7 Key Factors to Understand the Cost of Living in Stockholm: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're thinking about moving to Sweden, or are simply curious about the cost of living in Stockholm, this guide is for you! You'll find here the factors that impact the cost of living in Stockholm, covering everything from housing prices and salaries in Stockholm to day-to-day expenses.

This blog post aims to give you a realistic picture of the cost of living in Stockholm. I've been living in Stockholm for over five years and have traveled to many countries, so I understand what to consider when looking at the cost of living. This experience provided me with practical insights into what living and spending in Stockholm is like.

Overview of Living in Stockholm

While I've only lived in Stockholm, the largest city in Sweden, and not in other Swedish cities, my experiences here have been significant. Stockholm is my new home where I relax and unwind; I love the slow pace of life here. There are pros and cons to living in Stockholm, and sometimes I consider moving.

But, to answer the question of whether Stockholm is expensive: yes, it is expensive to live here.

If you work in Stockholm, the salary typically compensates for the high living costs. However, compared to Stockholm, you'll find that other cities outside of Sweden are more affordable.

Salaries in Stockholm

Stockholm has the highest average salary in Sweden, at about 43,000 SEK per month, according to SCB (Statistics Sweden) data. It's interesting to see the variation in salaries across different fields. Typically, industries like IT, finance, and engineering offer higher pay than others. Factors such as your experience, education level, and the specific company or industry play a significant role in determining salary.

Given that Stockholm has the highest average salary in Sweden, it's important to factor in earning potential when evaluating the cost of living in Stockholm. This will help you gain a better understanding of the financial dynamics of living in the city.

Here are some resources for more information on salaries per specific occupations:

• Average monthly salary by occupation (English)
• Wage Salary (Swedish)
• Market Wages (Swedish)

To give you a personal benchmark, when I moved to Sweden in 2018, my salary was 36,000 SEK per month. This was with a bachelor's degree and four years of professional experience.

Average Rent in Stockholm

Many people curious about the cost of living in Stockholm often inquire about rent prices, as it's common for the monthly rent to consume the largest portion of one's income. Rental prices in Stockholm vary based on factors such as location, size, and the condition of the apartment. To manage the overall cost of living more effectively and save on rent, consider finding an apartment outside the city center.

Related Posts

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How to Find an Apartment in Stockholm

02

My First Apartment in Stockholm

03

Our Experience in Buying an Apartment in Stockholm

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Reasons to Move to Sweden

READ MORE ABOUT LIVING IN SWEDEN

Food Prices in Stockholm

Groceries in Stockholm have an average monthly cost for a single person estimated at around 2,500 SEK. If you're dining out, you can expect to pay about 250 SEK per person at a mid-range restaurant. For those on a tighter budget, more affordable dining options are available, with prices as low as 150 SEK per person.

I often use The Fork app to discover restaurants, many of which offer discounts, including some with offers of up to 50% off their menu.

Supermarkets in Sweden

Find out the most affordable supermarkets in Sweden. Get tips on where to shop for the best deals and value for your grocery budget.

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo

Utility and Other Living Costs in Stockholm

Some rental apartments in Stockholm include utility costs in the rent. This includes electricity, water, heating, and garbage disposal. If you want to know more about each utility expense, here's a breakdown:

Electricity

The average electricity rate in Stockholm is around 61.09 öre per kWh. For a 50sqm apartment with two people, you're likely to spend approximately 164.88 SEK per month on electricity. Your total costs can vary based on usage and the electricity plan you choose.

Use Compricer to find the best deals and select a suitable electricity provider.They can also assist in choosing the right electricity contract.

Internet or Broadband

Internet provider availability varies by location. In my building, Telenor is the only option, and though I'm not entirely satisfied with their service, I have no other choice. For a 500 Mbps connection, I pay 149 kr per month.

Use Compricer to find out which internet providers are available in your area.

Mobile Phone Subscription

Cellphone plan prices differ depending on the network operator and your chosen plan. I haven't compiled a full guide on mobile phone subscriptions in Sweden yet, but here are some network operators you can find in Sweden:

• Comviq
• Halebop
• Hallon
• Telenor
• Telia
• Tre
• Vimla

Use Compricer to find out which internet providers are available in your area.

Månadsavgift (Monthly Fee)

If you own an apartment, you'll pay a monthly fee, known as månadsavgift, to the building's association. This fee covers the association's operating costs like repairs, amortization, and garbage collection. The costs depend on your share in the condominium association, calculated differently across associations. Factors like the apartment size, having a balcony or the unit's location also play a part in determining the cost.

For newly-built apartments, it's common to encounter a higher fee. However, expect this to decrease over a few years.

Insurances

In addition to standard utility costs, it's essential to consider various types of insurance when living in Stockholm. These include:

• Home Insurance
• Unemployment Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Car Insurance

Click here for a comprehensive overview of insurance options available in Sweden.

Public Transportation Costs

Stockholm's public transportation system could be better, but at least, they offer a range of options including buses, trams, commuter trains, metro, and boats.

Public Transport Passes and Costs

• A single ticket valid for 75 minutes costs about 39 SEK.
• Monthly pass: 970 SEK
• Other pass options include 24 hours (165 SEK), 72 hours (330 SEK), 7 days (430 SEK), 90 days (2,810 SEK), and annual (10,190 SEK).

Their prices increase every January but the quality of service is still the same.

Biking in Stockholm

Biking is a popular and cost-effective mode of transportation, especially in the spring and summer. You can also find rental services or purchase bikes at stores like XXL, Intersport, Decathlon, and Bikester.

Electric Scooters

A trendy option in the inner city, electric scooters are available for rent from companies like Voi, Bolt, Bird, Tier, and Lime. Rates are generally charged per minute, providing a convenient option for quick trips.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

For those who prefer a taxi, services like Uber, Bolt, Taxi Stockholm, Sverigetaxi, and Taxi Kurir are available. While more expensive than public transport, they offer convenience and direct routes. Approximate fares for common destinations can be checked via their respective apps or websites.

Airport Travel

Traveling between Stockholm Arlanda Airport and Stockholm City includes options like Flygbussarna airport buses, Flixbus, Arlanda Express, Uber/Bolt, and Taxi Stockholm. Each has different pricing, with Arlanda Express being the fastest but also more expensive.

Healthcare Costs in Stockholm

Sweden's universal healthcare system offers affordable care to all residents. While public healthcare is subsidized through taxes, patients are still responsible for paying a nominal fee for certain services. For those seeking more exclusive care, private healthcare is available, albeit at a higher cost.

Many people in Stockholm, like me, now opt for convenient video appointments with doctors. Platforms like KRY and Doktor.se allow you to easily book such appointments. Both websites and apps are user-friendly, enabling you to consult with licensed doctors from the comfort of your home.

Pharmacies in Sweden

For medication needs,MEDS is a reliable online pharmacy where I frequently order both prescription and non-prescription medicines. Another good option is Apohem.

Healthcare and medicines in Sweden are affordable compared to other countries.

Accessing Public Healthcare

If you're a registered resident in Sweden with a personnummer, accessing public healthcare is straightforward via 1177. This platform allows you to book appointments online, chat with healthcare professionals, and receive medical advice over the phone. It's also where you can find local healthcare services and providers.

High-Cost Protection

Sweden has a high-cost protection (högkostnadsskydd) scheme in place for both outpatient care and medications. This means that for outpatient care, you will pay a maximum of 1,300 SEK for visits within twelve months. This system helps to cap your healthcare expenses, making them more manageable.

Healthcare in Sweden is especially affordable if you utilize the public system. Most employers also provide private healthcare to their employees.

Initially, you should budget approximately 1,300 SEK per year to cover your healthcare needs until you reach the high-cost protection limit.

Education Costs

If you are moving to Stockholm with kids, you need to understand the costs associated with their education. Sweden offers a range of educational options, from public to private institutions, each with varying costs.

Parents in Sweden receive a child allowance (barnbidrag)every month until the child reaches the age of 16. This benefit is available not only to citizens but also to those holding residence permits and who have a personnummer.

Fees for Preschool

Parents need to pay a monthly fee for their child's attendance in preschool. This fee is determined by the household's income, the number of children in the household, and whether the child attends part-time or full-time. The maximum fee per child is set at 1,645 SEK per month.

The fees for international schools are expected to be higher.

Entertainment and Leisure Prices in Stockholm

The cost of entertainment and leisure activities in Stockholm depends on your preferences. These expenses can make a noticeable impact on your monthly budget.

Many museums in Stockholm offer free admission, but some do charge entry fees, typically ranging from 100 SEK to 250 SEK.

If you prefer watching movies in cinemas, the ticket prices usually fall between 120 SEK and 150 SEK, depending on the cinema and seating choices.

Nightlife in Stockholm, particularly bars and clubs, can be expensive. You can expect to pay around 60 SEK for a beer and between 100 SEK and 150 SEK for a cocktail.

If you prefer leisurely walking or enjoying nature, you will find many parks that are open to the public. There are also music and food festivals, with ticket prices varying widely based on the event.

If you want to get a gym membership, employers in Sweden often offer a health and wellness allowance for a maximum of 5,000 SEK per year, which you can then use for gym memberships, spas, or massages.

Clothing and Personal Care

The cost of clothing and personal care can depend on your preferences and shopping habits. These expenses, though not as recurrent as others like food or rent, can still add up and impact your estimated monthly budget.

Clothing

• Budget-Friendly Options: For everyday wear, budget-friendly stores like H&M and Zara offer a variety of options, with prices starting as low as 100 SEK for basic items.
• Mid-Range and High-End Fashion: If you prioritize quality, stores like COS and many other upscale brands are available. Prices in these stores can vary significantly, with items potentially costing anywhere from 300 SEK to several thousand SEK.

Seasonal Clothing

Given Stockholm's cold winter, investing in quality winter clothing is important for staying warm and comfortable. The cost of good outerwear depends on the type and quality. Uniqlo is my favorite store for finding affordable yet high-quality options.

Uniqlo is known for its budget-friendly prices without compromising on quality, making it an excellent option for those looking to balance cost and comfort during the chilly months.

The Impact of Cost of Living in Stockholm on Quality of Life and Work-Life Balance

The living index in Stockholm offers a detailed picture of the city's cost of living. While Stockholm is a desirable place to live, its high cost of living might deter some from moving to Sweden. Despite this, the city is known for its high quality of life and a strong emphasis on work-life balance.

Stockholm has a lot of green spaces and beautiful parks, which are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and picnicking. Many areas in the city are clean and have a low crime rate, improving the overall living experience.

The public transportation system is quite efficient, making it convenient to navigate and explore the city.

Lastly, the Swedish labor laws strongly support work-life balance, with generous parental leave and vacation policies.

Tips and Tricks: How to Save Money to Lower the Cost of Living in Stockholm

Living in Stockholm doesn't have to drain your finances. With some creative strategies and smart planning, you can enjoy the city's offerings without overspending. Here are some practical tips to help you manage your budget effectively in Stockholm:

• Housing: Consider more affordable apartments located outside the city center. Thanks to Stockholm's efficient metro, bus, and commuter train services, commuting to the city center is hassle-free.
• Transportation: Utilize the SL card for seamless travel on buses, boats, and trains throughout Stockholm.
• Budgeting: Keep track of your expenses using budgeting apps like Alwy to maintain financial discipline.
• Utilities: Before finalizing any utility contracts, use services like Compricer to compare prices and find the best deals.
• Groceries and Dining: Save on grocery shopping by frequent discount stores and second-hand shops. When dining out, take advantage of deals offered by The Fork to enjoy meals at a lower cost.

Final Thoughts: How Expensive is Stockholm

Here's a breakdown of the monthly expenses you might expect while living in Stockholm. This estimate takes into account that utility costs are typically included in the rent, offering a more accurate picture of the financial commitments in this city.

Consider these expense estimates as an upper range to help set your expectations and better prepare you for life in Stockholm.

• Rent: For a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, the average cost is around 15,616 SEK. If you choose to live outside the center, it drops to about 11,369 SEK.
• Food: Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at 2,500 SEK. Occasional dining out will increase this figure.
• Transportation: A monthly public transport pass costs 970 SEK. Using alternative transportation such as bikes or taxis will alter this cost.
• Healthcare: With public healthcare, the annual cap for outpatient care under the high-cost protection is 1,300 SEK.
• Entertainment and Leisure: Budgeting approximately 1,000 to 2,000 SEK for activities like movies and dining out is advisable.
• Clothing and Personal Care: Though variable, a conservative monthly estimate for these expenses is around 1,000 SEK.
• Other Living Costs: Don't forget to factor in insurance, mobile phone plans, and other subscriptions, as they will also contribute to your monthly expenses. A practical budgeting approach would be to allocate between 500 to 1000 SEK per month for these costs.

Overall, the monthly cost of living in Stockholm for a single person can range from about 23,000 SEK (living outside the city center with moderate lifestyle expenses) to over 30,000 SEK (residing in the city center with higher discretionary spending).

I hope this guide helps you grasp the nuances of Stockholm's cost of living, whether you're planning to move here or just curious about the expenses. It covers essential aspects such as average salaries, rent, utilities, food costs, transportation, healthcare, and vital money-saving tips.

As you explore life in Stockholm, let this information guide you in making informed decisions, balancing affordability with the joys and experiences this vibrant city has to offer.