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Jump right in:

• Cost of living
• Practical information
• Swedish culture & social etiquette
• Driving
• Transport

Cost of living

Is it expensive to live in Sweden?

Everyday expenses fluctuate depending on where you live, but overall the average cost of living in Sweden is high. The bulk of this high cost is due to rent prices, which climb each year. In recent years, Sweden has experienced a housing shortage due to the growing demand by people flocking to the country for the high quality of life, yet not enough housing to accommodate them. Learn more in our  housing guide.

Average cost of living in Sweden

Stockholm is the most expensive city in Sweden. It’s followed by Gothenburg and Uppsala. Cities such as Nykvarn and Södertälje are much cheaper.

Average monthly costs by cities (without rent)

Average living expenses in Sweden

Food & alcohol

It’s fair to say that groceries cost more in Sweden than in most European countries for several reasons, ranging from the import of many products to high taxes and strict regulations. Cooking at home and inviting people over is part of Swedish culture, it’s seen as a social activity. Eating out, on the other hand, can sometimes be a luxury. You should plan on spending around 140 SEK (approx. 15 USD) for an inexpensive meal and about 800 SEK (approx. 85 USD) for a three-course meal.

Liquor sales are regulated by the government. You can only buy alcohol at government-owned stores called Systembolaget (sometimes referred to as systemet (“the system”). These are the only stores in Sweden allowed to sell beverages containing 3.5% ABV or more. All products, including beer cans, are sold individually.

The legal drinking age in Sweden is 18, but Systembolaget will only sell to people who are over 20.

Average alcohol prices:

• Beer (grocery store): 15 SEK (approx. 1.50 USD)
• Beer (bar): 70 SEK (approx. 7.50 USD)
• A bottle of wine: 100 SEK (approx. 10.50 USD)
• Cocktail (bar): 150–200 SEK (approx. 15–20 USD)

Average utility costs

When compared to Swedish rental prices, utility costs are reasonable throughout Sweden. Since it’s hard to find a first-hand apartment, it’s common to find a rental apartment with internet included. Most rentals would also include heating and/or water as well. On average, basic utilities can run to about 1,300 SEK (approx. 150 USD) per month, depending on the size of your house and how many people are in your household.

Cost of education

Public school in Sweden is free to attend, and there is debate about the benefits of charter schools in the country (private schools that receive public funding). Although the cost of these schools and international schools is regulated by the government, prices can still be anywhere between 30,000 to 100,000 SEK (approx. 3,500 to 11,500 USD) annually. Read our guide for more information about education in Sweden.

Cost of healthcare

Healthcare is where Sweden really stands out from the rest of the world. The country’s healthcare system is so effective and efficient that it has been used as a model for healthcare schemes in other countries around the globe.

You’ll need a personnummer to use the public healthcare system. Once you have one, public healthcare visits will average between 110 to 300 SEK (approx. 12–35 USD) depending on your county. Specialist appointments will be around 400 SEK (approx. 45 USD). Having a private health insurance plan is not common, but those who choose it can expect to pay around 4,000 SEK per year (approx. 420 USD). Read our guide for more information about healthcare in Sweden.

Practical information

Important numbers

• General emergency: 112

• Information about major accidents and crises: 113 13

• Police for non-urgent matters: 114 14

• Healthcare advice: 1177

Embassies

The main embassies of Sweden are found in the capital Stockholm. A detailed list with contact information can be found on the 

Some common supermarkets

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• ICA
• Willys
• Lidl

Postal service

• PostNord (national postal service)
• DHL
• FedEx
• UPS

Public holidays

• New Year’s Day: 1 January
• Epiphany: 6 January
• Good Friday: Friday before Easter
• Easter Sunday/Monday: between 22 March and 25 April
• Labor Day: 1 May
• Ascension Day: 39 days after Easter
• National Day: 6 June
• Midsummer Eve: the Friday between 19–25 June (de facto holiday)
• Midsummer Day: the Saturday between 19–25 June
• All Saints’ Day: First Saturday in November
• Christmas: 25 December
• St. Stephen’s/Boxing Day: 26 December
• New Year’s Eve: 31 December (de facto holiday)

Swedish culture & social etiquette

There is much that defines Swedish culture, but perhaps the most pervasive is acceptance. Sweden is renowned for their open and accepting culture, which works its way into nearly every aspect of Swedish life including their education system and business culture. The following are Swedish social and cultural etiquettes that relocating expats should be aware of.

Gender equality

The Swedish government describes itself as the “first feminist government in the world”. As a feminist government, policies are focused on gender equality, feminist foreign and trade policy, and combatting domestic violence. Sweden has one of the highest percentages of women in parliament worldwide, with women holding 46.1% of the seats. The government as a whole has committed itself to promoting gender equality and equal rights throughout Swedish society. The government has even established the Swedish Gender Equality Agency.

This devotion to gender equality extends to all aspects of Swedish life. In school, male and female students are treated exactly the same, and gender equality is highly promoted in classroom settings. Workplace gender discrimination has been illegal since 1980 and a law passed in 2009 dictates that employers actively promote equality between male and female workers.

First-name basis & flat hierarchies

In keeping with the spirit of equality, Swedes disdain hierarchy. No matter someone’s social standing or position at work, everyone in Sweden refers to each other by first name as a sign that they are all equal. In some cultures, it may be rude to not refer to someone by their title, or to address a new acquaintance without “Mr./Mrs.” in front, but in Sweden —with some exceptions — not referring to someone by their first name is seen as distant and unapproachable.

Individualism & relationships

The Swedish population has one of the highest amounts of single, unmarried people on the planet. However, this does not mean that the country is ideal for expats looking for a long-term relationship. On the contrary, Swedish culture emphasizes independence and respect for personal space. This manifests itself in people being more reserved in public and avoiding small talk.

Swedes are generally not very comfortable with the idea of flirting, and you probably won’t see people flirting with strangers in the street or on public transport. Swedish culture also shies away from talking to strangers, meaning there is very little interaction between strangers on the street. The strict commitment to gender equality also leads many Swedes to reject traditional roles or labels in favor of companionship.

Environmental awareness

With nearly 70% of its land covered by forests, it’s the most forested country in Europe and home to the continent’s oldest national park. Many Swedes prefer to spend their time outdoors and like to be in touch with nature. This appreciation for nature is reflected in the daily choices people make and their respectful attitude toward the environment.

Being a guest in a Swedish home

If you’re invited to someone’s home for a meal, there are some social rules to keep in mind. First of all, it’s always a nice gesture to bring a gift whether it’s flowers, chocolates, or wine. When you enter the house, remember to take off your shoes. This is common practice in Sweden. At the table, wait for the host’s welcome speech before starting to eat and when toasting drinks, look directly into someone’s eyes. It’s considered impolite to leave food on your plate. However, it’s not impolite to decline more food. Guests are also expected to stay and chat once the meal is finished. Don’t forget to thank the host personally after the meal, and again the next time you meet.

Fika

It’s a Swedish concept that involves setting aside time to meet with friends or colleagues and share a cup of coffee and a treat (usually something sweet). However, this tradition holds much more significance for Swedes. It’s about slowing down and reconnecting with the people around you. At most workplaces, a fika break is often scheduled, and some might even have two. The word 'fika' is used both as a noun and a verb. If you’re planning to have a fika with a friend, remember to be present in the moment and not to rush — it’s a time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, after all.

Punctuality

Punctuality is very important in Swedish business and social culture. It’s seen as extremely rude to be late for any type of appointment or social engagement. Likewise, showing up too early can also put people off. When meeting with someone, try to be no more than five or ten minutes early.

Driving

Public transport in Sweden is so efficient that many people may not feel the need to drive in Sweden. However, depending on your job, driving may make your life a bit easier and give you more flexibility to move about as you please.

Driving in Sweden with a UK/US/non-EU license

You can drive with a foreign driving license for one year. The Swedish Transport Agency may extend it for longer if you can prove that you’re in Sweden for a limited period. Once you have your residency, you must apply for your Swedish driving license before your current one expires.

How to get a Swedish driving license

If you are an EU/EEA citizen, or a citizen of Switzerland, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the Faroe Islands, you can automatically exchange your driving license for a Swedish one. This will cost about 375 SEK (approx. 40 USD).

Nationals from most other countries will need to apply for a license from scratch. The steps to apply for a permit include:

Step 1: Apply for a learner’s permit (��ö����ǰ��ٲ��پ���������å�Ի�)

To begin obtaining a Swedish driver’s license, you will first need to apply for a learner’s permit. You do this by filling out an application for the permit, which can be found on the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen) website. There is no fee to submit the application.

You’ll also need to complete an eyesight test and a general health check within two months of applying for your permit. Once you have your completed application and vision and health declaration, you will submit these documents to the Swedish Transport Agency.

Step 2: Practice driving

To practice driving, you can register with a driving school or practice with someone who is over 24 years of age. If you already have experience driving in your home country, this may feel like a pointless step, but it’s a useful way to get acquainted with the road and safety rules of Sweden.

Step 3: Risk training (riskutbildning)

Because Swedish roads can be subject to harsh winter conditions, it’s required that drivers complete risk training. Risk training consists of two parts and includes theoretical lessons on the effects of driving while tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The other part of risk training includes how to drive in extreme conditions such as snow and ice.

The cost for this course is typically about 3,000 SEK (approx. 300 USD). These courses are valid for 5 years.

Step 4: Test

You’ll be required to pass both a theoretical test and a driving test in order to obtain a driving license. During the driving portion, the instructor will evaluate your technical skills as well as situational awareness and reactions.

The driving test takes at least 25 minutes. If you fail, don’t worry. Nearly 50% of test takers in Sweden fail during their first try. You should be able to book another appointment within a few days and try again.

Driving rules in Sweden

• The legal driving age in Sweden is 18. It’s possible to rent a car at 18, but drivers under the age of 25 may incur a “young person” surcharge.

• It’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content of 0.02% or more. The limit for breath alcohol content is 0.10 mg per liter.

• Headlights must be switched on at all times of the day.

• Speed limits range from 110 km/h (65 mph) on main highways, 70 km/h (43 mph) on smaller roads, and 50 km/h (31 mph) in towns and cities.

• It’s illegal to use a cell phone while driving unless it’s a hands-free device.

• Children under 135 cm tall must be secured in a special child restraint, such as a baby or child car seat or a booster seat. If you plan to stop your car and wait for more than one minute, you must turn off your engine.

Transport

How is public transport in Sweden?

In the bigger cities, public transport is widely used as it runs frequently and has many stops. Walking and cycling are also popular choices, especially in urban areas.

How to use public transport

Sweden has its own public transport system in each region. Prices vary between these regions. Tickets range from single journeys to three-month passes, and student/youth discounts are usually available.

Some major regional public transport companies are:

• : Stockholm’s main public transport operator
• : includes all of Skåne, covers trains and buses from Malmö to Denmark
• : covers Västra Götaland region (includes Gothenburg)

There are apps for public transport companies. This is a convenient choice so you have access to your tickets and subscriptions right there on your phone.

What is the average cost of transport?

Taxis in Sweden

Some of the largest taxi companies you’ll spot in cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö include:

• Ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt

Alternatively, you can use carsharing services such as: