Cost of Living in Sweden - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Sweden
Address: SE

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,832 per month with rent on average in Sweden.

A couple spends around $2,830 per month with rent on average in Sweden.

A family of three spends around $3,827 per month with rent on average in Sweden.

Across 73 cities in Sweden, monthly living costs range from $1,471 to $2,542 – a $1,071 difference that makes location a key factor.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$15.05 SEK 147

$10.75 SEK 105

$21.48 SEK 210

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$85.9 SEK 838

$64.4 SEK 629

$161 SEK 1,572

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.15 SEK 109

$9.90 SEK 96.6

$12.50 SEK 122

Cappuccino

$4.84 SEK 47.25

$2.67 SEK 26.10

$6.95 SEK 67.8

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

$2.88 SEK 28.14

$1.73 SEK 16.93

$4.33 SEK 42.27

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.39 SEK 23.34

$1.62 SEK 15.76

$3.23 SEK 31.52

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.76 SEK 75.8

$5.17 SEK 50.5

$9.83 SEK 96.0

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.83 SEK 76.4

$6.16 SEK 60.1

$9.92 SEK 96.8

Milk (1 liter)

$1.67 SEK 16.33

$1.26 SEK 12.27

$2.19 SEK 21.35

White Bread (500g)

$3.09 SEK 30.12

$1.87 SEK 18.27

$4.60 SEK 44.84

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.72 SEK 36.33

$2.10 SEK 20.44

$5.13 SEK 50.1

Eggs

$4.35 SEK 42.40

$2.91 SEK 28.36

$5.62 SEK 54.8

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.88 SEK 116

$8.33 SEK 81.3

$19.67 SEK 192

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$12.52 SEK 122

$8.03 SEK 78.3

$18.08 SEK 176

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$18.95 SEK 185

$10.57 SEK 103

$31.70 SEK 309

Apples (1kg)

$3.25 SEK 31.68

$1.71 SEK 16.68

$4.27 SEK 41.65

Banana (1kg)

$2.81 SEK 27.44

$2.15 SEK 20.98

$3.76 SEK 36.69

Oranges (1kg)

$3.18 SEK 31.03

$2.11 SEK 20.62

$4.25 SEK 41.43

Tomato (1kg)

$4.42 SEK 43.14

$2.08 SEK 20.32

$6.25 SEK 61.0

Potato (1kg)

$1.75 SEK 17.04

$1.02 SEK 9.99

$2.58 SEK 25.13

Onion (1kg)

$1.76 SEK 17.20

$1.26 SEK 12.27

$2.61 SEK 25.51

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.40 SEK 23.45

$1.59 SEK 15.50

$4.23 SEK 41.31

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.45 SEK 14.11

$0.93 SEK 9.06

$2.58 SEK 25.17

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$8.05 SEK 78.6

$7.30 SEK 71.2

$8.91 SEK 86.9

Wine (Bottle)

$11.44 SEK 112

$8.32 SEK 81.2

$20.71 SEK 202

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.08 SEK 20.28

$1.57 SEK 15.33

$3.14 SEK 30.66

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.25 SEK 21.99

$1.60 SEK 15.65

$3.21 SEK 31.30

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$3.84 SEK 37.51

$3.20 SEK 31.19

$4.59 SEK 44.81

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$91.6 SEK 894

$66.6 SEK 650

$113 SEK 1,102

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$6.29 SEK 61.4

$5.24 SEK 51.1

$10.49 SEK 102

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.91 SEK 18.67

$1.28 SEK 12.45

$4.77 SEK 46.59

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$63.6 SEK 621

$46.66 SEK 455

$84.8 SEK 828

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.99 SEK 19.40

$1.82 SEK 17.72

$2.24 SEK 21.88

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

$32.5K SEK 317.5K

$31.6K SEK 308.3K

$34.8K SEK 339.1K

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

$33.7K SEK 328.6K

$33.6K SEK 327.7K

$36.2K SEK 353.0K

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

$130 SEK 1,264

$67.9 SEK 662

$279 SEK 2,718

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

$28.75 SEK 281

$15.71 SEK 153

$41.90 SEK 409

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$39.16 SEK 382

$26.66 SEK 260

$53.3 SEK 520

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.39 SEK 414

$26.81 SEK 262

$64.3 SEK 628

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$27.24 SEK 266

$19.81 SEK 193

$36.49 SEK 356

Cinema Ticket

$16.82 SEK 164

$14.61 SEK 143

$23.12 SEK 226

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

$152 SEK 1,487

$125 SEK 1,219

$182 SEK 1,778

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$2,648 SEK 25.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$92.5 SEK 903

$41.63 SEK 406

$125 SEK 1,218

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$41.14 SEK 401

$20.85 SEK 203

$62.6 SEK 610

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$104 SEK 1,017

$64.0 SEK 624

$160 SEK 1,560

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$145 SEK 1,419

$72.8 SEK 710

$208 SEK 2,030

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$929 SEK 9,066

$624 SEK 6,092

$1,570 SEK 15.3K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$730 SEK 7,127

$519 SEK 5,066

$1,246 SEK 12.2K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,566 SEK 15.3K

$1,142 SEK 11.1K

$2,743 SEK 26.8K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,186 SEK 11.6K

$828 SEK 8,080

$2,070 SEK 20.2K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$5,273 SEK 51.5K

$3,147 SEK 30.7K

$11.8K SEK 115.4K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,425 SEK 33.4K

$2,245 SEK 21.9K

$7,338 SEK 71.6K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,069 SEK 29.9K

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 22, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A central one-bedroom averages $864 nationally. In Stockholm, expect around $1,588, while Boden – the country's most affordable city overall – comes in at $934.

The average net salary in Sweden is $2,966 – comfortably above average monthly costs of $1,832. 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 $1,471 per month. The capital, Stockholm, sits at $2,542. Across the country, monthly costs span roughly $1,071 between the cheapest and priciest cities.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($1,832) is 37% above the global median of $1,336.

Average rent ($864) is 37% above the global median of $632.

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	$1,179	$1,846	$2,851	$3,825	174.54	192.8
2	Almhult	18039	92	$1,139	$1,859	$2,427	$3,979	98.13	148.34
3	Åtvidaberg	11473	88	$1,093	$1,771	$2,095	$3,678	258.16	129.98
4	Bålsta	13138	81	$827	$1,633	$2,069	$3,433	77.9	216.37
5	Boden	18680	74	$1,091	$1,471	$2,853	$3,140	38.62	147.8
6	Boras	66273	99	$1,120	$1,998	$2,540	$3,619	20.95	210.16
7	Botkyrka	95238	91	$1,182	$1,825	$2,728	$3,726	71	272.27
8	Bromölla	12628	91	$1,124	$1,825	$2,253	$3,854	94.18	156.7
9	Eskilstuna	-	86	$1,051	$1,743	$2,649	$3,569	45.45	213.34
10	Eslov	17748	90	$1,091	$1,795	$2,540	$3,910	64.05	223.07
11	Fagersta	13362	91	$922	$1,811	$2,526	$3,798	27.63	233.49
12	Falköping	16350	91	$1,121	$1,783	$2,254	$3,860	82.2	197.19
13	Falun	39492	107	$1,109	$2,148	$2,392	$4,451	229.61	175.31
14	Gavle	100000	103	$1,126	$2,008	$2,279	$3,992	130.83	244.2
15	Gothenburg	607882	105	$1,197	$2,127	$3,062	$4,305	31.17	257.68
16	Hagfors	11581	93	$995	$1,889	$2,575	$3,877	32.19	144.46
17	Halmstad	55688	87	$919	$1,699	$2,777	$3,627	79.47	147.57
18	Haparanda	4800	91	$1,142	$1,812	$2,725	$3,819	201.38	206.4
19	Härnösand	24689	91	$1,147	$1,814	$2,534	$3,766	289.91	221.15
20	Hässleholm	18500	87	$880	$1,762	$2,490	$3,869	106.01	202.63
21	Helsingborg	93838	89	$908	$1,793	$2,689	$3,830	82.54	210.88
22	Höllviken	10607	89	$990	$1,802	$2,215	$3,737	176.31	234.19
23	Hultsfred	14090	88	$1,011	$1,723	$2,149	$3,591	324.16	137.29
24	Jonkoping	84423	91	$1,007	$1,805	$2,503	$3,889	194.83	176.4
25	Kalix	15734	90	$974	$1,825	$2,900	$3,816	108.59	209.94
26	Kalmar	35170	95	$935	$1,870	$2,103	$3,782	116.04	234.75
27	Karlskrona	35212	88	$897	$1,724	$2,628	$3,598	50.96	166.24
28	Karlstad	62797	89	$1,120	$1,794	$3,007	$3,680	204.06	190.09
29	Kiruna	22454	97	$1,137	$1,954	$3,052	$4,225	54.3	145.55
30	Kista	-	91	$1,074	$1,785	$2,720	$3,740	46.34	270.93
31	Köping	17743	86	$854	$1,744	$2,276	$3,636	101.22	159.22
32	Kristianstad	35711	92	$930	$1,808	$2,639	$3,877	192.01	175.7
33	Landskrona	30499	90	$1,098	$1,785	$2,202	$3,564	33.35	183.96
34	Lidingo	48541	92	$1,118	$1,847	$2,074	$3,690	147.61	245.06
35	Lindesberg	9600	91	$915	$1,829	$2,878	$3,984	284.24	156.54
36	Linkoping	115682	91	$1,072	$1,807	$2,894	$3,796	48.4	214.57
37	Ljungby	28404	89	$1,077	$1,792	$2,804	$3,767	126.95	129.01
38	Ludvika	26343	80	$891	$1,579	$2,652	$3,762	231.19	194.85
39	Lulea	73864	95	$1,035	$1,912	$3,255	$4,113	43.09	156.52
40	Lund	82800	96	$934	$1,922	$2,780	$3,999	49.52	237.81
41	Malmo	316588	104	$1,052	$2,051	$2,895	$4,310	211.82	262.9
42	Marsta	24068	89	$1,093	$1,741	$2,213	$3,642	53	227.44
43	Mölndal	60000	84	$830	$1,691	$2,154	$3,526	136.05	249.84
44	Mora	10896	91	$1,005	$1,825	$2,427	$4,033	307.94	102.11
45	Norrkoping	98088	89	$1,062	$1,786	$2,470	$3,635	95.54	219.39
46	Nyköping	29891	87	$926	$1,754	$2,422	$3,598	256.7	181.24
47	Orebro	98237	84	$896	$1,679	$2,515	$3,768	259.23	222.23
48	Ornskoldsvik	32953	91	$1,046	$1,834	$2,559	$3,804	165.81	102.3
49	Ostersund	44000	92	$945	$1,837	$2,754	$3,790	62.51	225.53
50	Sala	22994	75	$855	$1,472	$2,472	$3,022	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 $2,542 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.