Cost of Living in Sweden - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Sweden
Address: SE

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,853 per month with rent on average in Sweden.

A couple spends around $2,872 per month with rent on average in Sweden.

A family of three spends around $3,890 per month with rent on average in Sweden.

Across 73 cities in Sweden, monthly living costs range from $1,471 to $2,732 – a $1,261 difference that makes location a key factor.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$15.25 SEK 147

$11.57 SEK 111

$21.04 SEK 202

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$83.7 SEK 805

$62.8 SEK 604

$146 SEK 1,409

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.60 SEK 112

$10.55 SEK 101

$12.66 SEK 122

Cappuccino

$4.87 SEK 46.81

$3.15 SEK 30.34

$7.25 SEK 69.8

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.74 SEK 26.36

$1.62 SEK 15.61

$4.06 SEK 39.07

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.28 SEK 21.93

$1.55 SEK 14.91

$3.60 SEK 34.66

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.27 SEK 79.6

$5.17 SEK 49.73

$10.34 SEK 99.5

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.00 SEK 76.9

$6.39 SEK 61.5

$10.66 SEK 103

Milk (1 liter)

$1.73 SEK 16.63

$1.27 SEK 12.23

$2.44 SEK 23.48

White Bread (500g)

$2.96 SEK 28.50

$1.79 SEK 17.22

$5.10 SEK 49.11

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.68 SEK 35.38

$2.07 SEK 19.93

$5.17 SEK 49.78

Eggs

$4.44 SEK 42.75

$2.98 SEK 28.63

$6.26 SEK 60.2

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.16 SEK 117

$8.34 SEK 80.2

$20.84 SEK 201

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$12.24 SEK 118

$7.19 SEK 69.2

$16.68 SEK 160

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$19.82 SEK 191

$11.42 SEK 110

$31.43 SEK 302

Apples (1kg)

$3.28 SEK 31.54

$1.93 SEK 18.59

$4.30 SEK 41.33

Banana (1kg)

$2.63 SEK 25.34

$2.05 SEK 19.76

$3.59 SEK 34.52

Oranges (1kg)

$3.14 SEK 30.25

$2.10 SEK 20.17

$4.95 SEK 47.61

Tomato (1kg)

$4.57 SEK 43.93

$2.12 SEK 20.36

$6.76 SEK 65.1

Potato (1kg)

$1.82 SEK 17.46

$1.05 SEK 10.15

$2.65 SEK 25.46

Onion (1kg)

$1.67 SEK 16.03

$1.13 SEK 10.91

$2.37 SEK 22.76

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.49 SEK 23.98

$1.61 SEK 15.49

$4.29 SEK 41.25

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.50 SEK 14.46

$0.95 SEK 9.12

$2.63 SEK 25.33

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$8.25 SEK 79.4

$7.41 SEK 71.3

$9.42 SEK 90.6

Wine (Bottle)

$11.66 SEK 112

$8.48 SEK 81.6

$20.13 SEK 194

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.07 SEK 19.95

$1.60 SEK 15.43

$3.20 SEK 30.75

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.16 SEK 20.83

$1.56 SEK 15.00

$3.11 SEK 29.90

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$3.89 SEK 37.40

$3.15 SEK 30.32

$4.52 SEK 43.50

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$89.7 SEK 863

$65.7 SEK 632

$111 SEK 1,064

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$6.23 SEK 60.0

$5.11 SEK 49.13

$10.21 SEK 98.3

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.99 SEK 19.17

$1.57 SEK 15.11

$3.15 SEK 30.31

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$61.7 SEK 593

$48.55 SEK 467

$82.6 SEK 795

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.84 SEK 17.68

$1.65 SEK 15.89

$2.05 SEK 19.76

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$34.5K SEK 331.7K

$33.8K SEK 324.7K

$34.5K SEK 331.8K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$34.8K SEK 335.0K

$34.1K SEK 328.3K

$35.5K SEK 341.3K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$137 SEK 1,320

$74.5 SEK 717

$288 SEK 2,769

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$27.79 SEK 267

$13.65 SEK 131

$41.99 SEK 404

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$39.17 SEK 377

$29.76 SEK 286

$51.5 SEK 495

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$41.37 SEK 398

$26.19 SEK 252

$62.9 SEK 605

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$28.44 SEK 274

$21.05 SEK 203

$41.42 SEK 398

Cinema Ticket

$16.38 SEK 158

$14.08 SEK 135

$22.94 SEK 221

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$161 SEK 1,552

$127 SEK 1,225

$196 SEK 1,886

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,771 SEK 45.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$96.4 SEK 927

$51.9 SEK 499

$127 SEK 1,224

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$44.00 SEK 423

$21.15 SEK 203

$74.0 SEK 712

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$105 SEK 1,011

$63.3 SEK 609

$158 SEK 1,522

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$151 SEK 1,448

$82.5 SEK 793

$206 SEK 1,984

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$889 SEK 8,551

$625 SEK 6,013

$1,786 SEK 17.2K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$722 SEK 6,941

$476 SEK 4,580

$1,130 SEK 10.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,496 SEK 14.4K

$1,063 SEK 10.2K

$3,403 SEK 32.7K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,171 SEK 11.3K

$820 SEK 7,893

$1,855 SEK 17.8K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$5,304 SEK 51.0K

$3,145 SEK 30.3K

$11.7K SEK 112.4K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,442 SEK 33.1K

$2,260 SEK 21.7K

$7,384 SEK 71.0K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,116 SEK 30.0K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

3.66

2.8

4.8

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

Last update: September 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A central one-bedroom averages $851 nationally. In Stockholm, expect around $1,787, while Gavle – the country's most affordable city overall – comes in at $583.

The average net salary in Sweden is $3,031 – comfortably above average monthly costs of $1,853. Most full-time workers can cover expenses and save.

Groceries average around $372 per month nationally. A mid-range dinner for two costs about $80.0.

Most affordable: Gavle at $1,471 per month. The capital, Stockholm, sits at $2,732. Across the country, monthly costs span roughly $1,261 between the cheapest and priciest cities.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($1,853) is 35% above the global median of $1,374.

Average rent ($851) is 29% above the global median of $661.

Dining out ($80.0) is 63% above the global median of $49.00.

Public transport ($80.0) is 135% above the global median of $34.00.

By City in Sweden

Lowest

Highest

Rank	City	Population	Living Index	Solo costs (no rent) / month	Solo costs (with rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (no rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (with rent) / month	Mobile download speed (Mbps)	Internet download speed (Mbps)
1	Akersberga	32659	91	$1,155	$1,983	$2,832	$4,146	174.54	192.8
2	Almhult	18039	95	$1,021	$2,023	$2,315	$3,806	98.13	148.34
3	Åtvidaberg	11473	81	$998	$1,768	$2,554	$3,697	258.16	129.98
4	Bålsta	13138	75	$927	$1,626	$2,366	$3,507	77.9	216.37
5	Boden	18680	85	$1,069	$1,805	$2,794	$3,909	38.62	147.8
6	Boras	66273	91	$1,057	$1,996	$2,876	$2,702	20.95	210.16
7	Botkyrka	95238	89	$1,098	$1,894	$2,690	$4,047	71	272.27
8	Bromölla	12628	81	$1,137	$1,740	$2,797	$3,787	94.18	156.7
9	Eskilstuna	-	85	$1,016	$1,856	$2,513	$3,780	45.45	213.34
10	Eslov	17748	82	$1,059	$1,747	$2,745	$3,871	64.05	223.07
11	Fagersta	13362	91	$1,168	$2,004	$2,777	$4,112	27.63	233.49
12	Falköping	16350	70	$1,187	$1,550	$2,390	$3,732	82.2	197.19
13	Falun	39492	103	$1,121	$2,211	$2,790	$4,517	229.61	175.31
14	Gavle	100000	68	$846	$1,471	$2,141	$3,226	130.83	244.2
15	Gothenburg	607882	99	$1,050	$2,128	$2,721	$4,222	31.17	257.68
16	Hagfors	11581	88	$1,155	$1,927	$2,884	$4,005	32.19	144.46
17	Halmstad	55688	78	$1,026	$1,669	$2,322	$3,561	79.47	147.57
18	Haparanda	4800	84	$1,073	$1,806	$2,640	$3,912	201.38	206.4
19	Härnösand	24689	84	$1,094	$1,822	$2,727	$3,876	289.91	221.15
20	Hässleholm	18500	80	$986	$1,746	$2,559	$3,611	106.01	202.63
21	Helsingborg	93838	87	$981	$1,868	$2,704	$3,939	82.54	210.88
22	Höllviken	10607	84	$1,032	$1,837	$2,622	$3,799	176.31	234.19
23	Hultsfred	14090	85	$1,044	$1,828	$2,630	$3,920	324.16	137.29
24	Jonkoping	84423	82	$1,110	$1,798	$2,503	$4,019	194.83	176.4
25	Kalix	15734	84	$1,082	$1,817	$2,670	$3,907	108.59	209.94
26	Kalmar	35170	93	$1,065	$1,981	$2,639	$3,966	116.04	234.75
27	Karlskrona	35212	79	$1,101	$1,705	$2,782	$3,635	50.96	166.24
28	Karlstad	62797	83	$1,219	$1,829	$2,781	$3,736	204.06	190.09
29	Kiruna	22454	85	$1,107	$1,825	$2,999	$4,245	54.3	145.55
30	Kista	-	84	$1,069	$1,783	$2,742	$3,833	46.34	270.93
31	Köping	17743	81	$1,051	$1,721	$2,606	$3,718	101.22	159.22
32	Kristianstad	35711	84	$942	$1,784	$3,009	$3,808	192.01	175.7
33	Landskrona	30499	80	$1,079	$1,706	$2,212	$3,512	33.35	183.96
34	Lidingo	48541	88	$1,086	$1,867	$2,732	$3,999	147.61	245.06
35	Lindesberg	9600	87	$1,116	$1,866	$2,932	$4,108	284.24	156.54
36	Linkoping	115682	81	$943	$1,750	$2,580	$3,853	48.4	214.57
37	Ljungby	28404	76	$926	$1,617	$2,428	$3,573	126.95	129.01
38	Ludvika	26343	75	$953	$1,606	$2,449	$3,761	231.19	194.85
39	Lulea	73864	88	$1,297	$1,919	$3,342	$4,283	43.09	156.52
40	Lund	82800	86	$1,079	$1,854	$2,696	$4,201	49.52	237.81
41	Malmo	316588	98	$1,126	$2,093	$2,860	$4,376	211.82	262.9
42	Marsta	24068	79	$1,006	$1,688	$2,488	$3,623	53	227.44
43	Mölndal	60000	76	$958	$1,630	$2,484	$3,601	136.05	249.84
44	Mora	10896	84	$1,097	$1,819	$2,869	$3,966	307.94	102.11
45	Norrkoping	98088	85	$1,027	$1,858	$2,363	$3,659	95.54	219.39
46	Nyköping	29891	83	$1,067	$1,819	$2,536	$3,761	256.7	181.24
47	Orebro	98237	83	$1,139	$1,765	$2,907	$3,925	259.23	222.23
48	Ornskoldsvik	32953	84	$1,068	$1,829	$2,649	$3,867	165.81	102.3
49	Ostersund	44000	84	$1,075	$1,836	$2,708	$3,833	62.51	225.53
50	Sala	22994	75	$892	$1,641	$2,239	$3,109	26.66	189.5

Sweden Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Cost of Living in Sweden - Frequently Asked Questions

Sweden offers high-quality public services and safety, which can balance higher costs with reliable infrastructure. In general terms, Cost of Living in Sweden tends to reward you if you plan for longer stays and can share housing or opt for longer-term rentals. Cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg offer vibrant work cultures and excellent transit, while smaller towns provide quieter options with lower price pressure. Budget-minded travelers can still stretch a budget by leveraging libraries, free museum days, and seasonal discounts. Tip: Look for neighborhoods near transit hubs or universities to optimize access and price while maintaining life quality.

Daily life blends efficiency with a respect for privacy and nature. Your housing search will involve balancing size, location, and rental terms; outside major cities you may find more space for similar budgets. Food options range from seasonal markets to reliable supermarkets; cooking at home helps you manage costs, while occasional dining out supports local cafes. Transport is straightforward: robust public transit, bike-friendly streets, and commuter trains connect regions. Run errands by clustering trips to save time and travel costs. Sweden living cost varies by city, season, and neighborhood, so tailor routines to your location. Tip: Use seasonality to buy produce when it’s best value and plan ahead for housing and transit needs.

Quality of life hinges on balance: you can enjoy clean systems, safety, and nature by budgeting around core costs. Use a simple framework: fixed costs (housing, utilities) versus flexible spending (eating out, entertainment). In winter, heating needs can reshape monthly plans, so seek well-insulated homes and efficient heat sources. Neighborhood fit matters: central districts offer culture and quick transit but higher rents, while suburbs or university towns often provide more space and value with reliable services. Seasonal activities and markets can keep life affordable and engaging. Tip: track your essential expenses for a few months to spot savings and refine your location choice.

Sweden falls in the middle globally – not a bargain destination, not an expensive one. Costs vary a lot by region, which means it works for a wide range of incomes and lifestyles depending on where you settle.

In 2026, monthly costs in Sweden range from $1,471 in smaller cities to $2,732 in major hubs. Where you choose to live makes a dramatic difference – the gap between cheapest and most expensive cities is huge.

Rent in Sweden varies a lot – Stockholm has the highest prices, and the gap between capital and provincial rents can be 50% or more. Choosing which city to live in is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make.

In regional cities, $2,000 is plenty. In Stockholm? You'll need to plan carefully, especially around housing. Shared apartments or outer neighborhoods are the usual workarounds.

Sweden is mid-range globally, with more affordable cities starting around $1,471 per month. Not the cheapest option out there, but far from the most expensive – a reasonable balance of cost and quality of life.