Cost of Living in Gothenburg - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $2,063 monthly including rent, or $1,004 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,240 with rent, or $1,960 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,417 including rent, or $2,915 for daily expenses alone.

Gothenburg sits about 56% above the global median. Within Europe, costs are slightly above average (15%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$13.74 SEK 133
$12.16 SEK 118
$21.13 SEK 205
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$91.2 SEK 885
$52.1 SEK 506
$125 SEK 1,214
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.42 SEK 101
$9.90 SEK 96.0
$13.44 SEK 130
Cappuccino
$4.86 SEK 47.12
$3.15 SEK 30.57
$6.31 SEK 61.2
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.08 SEK 29.85
$2.57 SEK 24.93
$4.29 SEK 41.58
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.56 SEK 24.86
$2.09 SEK 20.25
$3.34 SEK 32.44
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$7.43 SEK 72.0
$6.26 SEK 60.7
$9.45 SEK 91.7
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.72 SEK 74.9
$6.17 SEK 59.9
$9.26 SEK 89.8
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.76 SEK 17.06
$1.33 SEK 12.89
$2.16 SEK 20.93
White Bread (500g)
$2.87 SEK 27.88
$1.67 SEK 16.22
$4.13 SEK 40.02
Rice (white) (1kg)
$3.34 SEK 32.41
$2.15 SEK 20.85
$5.15 SEK 50.0
Eggs
$4.63 SEK 44.96
$3.10 SEK 30.04
$7.61 SEK 73.8
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.67 SEK 113
$7.94 SEK 77.0
$17.79 SEK 173
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$12.41 SEK 120
$8.47 SEK 82.1
$19.05 SEK 185
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$18.65 SEK 181
$10.54 SEK 102
$31.61 SEK 307
Apples (1kg)
$3.07 SEK 29.83
$1.56 SEK 15.15
$4.17 SEK 40.48
Banana (1kg)
$2.64 SEK 25.65
$1.85 SEK 17.98
$3.08 SEK 29.91
Oranges (1kg)
$2.93 SEK 28.40
$1.67 SEK 16.22
$4.17 SEK 40.49
Tomato (1kg)
$4.31 SEK 41.82
$2.13 SEK 20.67
$6.39 SEK 62.0
Potato (1kg)
$1.76 SEK 17.03
$1.08 SEK 10.46
$2.38 SEK 23.10
Onion (1kg)
$1.87 SEK 18.17
$1.25 SEK 12.15
$2.91 SEK 28.21
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.22 SEK 21.49
$1.50 SEK 14.52
$4.15 SEK 40.22
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.59 SEK 15.43
$0.95 SEK 9.18
$2.66 SEK 25.78
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$7.94 SEK 77.1
$7.16 SEK 69.4
$10.32 SEK 100
Wine (Bottle)
$14.36 SEK 139
$8.20 SEK 79.6
$20.51 SEK 199
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.20 SEK 21.33
$1.57 SEK 15.25
$3.14 SEK 30.50
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.53 SEK 24.53
$1.57 SEK 15.20
$3.66 SEK 35.49
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$3.92 SEK 38.07
$3.82 SEK 37.10
$3.92 SEK 38.07
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$90.9 SEK 882
$89.3 SEK 866
$92.0 SEK 892
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$10.16 SEK 98.6
$6.35 SEK 61.6
$12.51 SEK 121
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.67 SEK 16.15
$1.60 SEK 15.56
$3.01 SEK 29.22
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$61.6 SEK 597
$61.6 SEK 597
$83.5 SEK 810
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.96 SEK 19.01
$1.73 SEK 16.82
$2.05 SEK 19.91
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$32.2K SEK 312.2K
$32.2K SEK 312.2K
$35.0K SEK 339.6K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$35.6K SEK 345.0K
$34.7K SEK 336.3K
$37.3K SEK 362.2K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$140 SEK 1,361
$85.8 SEK 832
$364 SEK 3,536
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$25.00 SEK 243
$12.47 SEK 121
$35.83 SEK 348
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$38.56 SEK 374
$28.89 SEK 280
$52.5 SEK 510
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$41.38 SEK 401
$26.28 SEK 255
$52.6 SEK 510
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$24.81 SEK 241
$20.89 SEK 203
$31.33 SEK 304
Cinema Ticket
$18.04 SEK 175
$16.01 SEK 155
$23.48 SEK 228
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$178 SEK 1,725
$129 SEK 1,247
$214 SEK 2,078
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$4,177 SEK 40.5K
$3,832 SEK 37.2K
$4,364 SEK 42.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$89.5 SEK 869
$42.58 SEK 413
$117 SEK 1,136
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$39.39 SEK 382
$20.88 SEK 203
$73.1 SEK 709
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$95.4 SEK 925
$62.1 SEK 602
$135 SEK 1,305
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$153 SEK 1,480
$104 SEK 1,012
$209 SEK 2,025
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,096 SEK 10.6K
$827 SEK 8,024
$1,551 SEK 15.0K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$860 SEK 8,344
$631 SEK 6,121
$1,262 SEK 12.2K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,875 SEK 18.2K
$1,257 SEK 12.2K
$2,410 SEK 23.4K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,404 SEK 13.6K
$1,044 SEK 10.1K
$1,983 SEK 19.2K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$6,493 SEK 63.0K
$5,767 SEK 55.9K
$7,005 SEK 68.0K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$3,504 SEK 34.0K
$2,706 SEK 26.3K
$4,677 SEK 45.4K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,590 SEK 34.8K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.33
3
5

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: July 12, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,096 for a central one-bedroom, or $860 outside the center. At 31% of the average salary ($3,590), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $3,590, while typical expenses reach $2,063. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $377 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $91.0 for two – above the European average of $75.0.

Public transport is priced at around $90.9 per month – above the European average of $48.00.

Cost Highlights

Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is cheaper than 93% of cities in Europe

Gothenburg is more expensive than 67% of cities worldwide and 72% within Europe.

Gothenburg Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Gothenburg - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Gothenburg compare in affordability, and who typically finds value here?
In overall terms, Cost of Living in Gothenburg, Sweden sits in the mid-range for Nordic cities, offering good value for those who want a high quality of life without the sky-high price tag found elsewhere. You’ll find a sensible balance between housing in central neighborhoods and more affordable pockets a short transit ride away, with dining and activities that suit a range of budgets. Seasonal tourism can push prices up briefly, but long-term living remains reasonable for families, remote workers, and students who choose wisely. The vibe is practical: efficient public transit, bike-friendly streets, and a strong local market scene. Tip: choose neighborhoods that balance commute, green space, and local amenities to maximize value.
What does daily life look like in Gothenburg, including housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
You approach housing by weighing central proximity against garden or harbor access. In Gothenburg, neighborhoods like Haga or Vasastan offer walkable centers, while Majorna or Örgryte bring lower rents and bigger outdoor spaces. Food options range from bustling markets to seasonal produce at co-ops, with restaurants bridging Nordic flavors and international dishes. Transport runs on reliable trams and bicycle routes; many carry season passes for savings. For errands, you’ll find well-stocked supermarkets and efficient service hubs near central districts. Finding a few coworking spaces or cafes with good wifi can smooth remote work days. Gothenburg, Sweden living cost varies with neighborhood and season, so plan around work and recreation. Tip: map a couple of test days to estimate daily pacing.
What quality of life and budgeting strategies work best in Gothenburg for travelers and residents, considering seasonality and neighborhood fit?
You’ll frame a practical budget by dividing essentials, flexible needs, and discretionary spend. In Gothenburg, you feel a tangible rhythm across seasons: you’ll rely more on warmth and utilities in winter, and on outdoor activities in milder months. Build a framework around housing costs by neighborhood type, public transit use, and shared spaces. Save by cooking at home, choosing markets, and taking advantage of free events near the coast or in parks. Neighborhood fit matters: if you want nightlife, pick central districts; if you crave quiet, look toward the outer harbors. Tip: pace your outings with off-peak transit and seasonal markets for better value.
Is Gothenburg worth the cost of living?
At around $2,063 monthly all-in, Gothenburg offers decent value. It's not the cheapest and not the priciest – a good fit for people who want city convenience without capital-level costs.
Is Gothenburg expensive to live in?
Everyday life in Gothenburg is moderately priced at about $2,063 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
Can you save money on an average salary in Gothenburg?
At $3,590 take-home, most residents in Gothenburg can cover the $2,063 monthly cost of living. Those earning $3,094 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What are typical rents in Gothenburg?
Where you live in Gothenburg makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $1,096; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $860. Overall, the market runs from $860 to $1,096 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Gothenburg?
A regular gym membership in Gothenburg costs around $41.38 monthly. It's a reasonable expense that fits into most budgets, and you generally get decent facilities for the price.
What is a typical grocery budget in Gothenburg?
Expect to spend around $377 per month on groceries in Gothenburg. Neither cheap nor expensive by global standards – everyday items are fairly priced, though imported or specialty products cost more.
Can a person live on $2,000 monthly in Gothenburg?
Living on $2,000 in Gothenburg means careful planning, since monthly costs average $2,063. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
Can you retire comfortably in Gothenburg?
Retirees thrive in Gothenburg – living costs average around $2,063 monthly, healthcare is affordable and accessible, and the overall vibe supports a fulfilling, low-stress retirement.

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