When someone starts considering moving to Sweden, the first thought that comes to mind is that living in this European country is very expensive. However, in reality it is not quite so. Tourist restaurants and shops can indeed be expensive, but the overall cost of living in Sweden is lower than 79% of Western European countries. This means that with the right approach to the budget, life in Sweden can be quite affordable for refugees from Ukraine.
Stockholm and the cost of living
Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is definitely the most expensive city in the country. In 2024, it ranked 102 out of 226 cities in the Mercer Cost of Living ranking, which evaluates the cost of living in various cities around the world. For comparison, in 2021, Stockholm was in 72nd place. It is worth noting that although Stockholm is expensive, it is cheaper than cities such as Brussels, Luxembourg and Madrid, but more expensive than Barcelona, Prague and Toronto. This makes the Swedish capital more livable compared to other large European cities, especially for those who come to the country in search of a better future.
Ukrainians considering moving to Sweden should pay attention to the nuances of obtaining a visa for family reunification, which is one of the popular ways to legalize a stay in the country in 2024. It is also important to know that Sweden is actively fighting the labor shortage, which opens opportunities for employment of foreigners, including Ukrainians. Detailed information about vacancies can be found on the relevant resources.
Housing rent
The cost of renting a house in Sweden is one of the biggest expenses for new arrivals, and it can amount to more than 30% of the budget. The price of housing depends on the municipality, district and the size of the apartment. In small towns, you can find an apartment for 650-1000 euros per month (5000-11000 SEK). However, in the center of Stockholm, renting a one-room apartment will cost between 1,000 and 2,000 euros per month (10,000–20,000 SEK). Renting private houses can cost from 1,000 to 2,500 euros per month.
For those looking for economical options, living in the suburbs can be significantly cheaper than in the central parts of cities. However, it is worth noting that the demand for rental properties in Sweden is very high, and often expats first rent a short-term accommodation in order to have time to find a permanent option. When signing a rental agreement, landlords often require an employment contract and proof of income. A guarantor may also be required if the landlord deems your income insufficient to cover expenses. In some cases, landlords may require payment for the first and last month of occupancy.
Utilities are also an important part of the budget. The cost of such services usually ranges from 90 to 200 euros per month (1,000 to 2,000 SEK). An important point is that in Sweden you have the opportunity to independently choose the company that will provide you with utility services, which allows you to compare prices and choose the best options. However, in many cases the cost of utilities is already included in the lease.
Internet in Sweden costs about 30 euros (350 SEK) per month. This allows you to have stable access to the network for work and communication with family and loved ones in Ukraine.
Food prices
Food prices in Sweden are higher than the European average. A family of three should count on 600-800 euros (7,000-9,000 SEK) per month for basic food needs. Locally produced products usually cost less, while imported products may have a higher price due to logistics costs.
Here are some examples of basic product prices:
- A liter of milk costs from 1 to 1.50 euros.
- A kilogram of chicken fillet costs from 8 to 11 euros.
- A kilogram of potatoes costs from 1 to 1.50 euros.
- Bread – from 2 to 3 euros.
- A dozen eggs – from 2 to 3 euros.
- A kilogram of rice costs up to 2 euros.
- A liter of oil — from 2.5 to 3.5 euros.
The cost of a standard dinner in an inexpensive restaurant is around 30-35 euros (300-400 kroner) per person, while a three-course lunch in a mid-range restaurant will cost you 70 euros (800 kroner). Drink prices can also vary: a cappuccino costs from 2.75 to 4.5 euros, and a bottle of beer (0.5 l) from 4.5 to 7 euros.
Transportation costs
The public transport system in Sweden is extremely developed and financed mainly by the state. The cost of a single ticket is approximately 3.5 euros (39 kroner), and a monthly pass in Stockholm costs about 85.38 euros (970 kroner). This makes it convenient and relatively inexpensive to move around the city.
For those who plan to travel in their own car, significant fuel costs should be taken into account. Gasoline prices range from 1.67 to 2 euros per liter (19 to 22 crowns), while diesel costs about the same. It is also worth paying attention to the high costs of parking in cities.
To travel by car in Sweden, you must have a “Green Card”, which is international insurance for a vehicle. It can be issued on the Visit Ukraine portal, which allows you to choose a package for different periods – from 15 days to 1 year.
Medical services
Sweden’s medical system is one of the best in the world and it is publicly funded. All permanent residents of Sweden, including foreigners and expats, have access to the healthcare system. The surcharge for a doctor’s consultation for insured persons is minimal and amounts to about 18–26 euros (200–300 kroner). In addition, the state covers a large part of the cost of prescription drugs.
If a Ukrainian refugee needs urgent medical care, but does not yet have a Swedish tax number, the necessary treatment can be obtained at local emergency centers (närakut). This allows you to receive quality medical care even in the case of an uncertain status.
In general, the cost of living in Sweden for Ukrainian refugees can be high, but with proper budget planning and taking into account local characteristics, you can find affordable options for a comfortable stay. On average, the budget of a family of two in Sweden ranges from 2,500 to 3,000 euros per month. It is important to prepare in advance for the move, familiarize yourself with all aspects of life in the country and seek advice from specialists in order to avoid unforeseen difficulties.
