How Much Does It Cost to Live In Stockholm?
It is well known that the cost of living in Sweden is quite high and choosing its capital city as your future place of residence can be a good choice only if your salaries are high enough to cover the bills in the most expensive place in the country.
Being that in Stockholm salaries are higher than in the rest of the country, the basic costs of living are higher, too.
Like everywhere, your living costs will be based on your personal lifestyle.
Sweden : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
Alcohol and restaurants in general are also quite expensive in Stockholm, compared to the rest of the country.
By taking a look at the prices, you can get an idea of how much it is necessary for a decent meal in an inexpensive restaurant.
MARKETS
Groceries and foodstuff are taking the great portion of your monthly budget and that is why you should purchase them wisely.
You can find them at lower prices at local markets or at discounts, which will save you pretty much money that can be used for some other expenses.
TRANSPORTATION
As in the whole country, transport is expensive in Stockholm, but if you purchase a monthly pass, public transport would become slightly more affordable.
It is good to know that children, students and senior citizens have a discount.
Driving here is not advisable due to the high gasoline prices.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
When you think about the possibility of moving to Stockholm, you should think not only about getting a place to live, but also about providing enough money to pay the services which are not included in the price of the rent.
Even though it is more expensive than the rest of the country, Stockholm boasts affordable utilities prices.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Doing sports at the local fitness clubs and tennis courts in Stockholm can be costly, thanks to high number of people interested in exercising.
The weather conditions are not so great, thus affecting the prices of gyms.
The ticket prices for concerts and films are also quite high.
CLOTHING & SHOES
It cannot be said that Stockholm is a paradise for shopping.
Actually, designer clothing here is so unaffordable, that the majority of people spend money only on the necessary clothing items, and that spending does not exceed 3% of their monthly salary.
RENT PER MONTH
Rent prices are so high and it is advised to live in Stockholm’s suburbs rather than the city center, due to the fact that the standard of living is quite the same in both areas, but the suburbs are quite cheaper.
The difference in prices exceeds $500 per month.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Stockholm
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $12.91 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $6.99 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.15 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $4.62 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $2.29 |
| Eggs (12) | $3.18 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $3.87 |
| Monthly Pass | $92.49 |
| Gasoline | $6.28 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $91.82 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.11 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $30.55 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $41.91 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $27.11 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $13.98 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $95.38 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $36.30 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $97.71 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $1304.78 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $866.13 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $2152.80 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Stockholm?
To help you get a better idea of how to organize your budget and how high salary to expect to get in Stockholm, so as to be enough for satisfying your needs and wishes, it is advised to take a look at Stockholm’s citizens’ personal finances and spending habits.
Renting costs are the highest here and take more than the third of the monthly salary.
The other thing of the utmost importance is food and transportation to work.
Quite high amount of money is spent in restaurants, even though they are pretty pricey.
Average Costs Breakdown
Stockholm: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Stockholm, being that it is the capital city, has the highest monthly incomes in the whole country.
That is why it is a frequent choice of people coming to live in Sweden.
However, bear in mind the fact that the highest salaries are followed by the highest monthly costs.
Paying more than $1500 for just the rent would be considered unaffordable by the majority of people who earn less than the average income.
The mortgage interest rates are not too high and buying a property would save you pretty much money here.
Stockholm Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Stockholm Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Stockholm
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Gothenburg | 69.77 |
| Malmo | 66.14 |
| Uppsala | 68.75 |
Woah! Why is everything so expensive in Stockholm? I wonder if even low-skill workers are earning that average salary, they must be. I’ve heard that income tax is 62% in Sweden, that is unthinkable for me! They should have the best free healthcare and social services for all that tax. If not, where’s the money going?!
I had to leave Stockholm a few years ago, affording rent, food and all the utilities just couldn’t be done for me. I’m living just outside of Malmo now where rent is much cheaper and so is just about everything else. Getting to work is a pain but it’s just 1 sacrifice for a healthier bank balance. No regrets at all.
I currently live in Germany for work but I’m not having a good time so I am considering moving back home to Stockholm. Money will be tight for me there due to rent prices but I think I can make it work. Sharing an apartment with someone is a good idea to cut the rent in half, many people do it.