Last update: Oct 2026 Sweden 316.6K

Cost of Living in Malmo

For one person, living costs in Malmo are estimated at $2,031 a month, including rent and utilities, which take just under half of the total. Other living expenses average about $36 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Malmo

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Malmo actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $2,031 per month with rent, or $1,086 for everyday expenses alone.

$2,031 /mo

A couple spends around $3,108 per month with rent, or $1,889 for everyday expenses alone.

$3,108 /mo

A family of three spends around $4,185 per month with rent, or $2,693 without housing.

$4,185 /mo

Overall, Malmo is about 50% above the global median. Within Europe, costs are 16% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Currency
Do you live in Malmo? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$15.01 SEK 149
$12.01 SEK 119
$20.01 SEK 198
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$74.8 SEK 741
$59.4 SEK 588
$98.9 SEK 980
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$12.13 SEK 120
$9.14 SEK 90.5
$12.13 SEK 120
Cappuccino
$4.98 SEK 49.36
$3.59 SEK 35.59
$6.66 SEK 66.0
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.44 SEK 34.07
$2.85 SEK 28.21
$4.98 SEK 49.34
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.65 SEK 26.24
$1.50 SEK 14.87
$3.91 SEK 38.71
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$8.49 SEK 84.1
$5.99 SEK 59.4
$10.98 SEK 109
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$9.01 SEK 89.3
$7.09 SEK 70.2
$11.14 SEK 110
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.65 SEK 16.38
$1.37 SEK 13.55
$2.25 SEK 22.33
White Bread (500g)
$2.80 SEK 27.74
$2.42 SEK 23.98
$3.87 SEK 38.33
Rice (white) (1kg)
$3.44 SEK 34.08
$2.83 SEK 28.05
$4.04 SEK 40.01
Eggs
$3.98 SEK 39.43
$2.35 SEK 23.33
$4.71 SEK 46.66
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.86 SEK 127
$9.99 SEK 99.0
$19.97 SEK 198
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$12.07 SEK 120
$5.54 SEK 54.9
$17.12 SEK 170
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$21.13 SEK 209
$14.89 SEK 148
$29.77 SEK 295
Apples (1kg)
$2.98 SEK 29.53
$1.50 SEK 14.82
$3.50 SEK 34.70
Banana (1kg)
$2.59 SEK 25.63
$2.03 SEK 20.16
$3.06 SEK 30.29
Oranges (1kg)
$2.98 SEK 29.50
$1.97 SEK 19.51
$3.94 SEK 39.01
Tomato (1kg)
$4.29 SEK 42.46
$3.29 SEK 32.62
$5.00 SEK 49.52
Potato (1kg)
$1.63 SEK 16.12
$0.89 SEK 8.79
$1.96 SEK 19.44
Onion (1kg)
$1.52 SEK 15.03
$0.71 SEK 7.01
$1.81 SEK 17.93
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.44 SEK 24.20
$1.76 SEK 17.46
$3.92 SEK 38.83
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.17 SEK 11.56
$0.87 SEK 8.67
$1.45 SEK 14.35
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$7.83 SEK 77.6
$7.73 SEK 76.6
$8.62 SEK 85.5
Wine (Bottle)
$11.49 SEK 114
$9.04 SEK 89.6
$16.08 SEK 159
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.94 SEK 19.21
$1.45 SEK 14.38
$2.91 SEK 28.86
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.33 SEK 23.04
$1.71 SEK 16.93
$3.02 SEK 29.95
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$3.12 SEK 30.89
$3.02 SEK 29.93
$3.12 SEK 30.89
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$64.3 SEK 637
$64.3 SEK 637
$97.8 SEK 969
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$6.36 SEK 63.1
$6.05 SEK 60.0
$6.66 SEK 66.0
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.47 SEK 24.48
$2.47 SEK 24.48
$2.93 SEK 28.99
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$49.15 SEK 487
$46.20 SEK 458
$59.0 SEK 584
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.78 SEK 17.68
$1.63 SEK 16.17
$1.97 SEK 19.50
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$32.7K SEK 323.9K
$32.7K SEK 323.9K
$32.7K SEK 323.9K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$33.3K SEK 330.1K
$33.3K SEK 330.1K
$33.4K SEK 331.3K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$139 SEK 1,377
$94.5 SEK 936
$210 SEK 2,081
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$25.01 SEK 248
$13.86 SEK 137
$39.62 SEK 393
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$38.88 SEK 385
$29.47 SEK 292
$59.1 SEK 586
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$40.60 SEK 402
$30.13 SEK 299
$60.5 SEK 599
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$29.04 SEK 288
$21.78 SEK 216
$31.68 SEK 314
Cinema Ticket
$16.99 SEK 168
$14.65 SEK 145
$18.07 SEK 179
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$168 SEK 1,667
$148 SEK 1,471
$178 SEK 1,765
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$3,337 SEK 33.1K
$3,337 SEK 33.1K
$3,337 SEK 33.1K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$97.8 SEK 969
$78.3 SEK 775
$113 SEK 1,115
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$44.17 SEK 438
$39.18 SEK 388
$78.4 SEK 776
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$111 SEK 1,097
$59.8 SEK 593
$150 SEK 1,481
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$151 SEK 1,493
$117 SEK 1,164
$176 SEK 1,746
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,059 SEK 10.5K
$900 SEK 8,919
$1,300 SEK 12.9K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$806 SEK 7,989
$689 SEK 6,832
$968 SEK 9,594
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,720 SEK 17.0K
$1,485 SEK 14.7K
$2,000 SEK 19.8K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,354 SEK 13.4K
$1,195 SEK 11.8K
$1,524 SEK 15.1K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$4,083 SEK 40.5K
$3,962 SEK 39.3K
$5,058 SEK 50.1K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$3,100 SEK 30.7K
$2,841 SEK 28.1K
$3,360 SEK 33.3K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,978 SEK 29.5K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
3.05
2.8
4.1

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

Last update: October 12, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Malmo $2,031
Accommodation & Living
$806
Groceries & Markets
$369
Eating Out
$301
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$203
Clothing & Footwear
$181
Getting Around
$96
Sport & Entertainment
$75

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,059, dropping to $806 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 36% of the average salary ($2,978) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $2,978. With monthly costs around $2,031, saving is possible but often limited. A more comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $3,047.

Groceries cost around $369 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $75.0 – broadly in line with the European average.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $64.3 – above the European average of $49.00.

Cost Highlights

Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is cheaper than 94% of cities in Europe

Local beer is more expensive than 93% of cities in Europe

Cappuccino is more expensive than 90% of cities in Europe

Good to know
🕒 Local time
04:04 4:04 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
316,588
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to SEK – Swedish Krona Converter

Swedish Krona exchange rates as of October 18, 2026: 1 USD = 9.91 SEK (1 SEK = 0.101 USD). 1 EUR = 11.14 SEK (100 SEK = 8.98 EUR).

On the map
From you
  • Malmo

Distances are measured in a straight line. Your location is detected approximately.

Malmo 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 Malmo - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malmo a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads compared with other Nordic cities?
In general, Malmo offers a balanced mix of affordability and quality with reliable public services and a walkable core. You will find housing options from compact studios to shared flats, and groceries that let you plan a predictable daily budget. The Cost of Living in Malmo, Sweden sits in the mid-to-upper European range, with accessible transit and a lively but compact city center. For longer stays, target neighborhoods near work or study hubs and use bikes or trains to keep daily costs predictable. Tip: test several neighborhoods over a few weeks to gauge vibe, commute time, and noise levels.
What does daily life look like for someone living in Malmo – housing search, food options, transport, and coworking?
Daily life centers on a compact, bike-friendly city with efficient transit and a cafe culture. For housing, start with shared apartments or studios in neighborhoods like Västra Hamnen, Möllevången, or Gamla Stan, noting vibe and proximity to work or study. Food options range from supermarket staples to seasonal markets and affordable eateries; cooking at home stays economical. Public transport is reliable, and cycling is popular year-round, with a growing network of protected lanes. If you work remotely, look for coworking spaces near your chosen area and short-term sublets to try out a neighborhood before committing. Malmo, Sweden living cost helps you calibrate your plan. Tip: choose a base near your work and test commute times before signing a longer lease.
How can you maximize quality of life in Malmo through budgeting, seasonality, and neighborhood fit?
Build a simple budgeting framework that covers groceries, transit, and essentials, then adjust as you explore neighborhoods. Seasonality shifts how you spend time and money: winter brings cozy cafes, indoor events, and longer evenings; summer offers parks, markets, and outdoor dining that can shift your budget toward experiences. For neighborhood fit, weigh proximity to parks, coworking or broadband access, and the balance of quiet streets versus nightlife. Practical tips include trying short-term leases, tapping into expat or student networks for furnished options, and favoring areas with good transit links to your frequently visited spots. Tip: keep a flexible plan and track your actual spending for a few weeks to refine your budget.
Is Malmo worth the cost of living?
Malmo is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $2,031. For most residents, that's a fair trade: urban amenities, services, and job access without major-hub prices.
Is Malmo expensive to live in?
Malmo sits squarely in the middle of the price spectrum – not cheap, not expensive. Monthly costs with rent tend to hover around $2,031, which most working professionals can handle without feeling financially squeezed.
What is the average salary in Malmo?
After taxes, the average worker in Malmo takes home about $2,978 per month. Of course, that varies a lot by industry and experience – tech and finance pay well above this, while service jobs often fall below it.
Is rent high in Malmo?
Rent in Malmo is middle-of-the-road – 1-bedroom apartments fall between $806 and $1,059 per month. Not cheap, not outrageous, with reasonable options across most neighborhoods.
Is food expensive in Malmo?
Grocery spending in Malmo lands around $369 per month for one person – not cheap, not expensive. Local produce and staples are fairly priced, though imported goods and specialty items cost more. Overall, food is a manageable part of the budget.
How much is public transport in Malmo?
Getting around Malmo by public transport costs about $64.3 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can a person live on $2,000 monthly in Malmo?
$2,000 is below the $2,031 average in Malmo, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
Is Malmo good for families with children?
Malmo is a solid pick for families. Childcare runs about $168 per month, and there's good access to parks, schools, and family-oriented services. Most neighborhoods are safe and walkable, which makes daily family life practical.

Malmo vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities

Show times on the 12-hour clock, temperatures in °F and distances in miles?