Cost of Living in Gothenburg - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $2,128 monthly including rent, or $1,050 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,175 with rent, or $1,885 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,222 including rent, or $2,721 for daily expenses alone.

Gothenburg sits 44–55% above the global median across household types. Within Europe, costs are slightly above average (15%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
Do you live in Gothenburg? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$13.76 SEK 132
$11.42 SEK 109
$20.77 SEK 199
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$91.9 SEK 879
$52.5 SEK 502
$126 SEK 1,205
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$12.84 SEK 123
$11.34 SEK 108
$16.40 SEK 157
Cappuccino
$5.06 SEK 48.43
$4.07 SEK 38.92
$7.49 SEK 71.7
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.94 SEK 28.13
$1.78 SEK 17.05
$4.21 SEK 40.27
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.19 SEK 20.93
$1.55 SEK 14.87
$3.61 SEK 34.57
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$7.18 SEK 68.7
$5.10 SEK 48.77
$8.85 SEK 84.7
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.86 SEK 75.2
$6.80 SEK 65.1
$10.48 SEK 100
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.80 SEK 17.18
$1.34 SEK 12.84
$2.58 SEK 24.64
White Bread (500g)
$2.77 SEK 26.50
$1.87 SEK 17.85
$5.18 SEK 49.57
Rice (white) (1kg)
$3.17 SEK 30.28
$2.05 SEK 19.65
$4.11 SEK 39.31
Eggs
$4.10 SEK 39.18
$3.00 SEK 28.67
$5.36 SEK 51.3
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.10 SEK 116
$9.33 SEK 89.3
$14.68 SEK 140
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.67 SEK 112
$9.12 SEK 87.2
$16.29 SEK 156
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$17.76 SEK 170
$12.21 SEK 117
$37.16 SEK 355
Apples (1kg)
$3.23 SEK 30.88
$2.13 SEK 20.36
$4.14 SEK 39.64
Banana (1kg)
$2.64 SEK 25.25
$1.91 SEK 18.26
$3.18 SEK 30.39
Oranges (1kg)
$3.22 SEK 30.78
$1.70 SEK 16.27
$3.83 SEK 36.63
Tomato (1kg)
$4.37 SEK 41.82
$2.06 SEK 19.68
$5.55 SEK 53.1
Potato (1kg)
$1.82 SEK 17.40
$1.24 SEK 11.89
$2.08 SEK 19.88
Onion (1kg)
$1.68 SEK 16.02
$1.22 SEK 11.64
$2.04 SEK 19.47
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.03 SEK 19.38
$1.54 SEK 14.70
$2.43 SEK 23.22
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.78 SEK 17.01
$1.06 SEK 10.16
$3.10 SEK 29.61
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$8.50 SEK 81.3
$8.28 SEK 79.2
$9.14 SEK 87.4
Wine (Bottle)
$14.55 SEK 139
$8.31 SEK 79.5
$20.79 SEK 199
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.20 SEK 21.01
$1.60 SEK 15.35
$3.20 SEK 30.59
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.38 SEK 22.75
$1.62 SEK 15.46
$3.76 SEK 35.95
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$3.85 SEK 36.80
$3.85 SEK 36.80
$3.85 SEK 36.80
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$88.8 SEK 849
$88.8 SEK 849
$88.8 SEK 849
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$6.45 SEK 61.7
$6.45 SEK 61.7
$10.57 SEK 101
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.73 SEK 16.50
$1.73 SEK 16.50
$1.73 SEK 16.50
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$61.3 SEK 586
$61.3 SEK 586
$61.3 SEK 586
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.90 SEK 18.22
$1.69 SEK 16.19
$2.04 SEK 19.47
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$34.0K SEK 324.8K
$34.0K SEK 324.8K
$34.0K SEK 324.8K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$34.4K SEK 328.6K
$34.4K SEK 328.6K
$34.4K SEK 328.6K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$110 SEK 1,052
$82.0 SEK 784
$234 SEK 2,242
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$19.66 SEK 188
$11.37 SEK 109
$52.2 SEK 499
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$36.30 SEK 347
$29.54 SEK 283
$52.7 SEK 504
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$37.94 SEK 363
$26.50 SEK 253
$53.0 SEK 507
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$25.89 SEK 248
$20.72 SEK 198
$31.06 SEK 297
Cinema Ticket
$19.34 SEK 185
$15.35 SEK 147
$22.50 SEK 215
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$230 SEK 2,196
$161 SEK 1,544
$401 SEK 3,833
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$4,554 SEK 43.6K
$4,154 SEK 39.7K
$5,193 SEK 49.7K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$91.0 SEK 870
$41.24 SEK 394
$113 SEK 1,085
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$34.36 SEK 329
$20.84 SEK 199
$72.9 SEK 697
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$94.0 SEK 899
$61.8 SEK 591
$124 SEK 1,182
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$135 SEK 1,294
$71.9 SEK 687
$205 SEK 1,964
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,061 SEK 10.2K
$823 SEK 7,871
$1,337 SEK 12.8K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$961 SEK 9,191
$732 SEK 7,001
$1,150 SEK 11.0K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,849 SEK 17.7K
$1,344 SEK 12.9K
$2,274 SEK 21.8K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,440 SEK 13.8K
$1,036 SEK 9,907
$2,434 SEK 23.3K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$6,496 SEK 62.1K
$5,769 SEK 55.2K
$7,007 SEK 67.0K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$3,613 SEK 34.6K
$2,791 SEK 26.7K
$4,824 SEK 46.1K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,639 SEK 34.8K
-
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: August 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,061 for a central one-bedroom, or $961 outside the center. At 29% of the average salary ($3,639), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $3,639, while typical expenses reach $2,128. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $372 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $92.0 for two – above the European average of $77.0.

Public transport is priced at around $88.8 per month – above the European average of $50.0.

Cost Highlights

Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is cheaper than 90% of cities in Europe

Gothenburg is more expensive than 68% of cities worldwide and 71% 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
City tags:
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 $2,128 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 $2,128 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 $3,639 take-home, most residents in Gothenburg can cover the $2,128 monthly cost of living. Those earning $3,192 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 $1,061; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $961. Overall, the market runs from $961 to $1,061 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Gothenburg?
A regular gym membership in Gothenburg costs around $37.94 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 $372 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 $2,128. 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 $2,128 monthly, healthcare is affordable and accessible, and the overall vibe supports a fulfilling, low-stress retirement.

Gothenburg vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities