Cost of Living in Sweden - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Sweden
Address: SE

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,828 per month with rent on average in Sweden.

A couple spends around $2,831 per month with rent on average in Sweden.

A family of three spends around $3,834 per month with rent on average in Sweden.

Across 73 cities in Sweden, monthly living costs range from $1,448 to $2,582 – a $1,134 difference that makes location a key factor.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$14.86 SEK 143

$10.61 SEK 102

$21.21 SEK 204

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$85.4 SEK 823

$64.1 SEK 617

$160 SEK 1,543

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.45 SEK 110

$10.17 SEK 98.0

$12.84 SEK 124

Cappuccino

$4.82 SEK 46.44

$2.66 SEK 25.65

$6.92 SEK 66.7

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

$2.82 SEK 27.19

$1.70 SEK 16.35

$4.24 SEK 40.84

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.38 SEK 22.90

$1.60 SEK 15.47

$3.21 SEK 30.93

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.04 SEK 77.5

$5.36 SEK 51.7

$10.19 SEK 98.2

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.03 SEK 77.4

$6.31 SEK 60.8

$10.17 SEK 98.0

Milk (1 liter)

$1.70 SEK 16.42

$1.28 SEK 12.34

$2.23 SEK 21.48

White Bread (500g)

$3.13 SEK 30.15

$1.90 SEK 18.29

$4.66 SEK 44.88

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.86 SEK 37.15

$2.17 SEK 20.90

$5.31 SEK 51.2

Eggs

$4.53 SEK 43.66

$3.03 SEK 29.21

$5.86 SEK 56.4

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.07 SEK 116

$8.46 SEK 81.5

$19.98 SEK 193

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$12.20 SEK 118

$7.82 SEK 75.3

$17.61 SEK 170

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$18.93 SEK 182

$10.56 SEK 102

$31.68 SEK 305

Apples (1kg)

$3.15 SEK 30.38

$1.66 SEK 15.99

$4.14 SEK 39.94

Banana (1kg)

$2.84 SEK 27.32

$2.17 SEK 20.89

$3.79 SEK 36.53

Oranges (1kg)

$3.07 SEK 29.59

$2.04 SEK 19.66

$4.10 SEK 39.51

Tomato (1kg)

$4.38 SEK 42.17

$2.06 SEK 19.86

$6.18 SEK 59.6

Potato (1kg)

$1.84 SEK 17.69

$1.08 SEK 10.38

$2.71 SEK 26.09

Onion (1kg)

$1.82 SEK 17.56

$1.30 SEK 12.53

$2.70 SEK 26.05

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.33 SEK 22.50

$1.54 SEK 14.87

$4.11 SEK 39.63

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.46 SEK 14.03

$0.93 SEK 9.01

$2.60 SEK 25.03

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$8.14 SEK 78.5

$7.38 SEK 71.1

$9.01 SEK 86.8

Wine (Bottle)

$11.30 SEK 109

$8.22 SEK 79.2

$20.44 SEK 197

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.11 SEK 20.29

$1.59 SEK 15.34

$3.18 SEK 30.68

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.18 SEK 21.03

$1.55 SEK 14.97

$3.11 SEK 29.94

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$3.71 SEK 35.79

$3.09 SEK 29.76

$4.44 SEK 42.76

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$90.6 SEK 873

$65.8 SEK 634

$112 SEK 1,076

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$6.52 SEK 62.8

$5.43 SEK 52.3

$10.86 SEK 105

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.82 SEK 17.58

$1.22 SEK 11.72

$4.55 SEK 43.85

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$63.0 SEK 607

$46.17 SEK 445

$84.0 SEK 809

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.93 SEK 18.55

$1.76 SEK 16.94

$2.17 SEK 20.92

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

$32.0K SEK 307.9K

$31.0K SEK 298.9K

$34.1K SEK 328.8K

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

$34.8K SEK 335.7K

$34.7K SEK 334.7K

$37.4K SEK 360.6K

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

$127 SEK 1,226

$66.7 SEK 643

$274 SEK 2,637

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

$29.12 SEK 281

$15.91 SEK 153

$42.44 SEK 409

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$38.54 SEK 371

$26.23 SEK 253

$52.5 SEK 506

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$41.63 SEK 401

$26.33 SEK 254

$63.2 SEK 609

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$27.79 SEK 268

$20.21 SEK 195

$37.23 SEK 359

Cinema Ticket

$17.12 SEK 165

$14.87 SEK 143

$23.53 SEK 227

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

$152 SEK 1,466

$125 SEK 1,202

$182 SEK 1,753

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$2,607 SEK 25.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$95.1 SEK 916

$42.78 SEK 412

$128 SEK 1,237

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$41.34 SEK 398

$20.95 SEK 202

$62.9 SEK 606

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$105 SEK 1,009

$64.2 SEK 619

$161 SEK 1,547

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$150 SEK 1,447

$75.2 SEK 724

$215 SEK 2,070

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$941 SEK 9,070

$632 SEK 6,095

$1,591 SEK 15.3K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$744 SEK 7,165

$529 SEK 5,093

$1,268 SEK 12.2K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,565 SEK 15.1K

$1,142 SEK 11.0K

$2,743 SEK 26.4K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,215 SEK 11.7K

$848 SEK 8,174

$2,121 SEK 20.4K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$5,268 SEK 50.8K

$3,144 SEK 30.3K

$11.8K SEK 113.8K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,325 SEK 32.0K

$2,180 SEK 21.0K

$7,124 SEK 68.6K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,114 SEK 30.0K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.52

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

Last update: July 12, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A central one-bedroom averages $868 nationally. In Stockholm, expect around $1,566, while Boden – the country's most affordable city overall – comes in at $938.

The average net salary in Sweden is $2,959 – comfortably above average monthly costs of $1,828. Most full-time workers can cover expenses and save.

Groceries average around $359 per month nationally. A mid-range dinner for two costs about $77.0.

Most affordable: Boden at $1,448 per month. The capital, Stockholm, sits at $2,582. Across the country, monthly costs span roughly $1,134 between the cheapest and priciest cities.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($1,828) is 37% above the global median of $1,336.

Average rent ($868) is 38% above the global median of $631.

Dining out ($77.0) is 60% above the global median of $48.00.

Public transport ($77.0) is 133% above the global median of $33.00.

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	93	$945	$1,827	$2,852	$3,826	174.54	192.8
2	Almhult	18039	92	$1,006	$1,834	$2,740	$3,900	98.13	148.34
3	Åtvidaberg	11473	88	$1,070	$1,728	$2,742	$3,694	258.16	129.98
4	Bålsta	13138	81	$969	$1,609	$2,536	$3,386	77.9	216.37
5	Boden	18680	74	$1,139	$1,448	$2,544	$3,141	38.62	147.8
6	Boras	66273	99	$1,058	$1,958	$2,372	$3,619	20.95	210.16
7	Botkyrka	95238	91	$965	$1,836	$2,610	$3,741	71	272.27
8	Bromölla	12628	91	$1,154	$1,789	$2,637	$3,841	94.18	156.7
9	Eskilstuna	-	86	$1,039	$1,756	$2,677	$3,671	45.45	213.34
10	Eslov	17748	90	$1,102	$1,822	$2,894	$3,884	64.05	223.07
11	Fagersta	13362	91	$1,100	$1,802	$2,350	$3,771	27.63	233.49
12	Falköping	16350	91	$1,007	$1,795	$2,775	$3,722	82.2	197.19
13	Falun	39492	107	$962	$2,183	$2,467	$4,385	229.61	175.31
14	Gavle	100000	103	$1,075	$2,060	$2,533	$3,982	130.83	244.2
15	Gothenburg	607882	105	$1,004	$2,063	$2,915	$4,417	31.17	257.68
16	Hagfors	11581	93	$1,176	$1,873	$3,021	$3,916	32.19	144.46
17	Halmstad	55688	87	$1,087	$1,709	$2,656	$3,608	79.47	147.57
18	Haparanda	4800	91	$975	$1,832	$2,570	$3,753	201.38	206.4
19	Härnösand	24689	91	$1,179	$1,797	$2,910	$3,787	289.91	221.15
20	Hässleholm	18500	87	$989	$1,743	$2,607	$3,822	106.01	202.63
21	Helsingborg	93838	89	$1,041	$1,811	$2,582	$3,829	82.54	210.88
22	Höllviken	10607	89	$1,004	$1,742	$2,376	$3,732	176.31	234.19
23	Hultsfred	14090	88	$884	$1,760	$2,433	$3,639	324.16	137.29
24	Jonkoping	84423	91	$1,092	$1,780	$2,715	$4,010	194.83	176.4
25	Kalix	15734	90	$1,081	$1,792	$2,817	$3,817	108.59	209.94
26	Kalmar	35170	95	$831	$1,926	$2,705	$3,751	116.04	234.75
27	Karlskrona	35212	88	$1,128	$1,727	$2,348	$3,475	50.96	166.24
28	Karlstad	62797	89	$1,225	$1,740	$2,541	$3,710	204.06	190.09
29	Kiruna	22454	97	$1,196	$1,904	$2,617	$4,275	54.3	145.55
30	Kista	-	91	$903	$1,778	$2,712	$3,790	46.34	270.93
31	Köping	17743	86	$981	$1,700	$2,569	$3,564	101.22	159.22
32	Kristianstad	35711	92	$901	$1,797	$2,234	$3,899	192.01	175.7
33	Landskrona	30499	90	$1,064	$1,782	$2,351	$3,483	33.35	183.96
34	Lidingo	48541	92	$905	$1,828	$2,088	$3,620	147.61	245.06
35	Lindesberg	9600	91	$1,104	$1,811	$2,506	$4,015	284.24	156.54
36	Linkoping	115682	91	$1,142	$1,831	$2,577	$3,856	48.4	214.57
37	Ljungby	28404	89	$1,131	$1,805	$2,608	$3,811	126.95	129.01
38	Ludvika	26343	80	$984	$1,578	$2,922	$3,710	231.19	194.85
39	Lulea	73864	95	$1,142	$1,865	$3,142	$4,256	43.09	156.52
40	Lund	82800	96	$996	$1,904	$2,431	$4,156	49.52	237.81
41	Malmo	316588	104	$1,200	$2,081	$2,649	$4,368	211.82	262.9
42	Marsta	24068	89	$1,044	$1,796	$2,734	$3,707	53	227.44
43	Mölndal	60000	84	$823	$1,703	$2,402	$3,621	136.05	249.84
44	Mora	10896	91	$1,168	$1,830	$2,752	$3,988	307.94	102.11
45	Norrkoping	98088	89	$1,174	$1,794	$2,594	$3,657	95.54	219.39
46	Nyköping	29891	87	$942	$1,710	$2,307	$3,688	256.7	181.24
47	Orebro	98237	84	$942	$1,682	$2,871	$3,744	259.23	222.23
48	Ornskoldsvik	32953	91	$973	$1,835	$2,927	$3,776	165.81	102.3
49	Ostersund	44000	92	$1,031	$1,859	$2,724	$3,860	62.51	225.53
50	Sala	22994	75	$876	$1,500	$2,177	$3,021	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 $1,448 in smaller cities to $2,582 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 $1,448 per month. Not the cheapest option out there, but far from the most expensive – a reasonable balance of cost and quality of life.