Home to the company Ikea, Sweden is an amazing country with a lot to offer.
With stunning landscapes, friendly people, and rich fika culture, Sweden is a place you’ll want to experience.
If you’re looking for a place to move, you’ll need to know the cost of living.
Known for being more expensive than other European countries, there are still valuable finds on the market.
However, you’ll have to know where to look.
Of course, larger cities such as Stolkholm have higher living costs.
If you want to move to the country on a budget, we’ll introduce you to Sweden’s cheapest living places.
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Sweden
Sweden’s cost of living varies greatly depending on where you live.
If you’re in a more rural area, you can expect a very low cost of living.
However, larger cities often have a higher cost of living, even more so than other places in Europe.
Don’t worry about not knowing what to budget when moving to Sweden.
The costs often vary depending on a few different factors including, lifestyle, location, and family members.
Below, we’ll introduce you to the ten cheapest places to live in Sweden and why you should move there.
1. Haparanda
The municipality of Haparanda is a quaint Swedish town adjacent to Tornio, Finland.
Its population is 4,856, with 10,200 in the municipality.
Despite its small population, Haparanda is considered a city and is known for its salmon fishing, camping, and outdoor activities.
If you’re looking for a smaller place to move to with a lot to do outdoors, then there isn’t a better place.
Haparanda also features many eye-catching amenities, such as the Kukkolaforsen, Haparanda Skärgård Nationalpark, and, Vattentornet Haparanda.
The cost of living is very low, with the smallest rental units costing a mere USD 50.32.
That being said, Haparanda is a smaller town and doesn’t have as much nightlife activity as other places.
It’s a small area with little to do, and most of the entertainment is found outdoors.
Due to its location close to the Arctic Circle, there are also nearly six months of complete darkness.
So, if this doesn’t sound up your alley, then you should consider moving elsewhere.
2. Nykvarn
Nykavarn municipality is in Stockholm County.
It’s a small town with a population of 7,560.
For those looking for a good location, it’s a short drive away from Stockholm, making it an excellent place to commute to the city.
The average cost of living in this town is $850, a high of $1,200.
A one-bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $509 to $670 in the city.
On the other hand, a three-bedroom apartment will cost $1,100 to $1,350.
These costs are much cheaper than those of other major Swedish cities but are much more affordable.
3. Malmo
One of the cheapest living areas is the city of Malmo.
Known for its younger population, it’s a popular destination among those under 35.
The city attracts the young due to its location.
It’s only a 30-minute drive to Denmark and has transportation to other nearby cities.
A single person will need around $970 for living expenses, with a family of four needing $3,537.
The cost of a one-bedroom apartment is around $500 to $700, while a three- to four-bedroom apartment can cost $1,000 to $1,500.
If you’re buying, then a 40-square-meter apartment will be anywhere from $75,000 to $175,000.
4. Karlstad
Often known as the sunniest town in Sweden, Karlstad is situated alongside the banks of the Klaralven River.
If you want to experience Viking roots, there’s no better place.
With a population of 61,492, Karlstad features a lively city atmosphere.
The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Karlstad is around $750, with a three-bedroom apartment costing USD 1,076.
Given that you’re living in the city, you can expect monthly living expenses to come to $1,500 to $3,000.
In perspective, Karlstad is 2.1 times less expensive than the United States.
5. Orebro
Orebro is the perfect place for those wanting a mixture of culture and modern amenities.
It’s home to a handful of medieval castles and the hometown of many famous Swedish rock bands.
With a population of 155,989, Orebro is the sixth-largest city in Sweden and has plenty to discover.
Renters expect to pay around USD 600 for the average one-bedroom apartment.
On the other hand, a three-bedroom apartment can cost $1,100 or more.
Depending on lifestyle, Orebro’s living costs range from $1,000 to $2,500.
Of course, these costs will be higher if you’re buying a home.
6. Jonkoping
Jonkoping is a beautiful lakeside city known to show the Aurora Borealis, known as the Northern Lights.
It’s a wonderful place with Jonkoping University and features affordable living.
Connected by the main Swedish rail lines, it makes the perfect place for those who enjoy traveling to nearby towns.
The average cost of living ranges from $1,800 to $3,000.
Living expenses are slightly higher than in other areas of Sweden.
Still, they can be a bit lower if you live outside the city’s central part.
A one-bedroom apartment costs $800, while a three-bedroom apartment costs around $1,100.
7. Vaxjo
Vaxjo is home to the National Glass Museum.
It is often called the capital of the “Kingdom of Crystal” or “Kingdom of Furniture.”
With renewable energy becoming more accessible, Vaxjo is known as a green city, as most of the town utilizes renewable energy.
That being said, there is plenty to do in Vaxjo, which features stunning cathedrals, naturalistic forestry, and colorful architecture.
The town features a population of 66,275 and is steadily growing.
That said, the cost of living in Vaxjo averages around $1,500 to $3,500.
The rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $740, while a three-bedroom will run for $1,4384.
So, Vaxjo may be expensive, but it’s worth it to experience this unique city.
8. Gothenburg
Gothenburg is known for being the birthplace of Volvo, delicious seafood, and stunning Nordic heritage.
Rocky shorelines encase the city and make it the perfect place to view the ocean.
The most popular attraction, even locals love visiting, is the 100-year-old theme park Liseberg.
Gothenburg is 42.2% less expensive than New York, without including rent.
The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is $1,050, with a three-bedroom costing $1,585.
Overall, the cost of living should be anywhere from $2,000 to $2,500, depending on spending habits.
9. Sodertalje
Sodertalje is known for the Tom Tits Experiment science center and the Open-air Torekallberget Museum.
It’s a popular place for travelers going to the beach and attracts the eyes of many tourists.
With a population of 72,704 people, the city is bustling with excitement.
The average cost of living in Sodertalje is estimated at $1,500 for a single person, with a family of four needing $3,500.
That being said, a one-bedroom apartment costs nearly $900, with a three-bedroom costing $1,500 or more.
The average cost of living is still 18.6% lower than in the United States.
10. Enkoping
Enkoping is an interesting city, as it’s full of intercity parks.
Featuring a population of only 21,121, it’s a perfect place for those wanting a leisurely life.
The small town is next to Lake Malaren, only 48 miles from Stockholm.
The average cost of living in Enkoping is estimated at $900, with a high estimate of $1,500.
The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is $384, with three bedrooms costing $1,000.
It’s one of the most affordable places in Sweden, but it doesn’t have much to do.
Sweden Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Sweden Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
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- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to live in the United States or Sweden?
While Sweden is often one of the more expensive European countries, its cost of living is still below that of the United States.
Sweden has a 17.8% lower cost of living than other major cities in the United States, and the housing market is even lower than most U.S. cities.
It’s nearly 50% cheaper than the USA.
What is Sweden's average rent?
Sweden’s average rent depends on the area you live in.
The average price of a studio apartment in the city is around $1,078. Still, one —to two-bedroom apartments can be double that.
How much money is needed to live comfortably in Sweden?
The average amount a person will need to live comfortably without rent is $2,000.
Of course, this depends on a person’s location and lifestyle.
However, a family of four is estimated to need $3,400 to survive in most Swedish cities.
If you’re trying to budget how much you’ll need, then it’s best to calculate your rent, and daily and monthly expenses, and put aside extra money for emergency funds.
There will also be other types of costs such as insurance, visas, etc.
Is Sweden a cheap country to live in overall?
Sweden’s cost of living is 79% lower than that of other Western European countries.
Although Stockholm is the most expensive place in Sweden to live, it is often much more affordable than other places in the United States.
Those looking to cut costs can also move to rural locations in Sweden, with some of them costly almost little to nothing.
How much is a house in Sweden in U.S. dollars?
A house in Sweden can range anywhere between $50,000 to USD 600,000, depending on the type.
The costs will vary depending on what type of homes you’re looking at and their location.
In rural areas, it’s common to have housing prices range from $50,000-$350,000, while in cities, it is $250,000-$600,000.
That said, Sweden still has affordable housing in many of its cities.
The best prices are usually found on the outskirts of the city.
