Cost of Living in Sweden​ for Indian Students [2025]

Sweden is often praised for its high quality of life, but this comes with a price. The cost of living can vary significantly depending on where you live and your lifestyle. Cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg are known for being more expensive, particularly when it comes to housing and everyday expenses. On the other hand, smaller towns and cities can offer more affordable living options. Whether you’re planning to live, study, or work in Sweden, understanding the cost of living is important. In this blog, we’ll break down the different factors that impact living costs in Sweden and share tips on how to manage them wisely.

Understanding the Cost of Living in Sweden

When planning to live in Sweden, it’s important to manage your expenses wisely. From housing and groceries to healthcare, transportation, and education, every aspect plays a role in your overall budget. Having a clear understanding of these costs will help you make better financial decisions and plan ahead.

Here are the key areas that contribute to the average cost of living in Sweden.

i. Accommodation Costs in Sweden

Accommodation is one of the largest expenses when living in Sweden. The cost of living in Sweden depends on factors like location, type of property, and whether you choose to live alone or share. Cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg are more expensive, while smaller towns offer affordable options. Here is the average accommodation costs in Sweden:

Type of Accommodation	Monthly Cost (SEK)	Monthly Cost (INR)
One-bedroom apartment (city center)	SEK 10,000 – SEK 15,000	₹77,500 – ₹116,250
One-bedroom apartment (outside city)	SEK 6,000 – SEK 10,000	₹46,500 – ₹77,500
Shared accommodation/student housing	SEK 3,000 – SEK 5,000	₹23,250 – ₹38,750

ii. Food and Grocery Expenses in Sweden

Food and grocery expenses make up a large portion of your monthly budget in Sweden. The cost can vary depending on whether you prefer cooking at home or eating out. Cooking your own meals is a more budget-friendly option while dining at restaurants can be quite expensive. To save on food costs, shopping at supermarkets and opting for local products is a smart way to manage your expenses.

Here’s an overview of the average food and grocery costs in Sweden:

Category	Monthly Cost (SEK)	Monthly Cost (INR)
Monthly groceries (per person)	SEK 2,500 – SEK 4,000	₹19,375 – ₹31,000
Meal at a mid-range restaurant	SEK 120 – SEK 200	₹930 – ₹1,550
Coffee at a café	SEK 30 – SEK 50	₹233 – ₹388

iii. Transportation Costs in Sweden

Transportation is an important factor to consider when calculating the cost of living in Sweden. The country boasts an efficient and well-connected public transport system, with buses, trains, and trams available in most areas. The cost of getting around will depend on where you live and how often you travel. Public transport is the most affordable option, especially if you invest in a monthly pass, which offers significant savings. On the other hand, owning a car can be much more expensive due to the high costs of fuel, parking, and maintenance. 

Here’s a look at the average transportation costs in Sweden:

Category	Monthly Cost (SEK)	Monthly Cost (INR)
Public transport (monthly pass)	SEK 800 – SEK 1,200	₹6,200 – ₹9,300
Taxi ride (per kilometer)	SEK 10 – SEK 15	₹78 – ₹116
Fuel (per liter)	SEK 18 – SEK 22	₹140 – ₹170

iv. Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Sweden

Sweden is known for its high-quality healthcare system, which is largely funded through taxes. As a resident, you’ll pay only a small fee for doctor visits and treatments. However, if you prefer quicker access to specialized care, private insurance can be a good option. 

For non-residents or expats, private health insurance may be necessary, as they might not be immediately covered under the public system. While healthcare costs are generally affordable due to the strong public system, expenses can vary depending on your status as a resident or non-resident. 

Here’s an overview of the average healthcare and insurance costs in Sweden:

Category	Cost (SEK)	Cost (INR)
Doctor’s visit (subsidized)	SEK 200 – SEK 300	₹1,550 – ₹2,325
Prescription medication	SEK 50 – SEK 200	₹388 – ₹1,550
Private health insurance (monthly)	SEK 500 – SEK 1,000	₹3,875 – ₹7,750

v. Utilities and Other Essential Services

When considering the cost of living in Sweden, utilities significantly affect your monthly expenses. These typically include heating, electricity, water, and garbage collection. Costs can vary depending on the size of your location, home, and usage habits. Internet services are also widely accessible and competitively priced, making it easy to stay connected. 

To manage costs effectively, monitoring energy usage and exploring energy-efficient options when possible is important. On average, utility expenses in Sweden remain affordable compared to other European countries, making it easier to budget for essential services.

Here are the average utilities and essential services costs in Sweden:

Category	Monthly Cost (SEK)	Monthly Cost (INR)
Electricity, heating, water, garbage (for 1-2 people)	SEK 600 – SEK 1,200	₹4,650 – ₹9,300
Internet (monthly)	SEK 300 – SEK 500	₹2,325 – ₹3,875
Mobile phone plan (monthly)	SEK 100 – SEK 300	₹775 – ₹2,325

vi. Personal Expenses and Entertainment

Living in Sweden also includes personal expenses and entertainment, which can vary significantly based on your lifestyle. Costs may include dining out, movie tickets, gym memberships, or attending events. 

While indoor entertainment in cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg can be expensive, Sweden offers plenty of free or low-cost outdoor activities, such as hiking and exploring nature. Balancing these activities with your budget is key to enjoying life in Sweden without overspending. 

Here are the average personal expenses and entertainment costs in Sweden:

Category	Cost (SEK)	Cost (INR)
Gym membership (monthly)	SEK 300 – SEK 600	₹2,325 – ₹4,650
Cinema ticket	SEK 120 – SEK 150	₹930 – ₹1,165
Dining out (mid-range meal for one)	SEK 150 – SEK 250	₹1,165 – ₹1,937
Personal items (monthly)	SEK 1,000 – SEK 2,000	₹7,750 – ₹15,500

vii. Education-related Expenses

Education in Sweden is affordable for residents, as public schools offer free education from primary to secondary levels. However, non-EU/EEA students, including Indian students, are required to pay tuition fees for higher education. These fees vary depending on the university and program. In addition to tuition, students should budget for textbooks, materials, and other academic-related expenses. 

To manage costs you can explore Indian government scholarships for studying abroad and Swedish universities. These scholarships provide financial support, making higher education in Sweden a viable and cost-effective option for pursuing quality education abroad. Here are the average education-related costs in Sweden:

Category	Cost (SEK)	Cost (INR)
University tuition fees (per year for non-EU students)	SEK 80,000 – SEK 150,000	₹620,000 – ₹1,162,500
Textbooks and materials (per semester)	SEK 1,000 – SEK 2,000	₹7,750 – ₹15,500
Student accommodation (monthly)	SEK 3,000 – SEK 5,000	₹23,250 – ₹38,750

Pro Tip: If you’re considering studying abroad in Sweden, then enroll in Internshala’s study abroad program which will provide you expert guidance to help you make informed financial and academic decisions.

Cost of Living Across Different Cities in Sweden

Living costs in Sweden vary significantly across different cities. While Stockholm and Gothenburg are known for their higher living expenses, cities like Lund and Uppsala offer more affordable options. Below are the details of the cost of living in different cities in Sweden:

1. Cost of Living in Stockholm

As Sweden’s capital, Stockholm is known for its high living costs, making it one of the most expensive cities in the country. The cost of living here is reflected in higher accommodation rents, transportation fares, and overall lifestyle expenses. Despite the expense, Stockholm offers an excellent quality of life, with vibrant cultural, educational, and career opportunities.

Here’s a breakdown of the average cost of living in Stockholm:

Category	Cost (SEK)	Cost (INR)
Rent (1-bedroom apartment, city center)	SEK 12,000 – SEK 18,000	₹93,000 – ₹139,500
Rent (1-bedroom apartment, outside city)	SEK 8,000 – SEK 12,000	₹62,000 – ₹93,000
Monthly public transport pass	SEK 900 – SEK 1,200	₹6,975 – ₹9,300
Meal at a mid-range restaurant	SEK 150 – SEK 300	₹1,160 – ₹2,325
Groceries (per month)	SEK 2,000 – SEK 3,000	₹15,500 – ₹23,250

2. Cost of Living in Gothenburg

Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, provides a more affordable living experience compared to Stockholm while maintaining a high standard of life. The city offers a vibrant cultural scene, excellent public services, and ample career opportunities, making it an attractive option for residents and newcomers.

Here’s a breakdown of the average cost of living in Gothenburg:

Category	Cost (SEK)	Cost (INR)
Rent (1-bedroom apartment, city center)	SEK 10,000 – SEK 15,000	₹77,500 – ₹116,250
Rent (1-bedroom apartment, outside city)	SEK 7,000 – SEK 10,000	₹54,250 – ₹77,500
Monthly public transport pass	SEK 800 – SEK 1,100	₹6,200 – ₹8,550
Meal at a mid-range restaurant	SEK 120 – SEK 250	₹930 – ₹1,950
Groceries (per month)	SEK 1,800 – SEK 2,500	₹13,950 – ₹19,375

3. Cost of Living in Lund

Lund, renowned for its prestigious university and rich history, offers a more budget-friendly cost of living compared to Stockholm and Gothenburg. The city’s vibrant student population and charming atmosphere make it an attractive place to live, especially for students and academics.

Here’s a breakdown of the average cost of living in Lund:

Category	Cost (SEK)	Cost (INR)
Rent (1-bedroom apartment, city center)	SEK 8,000 – SEK 12,000	₹62,000 – ₹93,000
Rent (1-bedroom apartment, outside city)	SEK 5,500 – SEK 8,000	₹42,500 – ₹62,000
Monthly public transport pass	SEK 600 – SEK 900	₹4,650 – ₹6,975
Meal at a mid-range restaurant	SEK 120 – SEK 200	₹930 – ₹1,550
Groceries (per month)	SEK 1,500 – SEK 2,500	₹11,625 – ₹19,375

4. Cost of Living in Uppsala

Uppsala, famed for its prestigious university and rich history, offers a more affordable cost of living compared to Sweden’s larger cities like Stockholm. The city is especially appealing to students, with student-friendly housing options and reasonably priced amenities that provide a comfortable yet budget-conscious lifestyle.

Here’s a breakdown of the average cost of living in Uppsala:

Category	Cost (SEK)	Cost (INR)
Rent (1-bedroom apartment, city center)	SEK 9,000 – SEK 14,000	₹69,750 – ₹108,500
Rent (1-bedroom apartment, outside city)	SEK 6,500 – SEK 9,000	₹50,375 – ₹69,750
Monthly public transport pass	SEK 800 – SEK 1,100	₹6,200 – ₹8,550
Meal at a mid-range restaurant	SEK 130 – SEK 250	₹1,000 – ₹1,950
Groceries (per month)	SEK 1,700 – SEK 2,500	₹13,175 – ₹19,375

Tips to Manage Living Expenses in Sweden

Living in Sweden can be expensive, but with smart strategies, you can keep your expenses in check. Here are some practical tips to help you manage the cost of living in Sweden effectively:

• Opt for Shared Accommodation: Save significantly on rent by living in shared apartments or student housing. It’s a budget-friendly way to cut costs.
• Use Public Transportation: Avoid the high costs of owning a car by relying on Sweden’s efficient buses, trams, and trains. Monthly passes offer great value.
• Cook at Home: Dining out is expensive, so preparing meals at home can save a lot. Stock up on groceries from budget stores like Lidl or Coop.
• Shop Smart: Look for discounts and buy essentials in bulk. Take advantage of sales and loyalty programs to reduce grocery expenses.
• Utilize Student Discounts: Students can enjoy discounts on transport, dining, and entertainment. Platforms like Studentkortet offer exclusive deals.
• Reduce Energy Consumption: Monitor electricity and heating use. Turn off unused appliances and opt for energy-efficient options to cut utility bills.
• Buy Secondhand: Sweden’s secondhand culture makes it easy to find affordable furniture, clothes, and gadgets on platforms like Blocket or thrift stores.
• Enjoy Free Activities: Explore Sweden’s abundant free attractions, like parks, museums, and festivals, for affordable entertainment options.

Conclusion

We’ve covered all the key aspects of the cost of living in Sweden, including accommodation, food, transportation, healthcare, utilities, personal expenses, and education-related fees. This information will help you budget effectively, whether you’re planning to live, work, or study in Sweden. By using practical tips like opting for shared housing, cooking at home, and making the most of student discounts, you can enjoy Sweden’s vibrant culture and high quality of life without straining your finances.

If you’re also considering studying in Switzerland, check out our blog on the cost of living in Switzerland for Indian students to explore more valuable insights and comparisons.

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