Before moving to a new country, it is worth researching the living conditions and the cost of basic needs. Find out more about the cost of living in Sweden, where to look for rental accommodation and how much food costs

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Often, when someone thinks about moving to Sweden, the first thing that comes to mind is that living in this European country is very expensive. However, this is not entirely true. Tourist restaurants and shops are expensive, but the cost of living in Sweden is lower than in 79% of Western European countries.

The country's capital, Stockholm, is by far the most expensive city. In 2024, it was ranked 102nd out of 226 cities in the Mercer Cost of Living study. In 2021, Stockholm was ranked 72nd. It is worth noting that the capital is cheaper than cities such as Brussels, Luxembourg, and Madrid, but more expensive than Barcelona, Prague, and Toronto.

For more informationon the nuances of moving to Sweden in 2024 for Ukrainians and the conditions for obtaining a family reunification visa in Sweden, please follow the links.

Expats should also be aware that in 2024, Sweden is actively fighting the labour shortage in the country. The list of vacancies available for foreigners in Sweden can be found here.

Cost of living in Sweden: House rent prices

As in most European countries, renting a house in Sweden will be the largest item of expenditure, accounting for more than 30% of the budget. The price of an apartment depends on the municipality, the rental area - city or village - and the size of the apartment.

In small towns, an apartment can be rented for 650-1,000 euros (5,000-11,000 SEK). In the centre of Stockholm, for example, a one-bedroom apartment will cost between EUR 1,000 and EUR 2,000 per month (SEK 10,000 to SEK 20,000). Private houses, in turn, will cost from 1,000 to 2,500 euros.

Living in the suburbs is cheaper than living in the central parts.

Rental property in Sweden is in great demand. It is quite difficult to rent from the owner. Expats often rent short-term accommodation after moving to Sweden to have a little more time to find the right place. When signing the agreement, the owner may request an employment contract and proof of income. Some landlords additionally require a guarantor if they think your income is too low. Paying the first and last month's rent upon moving in is a common request.

The average cost of utilities will be between 90 and 200 euros per month (SEK 1,000-2,000). An interesting fact is that in Sweden you can choose a company that will provide you with utilities. You can compare prices here. However, most often the cost of these services is already included in the lease agreement.

Internet costs about 30 euros (350 SEK) per month.

Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the city, district and other factors. It is also important to understand that Sweden has a waiting list system for housing, especially in larger cities, which can make it difficult to find a rental.

Websites for finding accommodation in Sweden:

- Boplats Göteborg;

- Blocket Bostad;

- Qasa;

- Hemnet;

- Samtrygg.

For a successful move and avoidance of troubles, it is worth contacting specialists. The lawyers of Visit Ukraine provide full support and advice on visa and migration issues to successfully resolve any nuances.

Food prices in Sweden

Food prices in Sweden are above average. A family of three should expect to spend 600 - 800 euros (7,000 - 9,000 SEK) per month.

Prices for locally produced goods are quite moderate. The cost of imported products is much higher, due to logistical issues. Large European supermarket chains operate in the country. It is cheaper to buy food there than in small shops or markets in Sweden.

Approximate prices for basic products in Sweden:

● 1 litre of milk - from 1 to 1.50 euros;

● сhicken fillet 1 kg - from 8 to 11 euros;

● 1 kg of potatoes - from 1 to 1.50 euros;

● bread - from 2 to 3 euros;

● 10 eggs - from 2 to 3 euros;

● rice 1 kg - up to 2 euros;

● 1 litre of oil - from 2.5 to 3.5 euros.

A standard dinner in an inexpensive restaurant will cost 30-35 euros (300-400 CZK) per person, while a 3-course meal in a middle-class restaurant will cost 70 euros (800 CZK). A cappuccino costs 2.75-4.5 euros (30-50 SEK), a 0.5-litre bottle of beer from 4.5 to 7 euros (50 to 75 SEK).

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Sweden: transport prices and petrol costs

The public transport system in Sweden is very developed. Most of the costs are financed by the state. A single ticket costs 3.5 euros (39 kronor). A month's travel card in Stockholm will cost 85.38 euros (970 SEK).

Travelling by car is much more expensive.

Fuel prices in the country are as follows: 95 petrol - 1.67 - 1.85 euros (19 - 21 kronor), 98 petrol - 1.76 - 2 euros (20-22 kronor), diesel - . 1.76 - 2 euros (20-22 kroons).

Parking costs are also significant.

Read about parking rules in Sweden that will help you avoid fines here.

Keep in mind that a Green Card is a prerequisite for legal travel in Sweden by car. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can apply for a Green Card online from a licensed insurer. Packages are available for different periods from 15 days to 1 year for cars and trucks, trailers and semi-trailers for trucks, as well as motorcycles and scooters.

Medical services in Sweden

Sweden has one of the best publicly funded healthcare systems in the world. All permanent residents of Sweden, including expats, have access to the healthcare system.

The co-payment for a doctor's consultation for insured persons is minimal, 18-26 euros (200-300 kronor). The state also covers a significant percentage of the cost of prescription drugs.

If you need urgent medical care but do not yet have a Swedish tax number, you can receive treatment at a local emergency centre (närakut).

Formore informationon how the healthcare system works in Sweden, please follow the link.

Summarising the approximate prices for basic needs in Sweden, the average budget for a family of 2 people will be between 2,500 and 3,000 euros per month.

Take care of your health when travelling to Europe with health insurance from Visit Ukraine, which guarantees reliable protection. Ensure your peace of mind while travelling.

Just a reminder. The Swedish government, as part of the new migration reform, has taken the initiative to increase benefits for refugees who decide to return to their homeland voluntarily. Read more about the terms of the programme and its impact on refugees here.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine

In order to organize a trip, ensure a safe move and successful employment in a new country, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations when traveling abroad.

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