Cost of Living in Sweden - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Sweden
Address: SE

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,838 per month with rent on average across Sweden.

A couple spends around $2,833 per month with rent on average across Sweden.

A family of three spends around $3,828 per month with rent on average across Sweden.

Across 73 cities in Sweden, monthly living costs range from $1,480 to $2,593 – a $1,113 difference that makes location a key factor.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$14.68 SEK 134

$10.49 SEK 95.8

$20.96 SEK 191

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$85.6 SEK 781

$64.2 SEK 586

$160 SEK 1,465

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.11 SEK 101

$9.86 SEK 90.0

$12.46 SEK 114

Cappuccino

$4.91 SEK 44.82

$2.71 SEK 24.75

$7.05 SEK 64.3

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

$2.87 SEK 26.18

$1.72 SEK 15.75

$4.31 SEK 39.32

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.28 SEK 20.78

$1.54 SEK 14.03

$3.07 SEK 28.06

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.99 SEK 72.9

$5.32 SEK 48.59

$10.12 SEK 92.4

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.99 SEK 73.0

$6.28 SEK 57.4

$10.12 SEK 92.4

Milk (1 liter)

$1.72 SEK 15.73

$1.29 SEK 11.82

$2.25 SEK 20.57

White Bread (500g)

$3.01 SEK 27.50

$1.83 SEK 16.68

$4.48 SEK 40.93

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.70 SEK 33.83

$2.08 SEK 19.03

$5.11 SEK 46.64

Eggs

$4.54 SEK 41.41

$3.03 SEK 27.70

$5.86 SEK 53.5

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.99 SEK 110

$8.41 SEK 76.8

$19.85 SEK 181

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$12.42 SEK 113

$7.96 SEK 72.7

$17.94 SEK 164

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$19.08 SEK 174

$10.64 SEK 97.2

$31.92 SEK 291

Apples (1kg)

$3.12 SEK 28.49

$1.64 SEK 15.00

$4.10 SEK 37.45

Banana (1kg)

$2.82 SEK 25.71

$2.15 SEK 19.65

$3.76 SEK 34.37

Oranges (1kg)

$3.14 SEK 28.64

$2.08 SEK 19.03

$4.19 SEK 38.25

Tomato (1kg)

$4.56 SEK 41.63

$2.15 SEK 19.61

$6.44 SEK 58.8

Potato (1kg)

$1.84 SEK 16.76

$1.08 SEK 9.83

$2.71 SEK 24.71

Onion (1kg)

$1.77 SEK 16.12

$1.26 SEK 11.50

$2.62 SEK 23.91

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.37 SEK 21.65

$1.57 SEK 14.31

$4.18 SEK 38.14

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.46 SEK 13.33

$0.94 SEK 8.56

$2.60 SEK 23.78

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$8.07 SEK 73.7

$7.32 SEK 66.8

$8.93 SEK 81.5

Wine (Bottle)

$12.20 SEK 111

$8.87 SEK 81.0

$21.06 SEK 192

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.05 SEK 18.75

$1.55 SEK 14.17

$3.11 SEK 28.35

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.25 SEK 20.56

$1.60 SEK 14.63

$3.21 SEK 29.27

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$3.74 SEK 34.18

$3.11 SEK 28.42

$4.47 SEK 40.83

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$89.0 SEK 812

$64.7 SEK 590

$110 SEK 1,001

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$6.25 SEK 57.1

$5.20 SEK 47.51

$10.42 SEK 95.1

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.82 SEK 16.60

$1.21 SEK 11.07

$4.54 SEK 41.41

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$63.7 SEK 582

$46.75 SEK 427

$85.0 SEK 776

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.94 SEK 17.68

$1.77 SEK 16.14

$2.18 SEK 19.93

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

$32.0K SEK 291.8K

$31.0K SEK 283.3K

$34.1K SEK 311.7K

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

$34.1K SEK 310.9K

$34.0K SEK 310.1K

$36.6K SEK 334.0K

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

$126 SEK 1,149

$66.0 SEK 602

$271 SEK 2,471

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

$29.08 SEK 266

$15.89 SEK 145

$42.38 SEK 387

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$38.35 SEK 350

$26.11 SEK 238

$52.2 SEK 477

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.23 SEK 386

$26.71 SEK 244

$64.1 SEK 585

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$27.52 SEK 251

$20.01 SEK 183

$36.86 SEK 337

Cinema Ticket

$16.55 SEK 151

$14.37 SEK 131

$22.75 SEK 208

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

$152 SEK 1,384

$124 SEK 1,135

$181 SEK 1,655

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$2,646 SEK 24.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$92.4 SEK 844

$41.57 SEK 380

$125 SEK 1,139

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$40.97 SEK 374

$20.76 SEK 190

$62.3 SEK 569

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$105 SEK 956

$64.2 SEK 586

$161 SEK 1,466

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$146 SEK 1,334

$73.2 SEK 668

$209 SEK 1,908

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$936 SEK 8,543

$629 SEK 5,741

$1,582 SEK 14.4K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$738 SEK 6,739

$525 SEK 4,790

$1,259 SEK 11.5K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,570 SEK 14.3K

$1,146 SEK 10.5K

$2,751 SEK 25.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,228 SEK 11.2K

$858 SEK 7,831

$2,144 SEK 19.6K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$6,410 SEK 58.5K

$3,557 SEK 32.5K

$12.3K SEK 112.7K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,871 SEK 35.3K

$2,496 SEK 22.8K

$7,595 SEK 69.3K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,330 SEK 30.4K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.52

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

Last update: April 14, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A central one-bedroom averages $868 nationally. In Stockholm, expect around $1,563, while Boden – the country's most affordable city overall – comes in at $952.

The average net salary across Sweden is $3,126 – comfortably above average monthly costs of $1,838. Most full-time workers can cover expenses and save.

Groceries average around $361 per month nationally. A mid-range dinner for two costs about $77.

Most affordable: Boden at $1,480 per month. The capital, Stockholm, sits at $2,593. Across the country, monthly costs span roughly $1,113 between the cheapest and priciest cities.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($1,838) is 36% above the global median of $1,347.

Average rent ($868) is 38% above the global median of $629.

Dining out ($77) is 60% above the global median of $48.

Public transport ($77) is 133% above the global median of $33.

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	92	$1,021	$1,862	$2,284	$3,758	174.54	192.8
2	Almhult	18039	92	$1,104	$1,814	$2,990	$3,903	98.13	148.34
3	Boden	18680	74	$1,118	$1,480	$2,460	$3,141	38.62	147.8
4	Boras	66273	99	$1,114	$1,969	$2,646	$3,568	20.95	210.16
5	Botkyrka	95238	90	$938	$1,807	$2,630	$3,741	71	272.27
6	Bromölla	12628	91	$1,096	$1,779	$2,284	$3,843	94.18	156.7
7	Bålsta	13138	81	$906	$1,603	$2,396	$3,456	77.9	216.37
8	Eskilstuna	-	86	$985	$1,709	$2,253	$3,630	45.45	213.34
9	Eslov	17748	90	$1,074	$1,787	$2,598	$3,875	64.05	223.07
10	Fagersta	13362	91	$1,099	$1,839	$2,939	$3,737	27.63	233.49
11	Falköping	16350	91	$913	$1,839	$2,596	$3,800	82.2	197.19
12	Falun	39492	108	$1,161	$2,178	$2,861	$4,376	229.61	175.31
13	Gavle	100000	101	$954	$2,057	$2,455	$3,951	130.83	244.2
14	Gothenburg	607882	105	$1,094	$2,051	$2,819	$4,379	31.17	257.68
15	Hagfors	11581	93	$1,161	$1,876	$3,072	$3,904	32.19	144.46
16	Halmstad	55688	87	$1,104	$1,761	$2,625	$3,688	79.47	147.57
17	Haparanda	4800	91	$1,067	$1,837	$2,954	$3,771	201.38	206.4
18	Helsingborg	93838	89	$1,029	$1,770	$2,524	$3,807	82.54	210.88
19	Hultsfred	14090	88	$1,063	$1,757	$2,419	$3,673	324.16	137.29
20	Härnösand	24689	91	$1,149	$1,789	$2,380	$3,728	289.91	221.15
21	Hässleholm	18500	87	$1,118	$1,774	$2,745	$3,774	106.01	202.63
22	Höllviken	10607	89	$981	$1,770	$2,408	$3,626	176.31	234.19
23	Jonkoping	84423	91	$927	$1,800	$2,560	$3,969	194.83	176.4
24	Kalix	15734	90	$1,048	$1,825	$2,486	$3,787	108.59	209.94
25	Kalmar	35170	95	$1,028	$1,926	$2,718	$3,818	116.04	234.75
26	Karlskrona	35212	88	$873	$1,742	$2,257	$3,564	50.96	166.24
27	Karlstad	62797	89	$1,087	$1,786	$3,032	$3,615	204.06	190.09
28	Kiruna	22454	97	$1,116	$1,916	$3,326	$4,236	54.3	145.55
29	Kista	-	91	$914	$1,813	$2,878	$3,767	46.34	270.93
30	Kristianstad	35711	92	$1,111	$1,853	$2,604	$3,797	192.01	175.7
31	Köping	17743	86	$1,059	$1,708	$2,383	$3,613	101.22	159.22
32	Landskrona	30499	90	$1,105	$1,802	$2,194	$3,544	33.35	183.96
33	Lidingo	48541	92	$1,055	$1,820	$2,477	$3,648	147.61	245.06
34	Lindesberg	9600	93	$1,209	$1,818	$2,594	$4,050	284.24	156.54
35	Linkoping	115682	91	$1,105	$1,797	$2,639	$3,821	48.4	214.57
36	Ljungby	28404	89	$1,067	$1,815	$2,359	$3,830	126.95	129.01
37	Ludvika	26343	80	$1,185	$1,578	$2,233	$3,745	231.19	194.85
38	Lulea	73864	95	$1,158	$1,914	$3,291	$4,177	43.09	156.52
39	Lund	82800	96	$1,037	$1,929	$2,594	$4,107	49.52	237.81
40	Malmo	316588	104	$1,162	$2,107	$2,862	$4,430	211.82	262.9
41	Marsta	24068	89	$1,165	$1,784	$2,444	$3,703	53	227.44
42	Mora	10896	97	$927	$1,940	$3,088	$4,142	307.94	102.11
43	Mölndal	60000	84	$990	$1,704	$2,443	$3,560	136.05	249.84
44	Norrkoping	98088	89	$1,088	$1,780	$3,007	$3,599	95.54	219.39
45	Nyköping	29891	87	$864	$1,708	$2,371	$3,600	256.7	181.24
46	Orebro	98237	84	$1,062	$1,657	$2,631	$3,838	259.23	222.23
47	Ornskoldsvik	32953	91	$1,109	$1,794	$2,501	$3,857	165.81	102.3
48	Ostersund	44000	92	$923	$1,854	$2,808	$3,855	62.51	225.53
49	Sala	22994	75	$749	$1,489	$2,371	$2,978	26.66	189.5
50	Skelleftea	32775	106	$979	$2,139	$2,582	$4,226	58.02	114.26

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 $1,480 in smaller cities to $2,593 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, $1,500 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 $1,480 per month. Not the cheapest option out there, but far from the most expensive – a reasonable balance of cost and quality of life.