sweden has a public healthcare system where essential services are mostly free or available at a low cost. However, private health insurance, which some opt for, can cost between 1,000 and 2,500 SEK per year.

How much does it cost to eat out in Sweden?

Dining out in Sweden can be expensive. A meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost between 100 and 200 SEK per person while dining at a higher-end restaurant could range from 500 to 1,000 SEK per person.

Is electricity expensive in Sweden?

Utility costs in Sweden, including electricity, water, and heating, range between 1,200 and 2,500 SEK per month for a small apartment. Heating can raise prices during the winter months.

What is the best way to save on living costs in Sweden?

To save on living costs, you can:

Choose shared or suburban accommodations.
Take advantage of public transportation.
Shop for groceries at discount stores.
Utilise energy-saving appliances to reduce utility bills.

How much is daycare or childcare in Sweden?

Daycare costs in Sweden range between 1,500 and 3,000 SEK per month. Many families benefit from government-subsidized childcare, reducing the overall financial burden.

Are salaries high enough to cover the cost of living in Sweden?

Salaries in Sweden are competitive, especially in high-demand sectors such as IT, healthcare, and engineering. While the cost of living is high, most professionals earn enough to live comfortably.

Is Sweden a good place for expats to live?

Yes, Sweden is an excellent place for expats, offering a high standard of living, a good work-life balance, and robust social support systems. However, adapting to the higher living costs, especially in urban areas, can take time.

Can International students work while studying in Sweden?

Yes, international students are allowed to work while they study provided they do not have a special work permit. However, they must work while studying and attend classes at the same time. Many students spend part of their time working to support their living expenses.

How costly is Sweden compared with Denmark?

Generally, the prices of goods and services in Sweden are slightly lower than those in Denmark, especially in terms of accommodation and meals. However, the variation in the price of what they offer remains small while the living standards of both countries are still high.