Cost of Living in Sweden

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The cost of living in Sweden is relatively high, although there are signs of improvement in some areas. Stockholm, the country’s capital, is by far the most expensive place to live. While costs have fluctuated in recent years, salaries in the city tend to be higher than in the rest of the country, helping to offset expenses for many residents.

As in most major cities, living in Stockholm’s suburbs is more affordable than residing in the city centre, and the standard of living remains high across the metropolitan area. After housing, everyday expenses such as food and clothing will make up a significant portion of your budget. Alcohol and services, such as haircuts, are particularly costly in Stockholm, often more so than in other parts of the country.

Cost of accommodation in Sweden

Accommodation in Sweden is fairly pricey. In Stockholm, rent for a three-bedroom apartment in an upmarket location can be exorbitant. That said, prices generally decrease sharply once you go outside the inner-city area of Stockholm.

If you’re seeking more affordable housing, venturing into the suburban areas or smaller cities could be a wise decision. The quality and standard of housing are high, yet the costs are significantly lower. The serene environment of the suburbs often serves as a pleasant contrast to the bustling city life.

Finding first-hand rental contracts in Stockholm can be challenging. The queue system through Bostadsförmedlingen often requires years of waiting time, particularly for desirable central locations. Many newcomers start with second-hand rentals or sublets while building up queue points.

As an expat moving to Sweden, you’ll also usually need to pay a month’s rent as a security deposit when initially moving into your new rental property. An additional expense for tenants will be the monthly gas and electricity bills, as water and heating are typically included as part of the rental fee.

Accommodation in Sweden
Areas in Stockholm

Cost of transport in Sweden

Transport is surprisingly expensive in Sweden. If you live close to the city, you’re unlikely to need a car thanks to the excellent and extensive public transport network. Although this can be a pricey option, it’s generally cheaper than owning and maintaining a vehicle.

You can purchase an SL Access travel card to make public transport slightly more cost-effective. The card itself costs a small one-time fee, and you can load it with single tickets or period passes depending on your travel patterns. Children, students and senior citizens will typically receive discounts. If you’d like to reduce your transport expenses while improving your health, you can consider cycling, depending on your proximity to school or work. Sweden has exceptional cycling infrastructure, and this is a truly viable option for cycling enthusiasts.

Transport in Sweden

Cost of groceries in Sweden

The price tags on everyday groceries in Sweden can surprise newcomers. Essential items such as milk, eggs, and bread cost considerably more than you might be used to in other countries. Although some imported goods can be rather pricey, Swedish supermarkets offer a wide range of products. Shopping at local markets or opting for shop brands instead of name brands can help mitigate these costs. Willys and Lidl tend to be the most budget-friendly supermarket chains, while ICA offers a good variety at moderate prices. Coop and Hemköp are typically at the higher end of the price spectrum.

Buying local and seasonal products offers a cost-effective way to shop while immersing yourself in the Swedish way of living, which often revolves around enjoying what each season has to offer. Buying in bulk or making use of discounts and offers, which are quite common, can also lead to savings.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Sweden

Engaging in recreational activities or dining out in Sweden is somewhat expensive, particularly in high-end establishments in the heart of Stockholm. The price of a meal out can be steep, especially in cosmopolitan areas. That said, more budget-friendly options are always available if you know where to look. Lunch buffets at restaurants offer better value than dinner service. Food trucks and smaller cafés can lead to discovering affordable culinary treasures.

For those who enjoy nightlife, it’s worth noting that alcoholic beverages are expensive, with stringent regulations and high taxes. On the brighter side, Sweden has a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, many aspects of which you can enjoy at a minimal cost or even for free. Many museums and galleries have days when entry is free or discounted.

Cost of education in Sweden

Education in Sweden is free if your children attend a public school for compulsory education between the ages of 6 and 16. There are quite a few international schools in Stockholm, where there are many expat families compared to the rest of Sweden.

Tuition at these international schools can be rather steep, though, with high annual fees and extra costs such as textbooks, uniforms, extracurricular activities and school excursions all adding up to a hefty bill at the end of the day. That said, international schools are known for offering excellent educational standards, high-end facilities, and a wider slate of extracurriculars.

Education and Schools in Sweden
International Schools in Stockholm

Cost of healthcare in Sweden

The good thing about high taxes in Sweden is that the government subsidises much of your healthcare needs. A large percentage of the cost of prescription medication, medical procedures, and requirements is covered. Sweden operates a high-cost protection scheme for prescription medications. Once your annual medication costs reach a certain threshold, the government covers the remaining expenses for the rest of that twelve-month period. Doctor visits require modest co-payments. These costs are capped annually.

Although public healthcare in Sweden is exceptional, you have the option of purchasing private health insurance to supplement public care, as some elective procedures may not be covered. The cost of private healthcare varies depending on your level of cover, age, and lifestyle habits.

Dental care operates separately from the general healthcare system and typically requires out-of-pocket payment or private dental insurance, although subsidies are available for those over age 24.

Healthcare in Sweden