Sweden🇸🇪
At a Glance
How Sweden compares across key indices
Cost of Living
66 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
52/100
Healthcare
68/100
Quality of Life
192/200
Climate
65/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Sweden
Cost of Living
66
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
20
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
67
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
68
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Lund
Cheapest$1,942/mo
Gothenburg
$2,124/mo
Malmo
$2,167/mo
Stockholm
$3,103/mo
Safety & Crime
Moderate RiskHow safe residents feel in Sweden — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
52/100
Crime Index
48/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
70/100
Crime perceived as increasing
Walking Safety
22 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 3,046 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in Sweden
Sweden has 4 cities with Numbeo data. Monthly costs for a single person range from $1,942 in Lund to $3,103 in Stockholm. Lund leads on safety, scoring 68/100. Gothenburg ranks highest for quality of life at 211/200.
Lund
$1,942/mo
Lund
68/100
Gothenburg
211/200
Gothenburg
70/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lund | $1,942 | 68/100 | — | — | — |
| Gothenburg | $2,124 | 54/100 | 211/200 | 70/100 | 20 |
| Malmo | $2,167 | 45/100 | — | — | — |
| Stockholm | $3,103 | 54/100 | 181/200 | 66/100 | 18 |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Sweden
Healthcare Index
68/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 501 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
CleanAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Sweden
Pollution Index
17/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 593 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in Sweden
Average One-Way Commute
29minutes
Short
Traffic Index
96
Below average congestion
Inefficiency
137
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
2.2kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 292 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Sweden, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Sweden?
Sweden has a cost of living index of 66 relative to New York City (100). It is comparable in cost to most US cities. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,942 in Lund and reach $3,103 in Stockholm.
What is the cheapest city in Sweden for expats?
Lund is the most affordable city in Sweden with Numbeo data, with estimated monthly costs of $1,942 for a single person including rent. Gothenburg is the next most affordable at $2,124/mo.
Is Sweden safe for expats?
Sweden has a safety index of 52/100, making it moderately safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Lund scores highest on safety at 68/100.
What is the best city in Sweden for expats and digital nomads?
Gothenburg ranks highest for quality of life in Sweden, scoring 211/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $2,124/mo for a single person. For budget-conscious expats, Lund offers the lowest monthly costs at $1,942/mo.
How good is healthcare in Sweden?
Sweden scores 68/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it good by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is Sweden cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Sweden's cost of living is roughly 34% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 80% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
What is the air quality and pollution like in Sweden?
Sweden has a pollution index of 17/100 (lower = cleaner). This is relatively clean by global standards, making it appealing for those prioritising air quality and outdoor lifestyle.
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