Pros and Cons of Living in Sweden

Last updated on Mar 13, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Sweden include its high quality of life, excellent healthcare system, and strong economy. Sweden also has a high level of gender equality, a low crime rate, and a high standard of education. Additionally, Sweden is known for its stunning natural beauty, with vast forests, lakes, and mountains. The cons of living in Sweden include its high cost of living, especially in the larger cities. Additionally, the weather can be quite cold and dark during the winter months, and the language barrier can be difficult for those who do not speak Swedish. Furthermore, Sweden is a relatively small country, so there are fewer job opportunities than in larger countries.

What are the pros and cons of living in Sweden?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Sweden responded:

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the high quality of life in Sweden, with its excellent public transportation, low crime rate, and beautiful natural scenery. They also enjoy the country's progressive social policies, such as its generous parental leave and gender equality. Additionally, Sweden's strong economy and low unemployment rate make it an attractive place to live and work. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may find the high cost of living and the long, dark winters to be drawbacks. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Swedish," remarked one expat in Sweden.

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What do expats in Sweden appreciate most about the local culture?

"The calm of the people, the friendliness and the tolerance and their belief in the normative power of facticity. I mean that they know in the end anyone can and will adapt to their relaxed way of being," explained one expat.

"Kind people willing to take time to get to know you. Use of bikes instead of cars when possible. Living simply and without a ton of "stuff" we American's seem to accumulate over the years," said one person in Karlstad.

What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Sweden often find the reserved nature of the locals to be a challenge. Swedes tend to be more formal and less likely to engage in small talk than people from other cultures. Additionally, Swedes tend to be quite private and may not be as open to discussing personal matters as people from other cultures. Furthermore, Swedes tend to be quite punctual and expect others to be as well, which can be a challenge for those who are used to a more relaxed attitude towards time," replied an expat in Sweden.

"Everything is different but no one tells you about it because it is so obvious but you do not see it. It's like a maze and you struggle and struggle and no one sees you struggling," remarked one in Lund.

About the Author

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.