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Living in Sweden: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Sweden | Expat Exchange
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Living in Sweden

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By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jan 09, 2024

Summary: People often describe life in Sweden as peaceful, safe, and beautiful. Expats love the high quality of life, the excellent public transportation, the stunning nature, and the friendly people. The average cost of living for an expat is around $2,500 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. The approximate population of Sweden is 10.3 million, and the largest cities are Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Some of the cons of living in Sweden include the high cost of living, the long winters, and the language barrier.

What do I need to know about living in Sweden?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Sweden, they said:

"Expats considering retiring in Sweden should be aware that the cost of living is relatively high, and that the climate can be cold and dark in the winter months. It is important to research the healthcare system and to make sure that you have the necessary insurance coverage. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the Swedish language and culture, as English is not widely spoken. Additionally, it is important to research the tax system and to make sure that you are aware of any applicable tax laws. Finally, it is important to research the housing market and to make sure that you are able to find suitable accommodation," said one expat in Sweden.

"If you enjoy a socialist-type of government and you enjoy the company of more university-bound people, then Uppsala, Sweden, is a nice town to live ! There is a variety of outdoor activities to experience, the people treat you with respect, and most citizens have a humble lifestyle in this town," said one expat who made the move to Uppsala.

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How do I meet people in Sweden?

When we asked people living in Sweden about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"ACTIVITIES: Academic in nature, usually for university students (Uppsala University), though there are some things such as art shows, summer races/competitions, and outdoor activities like camping, fishing and hiking CLUBS: Everything from political parties to hobbies, to what is NOT illegal according to Swedish law; ORGANIZATIONS: Everything from English-speaking, to Swedish, to support groups for immigrants, to political organizations are available;," said one expat who made the move to Uppsala.

"Expats in Sweden often join local clubs and activities such as sports teams, language classes, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and locals alike," explained one expat living in Sweden.

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What is life like in Sweden?

When we asked people living in Sweden what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"People in Uppsala are academic-oriented, or are mostly blue-collar workers because of the university. Work in Uppsala is varied, but those who are in technology or engineering are usually paid better. Family is important in Sweden, and might be hard to get invited to a traditional Swedish home at first for outsiders. Socializing is not as liberal as, say Ireland, but Swedes are respectful and courteous to newcomers. Sports is academically oriented, but observance of the national team is paramount for football (American: Soccer)," remarked one expat living in Uppsala, Sweden.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Sweden is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its high quality of life, with excellent healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the country's stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. Sweden is also a great place to work, with a strong economy and plenty of job opportunities. The cost of living is relatively high, but the quality of life is worth it. Expats and digital nomads can also benefit from the country's generous social welfare system, which provides a safety net for those who need it," wrote one member in Sweden.

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Is there a lot of crime in Sweden?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"Crime is not uncommon in Sweden, although the overall crime rate is lower than in many other countries. Violent crime is relatively rare, but property crime, such as burglary and car theft, is more common. Drug-related crime is also an issue in Sweden, particularly in larger cities," said one expat in Sweden.

Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Sweden accepting of differences?

"Yes, there is a lot of diversity in Sweden. People in Sweden are generally accepting of differences, and the country has a long history of welcoming immigrants and refugees. Sweden is also known for its progressive policies on gender equality, LGBT rights, and religious freedom," commented one expat who made the move to Sweden.

"Uppsala is as liberal in attitudes as Stockholm regarding religion and cultural diversity. There are Jews, Christians and Muslims in varying populations, but there are also other religions (Eastern, Far Eastern, etc.). There is a liberal immigration policy, but may become more controlled in the future. Racism is fairly recent, but not overt. Middle Eastern, Eastern European, and African immigrants are subjects of racism," remarked one expat living in Uppsala, Sweden.

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What are the schools in Sweden like?

"The International School of Stockholm (ISS) is one of the best international schools in Sweden. Located in the heart of Stockholm, ISS offers a comprehensive international education for students from pre-school to grade 12. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is designed to develop students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. ISS also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. The International English School (IES) is another excellent international school in Sweden. Located in the city of Gothenburg, IES offers a comprehensive international education for students from pre-school to grade 12. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is designed to develop students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. IES also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. The International School of Uppsala (ISU) is a great bilingual school in Sweden. Located in the city of Uppsala, ISU offers a bilingual education for students from pre-school to grade 12. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is designed to develop students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. ISU also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art," commented one expat when asked about in Sweden.

Is the cost of living in Sweden high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Sweden, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Sweden is generally considered to be high, especially in the larger cities. Prices for basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation can be quite expensive, and the cost of entertainment and leisure activities can also be quite high. However, the cost of living in Sweden is offset by the high wages and generous social benefits that are available to citizens and residents," commented one expat who made the move to Sweden.

"The cost of living in Sweden is generally high compared to other countries. The cost of living in the larger cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö is higher than in the rest of the country. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Sweden is around $1,500 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment is around $2,000 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Sweden can cost around $20 USD per person," said one expat.

What type of recreational facilities are in Sweden?

When we asked people living in Sweden about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"In Sweden, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, forests, and lakes. There are also many outdoor activities available, such as hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing. For those who prefer indoor activities, there are plenty of gyms, swimming pools, and sports centers. Additionally, there are many cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theaters. Sweden also has a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants," mentioned one expat inSweden.

What is the weather like in Sweden?

"The weather in Sweden can vary greatly depending on the season. In the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 25 degrees Celsius and the days are usually sunny and warm. In the winter months, temperatures can drop to below zero and snow is common. The spring and autumn months tend to be milder with temperatures ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius," said an expat in Sweden.

Are there good restaurants in Sweden?

"One of Sweden's most popular restaurants is Oaxen Krog, located in Stockholm. Oaxen Krog is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves up a unique blend of Swedish and international cuisine. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and a menu that changes seasonally. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of wines and spirits. Another popular restaurant in Sweden is Fotografiska, located in Stockholm. Fotografiska is a modern restaurant that serves up a variety of international dishes. The restaurant has a stylish atmosphere and a menu that changes seasonally. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of wines and spirits. A third popular restaurant in Sweden is Gastrologik, located in Stockholm. Gastrologik is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves up a unique blend of Swedish and international cuisine. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and a menu that changes seasonally. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of wines and spirits. Finally, one of the most popular restaurants in Sweden is Ekstedt, located in Stockholm. Ekstedt is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves up a unique blend of Swedish and international cuisine. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and a menu that changes seasonally. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of wines and spirits," mentioned an expat living in Sweden.

Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Sweden?

"People living in Sweden typically buy groceries from supermarkets, such as ICA, Coop, and Willys. Other shopping can be done at department stores, like Åhléns and NK, as well as at smaller specialty stores. Online shopping is also popular in Sweden, with many people using websites like Amazon and CDON to purchase items," commented one expat who moved to Sweden.

What are the visa & residency requirements in Sweden?

"In order to visit Sweden, foreign nationals must apply for a visa from the Swedish Embassy or Consulate in their home country. The visa application process requires applicants to provide proof of identity, a valid passport, and other documents such as a letter of invitation, proof of financial means, and proof of accommodation. In order to apply for residency in Sweden, foreign nationals must first obtain a residence permit. This permit is usually granted for a specific purpose, such as work, study, or family reunification. The application process requires applicants to provide proof of identity, a valid passport, and other documents such as a letter of invitation, proof of financial means, and proof of accommodation. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have sufficient knowledge of the Swedish language and culture," said one expat.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Sweden?

"Healthcare in Sweden is generally considered to be of high quality and is provided free of charge to all citizens and permanent residents. Health insurance is not required in Sweden, as the government provides a basic level of coverage for all citizens. However, some people may choose to purchase additional health insurance to cover additional services or to reduce their out-of-pocket costs. In general, health insurance in Sweden is not considered to be expensive, as the government subsidizes a large portion of the cost," remarked one expat living in Sweden.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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