Cost of Living in Stockholm: A Guide for Young Professionals

Moving to Stockholm as an international young professional is an exciting step, but understanding the cost of living can be a game-changer when it comes to budgeting effectively. Known for its high quality of life, robust job market, and stunning Scandinavian design, Stockholm has become a prime destination for ambitious professionals from around the world. However, life in Sweden's capital city comes with a hefty price tag, making it essential to break down expenses and understand where your money will likely go.

This guide dives into all aspects of the cost of living in Stockholm, from accommodation and groceries to transportation and entertainment, helping you prepare for a balanced lifestyle in Sweden’s vibrant capital. Whether you’re preparing to move or just curious about what to expect, understanding these costs can help set you up for a smoother transition into Stockholm life.

Housing Costs in Stockholm, Sweden

Housing is a major expense for young professionals in Stockholm, with costs varying significantly based on location, apartment size, and amenities. Overall, young professionals moving to Stockholm should plan for housing costs that, depending on preferences and location, typically range from 8,000 to 16,000 SEK per month, plus utilities.

Renting a One-Bedroom Apartment

For those who prefer living in the heart of Stockholm, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs around 16,000 SEK per month (approximately $1,450). This price reflects the demand for centrally located apartments near workplaces, restaurants, and public transportation. Alternatively, moving to a less central area can reduce rent considerably, with prices for similar one-bedroom apartments dropping to around 11,000 SEK per month. These areas are well-connected by Stockholm’s efficient public transport system, making them an appealing option for those seeking more affordable housing without sacrificing accessibility

Sharing a larger apartment or renting a room in a shared flat can be more budget-friendly, especially for newcomers. Depending on location and size, renting a room in a shared apartment can range from 5,000 to 8,000 SEK per month. Many young professionals find this option affordable, and it also offers a chance to build social connections.

Other Factors

Furnished apartments are convenient but tend to cost slightly more than unfurnished ones. A furnished 45 m² studio in a desirable area might cost around 16,000 SEK, while similar unfurnished options are closer to 14,000 SEK. Unfurnished apartments allow more customization, but require an initial investment in furniture.

Other than furniture, a cost to account for is basic utilities, which include electricity, heating, and water. Those usually cost between 1,100 and 1,200 SEK per month for a single person. If sharing, this can be split among tenants, making it more manageable. Another item to keep in mind is monthly internet plans, which, in Stockholm, cost around 200–250 SEK, which is reasonable but varies depending on speed and provider.

Food and Groceries Costs in Stockholm, Sweden

Food and grocery expenses in Stockholm can be substantial for young professionals, especially if they enjoy dining out or buying imported goods. On average, young professionals can expect to spend between 3,000 and 4,000 SEK on groceries each month, depending on dietary preferences and shopping habits. Seasonal local produce is often more affordable, while imported items, especially fresh fruits and out-of-season vegetables, can be more expensive. Some examples of common grocery prices include:

Milk (1 liter): 15 SEK
Eggs (12 pack): 48 SEK
Chicken breast (500 grams): 79 SEK
Local cheese (500 grams): 62 SEK
Bread (daily cost for 2 people): 22 SEK

Dining Out

In terms of dining out, a typical meal at a mid-range restaurant, including drinks, costs around 150-250 SEK per person. This category of dining is quite popular for weekend outings or social gatherings but can add up quickly if done frequently. Fast food is a less costly option, with combo meals (e.g., a burger with fries and a drink) around 100 SEK. Swedish cafes, where the tradition of “fika” (a coffee and pastry break) is popular, charge about 30-40 SEK for a coffee and 25-35 SEK for a pastry.

Stockholm has many upscale dining options, particularly in trendy neighborhoods like Östermalm, where meals can easily start at 500 SEK per person, excluding drinks. This option is generally reserved for special occasions due to the high cost.

Transportation Costs in Stockholm, Sweden

Public Transportation

Stockholm’s public transit system, managed by SL (Storstockholms Lokaltrafik), includes buses, the metro (Tunnelbana), commuter trains, and ferries. Many young professionals rely on this system for daily commuting due to its convenience and affordability compared to owning a car.

A standard monthly pass costs around 1,000 SEK and grants unlimited access to all SL-operated transport across the city. Discounted rates are available for students, youth, and senior citizens, but these are typically not applicable to working professionals. For those who travel occasionally, single tickets are available and cost about 39 SEK per trip within one zone (valid for 75 minutes across all SL transport modes).

Biking

Stockholm is a bike-friendly city with dedicated lanes and a growing infrastructure for cyclists. Many young professionals choose cycling as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation option. The price of a new bike varies, with standard models starting around 3,000 SEK and high-quality options reaching up to 10,000 SEK. There are also second-hand options that can be more affordable.

For those not ready to buy, bike-sharing services such as Stockholm’s City Bikes offer seasonal passes for around 300 SEK, typically covering the warmer months from April to October.

Other Options

Apps like Bolt and Uber operate in Stockholm, and they are often more affordable than traditional taxis. A standard 8 km ride with these services costs around 150–200 SEK, though prices vary based on demand and time of day. As for car-sharing, services like Sunfleet and M have grown in popularity for short-term car rentals, charging around 400-600 SEK per day. These options are practical for occasional use without the full commitment of owning a car.

In total, young professionals can expect transportation costs to range from 1,000 SEK (for those relying solely on public transit) to around 1,500-2,000 SEK monthly if supplementing with biking, occasional car rentals, or ride-sharing.

Personal Care and Healthcare Costs in Stockholm, Sweden

In Sweden, public healthcare is largely subsidized, making it affordable. Swedish residents are responsible for a small co-pay for consultations, typically around 200-300 SEK per visit to a primary care physician, and up to 400 SEK for specialist consultations. Prescription medications are also subsidized, with a maximum annual out-of-pocket limit for patients around 2,400 SEK, meaning healthcare costs remain manageable for most people.

Keep in mind that young professionals from outside the EU/EEA usually need to acquire private health insurance if they’re not eligible for public healthcare right away. The monthly cost of private health insurance ranges from 300 to 1,000 SEK depending on the level of coverage and provider. This insurance can cover additional services such as dental care, which is generally not covered in the public system unless it's emergency-related..

Medications

Medications are subsidized under the public system, reducing their cost significantly after reaching certain payment thresholds. Common prescriptions can cost between 100-300 SEK per month, depending on the medication and subsidy levels. Basic OTC medications, like cold medicine, typically cost 60-80 SEK, while pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen) are around 50 SEK for a standard pack. Although they’re not subsidized, these prices are consistent across pharmacies.

Dental Care

Dental care for adults is generally not covered by public health subsidies, except for emergency treatments. Regular dental check-ups cost around 600-900 SEK, with additional charges for any treatments or procedures. For those who prefer frequent check-ups and treatments, private dental insurance plans start at around 150 SEK per month and can cover up to 50% of standard treatments.

Personal Care

Gym memberships vary widely based on location and amenities but generally cost between 500 and 800 SEK per month. Budget gyms like Fitness24Seven are on the lower end, while upscale gyms with more services can cost 1,000 SEK or more. A standard haircut in Stockholm can range from 300 SEK at budget salons to 700 SEK or more at high-end locations. Hair care products, like shampoo and conditioner, average around 60-80 SEK each, though prices rise for specialty brand.

If you're looking to pamper yourself, wellness services such as massages and spa treatments are popular but expensive, with one-hour massages typically costing around 700-1,000 SEK.

Entertainment and Miscellaneous Costs in Stockholm, Sweden

Movies, Concerts and Theatres

A ticket to a movie costs around 150 SEK at major theaters. If going to the movies once or twice a month, this expense can add up to around 300 SEK. Stockholm has a vibrant music and event scene, with ticket prices varying widely. Smaller events and concerts generally cost around 300-500 SEK, while larger events or international acts can exceed 800 SEK per ticket. Tickets for the theater or ballet usually start at around 400 SEK and can go up to 1,000 SEK for premium seats. Attending one or two performances per month could add another 500-1,000 SEK to entertainment expenses.

Outdoor and Fitness Activities

Stockholm’s abundance of parks and waterways makes it easy to enjoy low-cost outdoor activities, such as hiking, running, or visiting the archipelago. While these are generally free, some professionals may spend on transportation to nearby natural sites (about 100-200 SEK for round-trip public transport) or on equipment like hiking gear. Joining a sports club (e.g., football, tennis) or pursuing a hobby like dance classes can range from 500-1,000 SEK per month. Additionally, one-time fees for equipment might come into play if joining more intensive sports or activities.

Personal Purchases

Clothing and personal items, while variable, can add up based on shopping frequency. For instance, a pair of jeans costs around 800 SEK, while a pair of running shoes is about 1,000 SEK. Young professionals may budget around 500-1,000 SEK per month for clothing and miscellaneous items.

Conclusion

Living in Stockholm as a young professional offers an exciting lifestyle in one of Europe’s most dynamic cities, but it’s essential to budget carefully to manage the high costs. Housing will likely be the largest monthly expense, followed closely by food, transportation, and entertainment, each varying depending on lifestyle choices and location. While public healthcare and transportation make some aspects of living more affordable, it’s wise to allocate funds for entertainment and personal care to fully enjoy the social and cultural experiences Stockholm has to offer.

For support in finding suitable and affordable housing, check out Hemavi. We'll help you find your new home in Sweden!