For one person, living costs in Gothenburg are estimated at $2,042 a month, including rent and utilities, which take about half of the total. Other living expenses average about $33 a day.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Gothenburg actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
Living costs for one person come to about $2,042 monthly including rent, or $1,001 excluding housing.
$2,042 /mo
Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,064 with rent, or $1,795 without housing.
$3,064 /mo
Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,086 including rent, or $2,589 for daily expenses alone.
$4,086 /mo
📊
Gothenburg sits 44–52% above the global median across household types. Within Europe, costs are slightly above average (15%) – still relatively affordable for the region.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$32.4KSEK 323.8K
$32.4KSEK 323.8K
$32.4KSEK 323.8K
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$33.4KSEK 333.8K
$33.4KSEK 333.8K
$33.4KSEK 333.8K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$101SEK 1,013
$75.5SEK 755
$216SEK 2,158
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$19.36SEK 194
$10.82SEK 108
$49.60SEK 496
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$33.87SEK 339
$26.77SEK 268
$50.5SEK 505
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$34.60SEK 346
$24.70SEK 247
$49.40SEK 494
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$24.33SEK 243
$19.96SEK 200
$24.95SEK 249
Cinema Ticket
$18.36SEK 183
$14.92SEK 149
$21.89SEK 219
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$223SEK 2,229
$157SEK 1,567
$389SEK 3,891
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$4,448SEK 44.5K
$4,057SEK 40.6K
$5,072SEK 50.7K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$87.0SEK 869
$39.43SEK 394
$108SEK 1,084
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$33.02SEK 330
$20.02SEK 200
$70.1SEK 700
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$85.8SEK 857
$58.7SEK 586
$117SEK 1,173
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$132SEK 1,323
$70.3SEK 703
$201SEK 2,008
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,035SEK 10.3K
$802SEK 8,020
$1,304SEK 13.0K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$928SEK 9,275
$707SEK 7,066
$1,111SEK 11.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,768SEK 17.7K
$1,285SEK 12.8K
$2,174SEK 21.7K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$1,386SEK 13.9K
$997SEK 9,966
$2,343SEK 23.4K
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$6,117SEK 61.2K
$5,434SEK 54.3K
$6,599SEK 66.0K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$3,377SEK 33.8K
$2,608SEK 26.1K
$4,509SEK 45.1K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$3,444SEK 34.4K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
3.06
2.8
3.9
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 3, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Gothenburg$2,042
Gothenburg$4,086
🏠Accommodation & Living
$928 45.4%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$355 17.4%
🍽Eating Out
$267 13.1%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$155 7.6%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$152 7.4%
🚌Getting Around
$115 5.6%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$71 3.5%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$1.4K 34.2%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$816 20.1%
🍽Eating Out
$941 23.2%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$174 4.3%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$338 8.3%
🚌Getting Around
$237 5.8%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$167 4.1%
Cost Breakdown
🏠Expect to pay about $1,035 for a central one-bedroom, or $928 outside the center. At 30% of the average salary ($3,444), housing is the biggest financial pressure.
💰Average take-home pay sits at $3,444, while typical expenses reach $2,042. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.
🛒Expect to spend about $355 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $83.0 for two – broadly in line with the European average.
🚌Public transport is priced at around $86.4 per month – above the European average of $49.00.
Cost Highlights
⭐Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is cheaper than 90% of cities in Europe
⭐Gothenburg is more expensive than 67% of cities worldwide and 70% within Europe.
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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 $2,042 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 $2,042 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 $3,444 take-home, most residents in Gothenburg can cover the $2,042 monthly cost of living. Those earning $3,063 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 $1,035; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $928. Overall, the market runs from $928 to $1,035 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Gothenburg?
A regular gym membership in Gothenburg costs around $34.60 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 $355 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 $2,042. 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 $2,042 monthly, healthcare is affordable and accessible, and the overall vibe supports a fulfilling, low-stress retirement.
Gothenburg vs other spots: cost of living compared