The 7 Cheapest Places To Live In Sweden To Pick From

Sweden’s seven most affordable places to live include Norrköping, where your money stretches furthest; Jönköping with its beautiful lake views; Uppsala, perfect for students; Malmö in the south with cultural perks; compact Lund where everything’s walkable; industrial Västerås with reasonable costs; and centrally-located Örebro with below-average expenses. You’ll find each city offers a unique balance of Swedish quality of life without breaking the bank. Let’s explore what makes each spot special.

Good To Know

• Norrköping offers the lowest monthly expenses in Sweden at 16,663 kr for singles, with downtown apartments 22% below national averages.
• Örebro provides housing costs 13% below Swedish average and clothing prices nearly 20% cheaper than national norms.
• Jönköping combines affordable living with lake views, with housing ranging from 3,800-7,600 SEK monthly.
• Uppsala is student-friendly with monthly expenses around SEK 10,591 (excluding rent) and rich cultural opportunities.
• Västerås features housing between SEK 5,675-7,800, low utility costs (SEK 578), and affordable dining options.

Norrköping: Sweden’s Budget-Friendly Gem

When you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to call home in Sweden, Norrköping rises above as the country’s hidden gem for cost-conscious living. With monthly expenses around 16,663 kr for singles and 35,880 kr for families, it’s officially Sweden’s cheapest city.

Norrköping stands out as Sweden’s budget paradise, offering unmatched affordability for both singles and families alike.

You’ll find downtown one-bedroom apartments for just 6,745 kr—22% below the national average. Utilities run about 757 kr monthly, beating Sweden’s norm by 10%.

The savings don’t stop there. Childcare costs 73.5% less than the Swedish average, and dining out won’t break the bank with a three-course meal for two at around 900 kr. Local grocery shopping is affordable with everyday staples like a dozen eggs costing just 40.80 kr on average.

While public transport is pricier at 1,110 kr monthly, you’ll save on fuel and taxi fares, which run 32% below national rates. On weekends, locals often enjoy snorkeling spots along Sweden’s coastline, a cost-effective alternative to expensive entertainment options.

Jönköping: Affordable Living With Lake Views

Looking east from Norrköping, you’ll find another budget gem tucked alongside one of Sweden’s most beautiful lakes. Jönköping offers a sweet spot of affordability while delivering stunning waterfront views that won’t cost you extra.

Monthly costs run about 19,353 SEK for singles and 39,380 SEK for families, which beats bigger cities like Stockholm. Though housing costs 81% more than in Valparaíso, Chile, you’ll find student apartments ranging from 3,800-7,600 SEK monthly. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs around 8,250 SEK monthly. Consider roommates to cut these expenses further.

You’ll save on entertainment thanks to free natural amenities, but budget for winter heating.

Transportation costs run high, so grab a monthly transit pass instead of owning a car. Take advantage of student discounts and secondhand markets to stretch your krona even further.

Uppsala: Student-Friendly Economy Without Stockholm Prices

Just a short train ride from Stockholm, Uppsala offers you big-city amenities without the capital’s hefty price tag. Home to one of Sweden’s oldest universities, this vibrant city boasts a thriving student culture that keeps costs reasonable compared to the capital.

Uppsala: Big-city experience meets university town charm, all at a fraction of Stockholm’s prices.

For about SEK 10,591 monthly (excluding rent), you’ll find Uppsala surprisingly affordable:

• Housing costs average SEK 10,804, with cheaper options available through shared living arrangements
• Monthly food expenses run around SEK 2,455 per person
• Utilities for a two-person flat typically cost SEK 1,230
• A family of two can live comfortably on about $3,110 monthly

You’ll enjoy Uppsala’s prosperous historical sites, active nightlife, and outdoor activities while benefiting from excellent transportation connections to Stockholm whenever you need the big city experience. The cost of living is 36.6% less expensive than New York, making it an attractive option for international students and professionals. Uppsala also perfectly positions you to explore Sweden’s must-visit destinations while maintaining a comfortable budget-friendly lifestyle.

Malmö: Southern Sweden’s Cost-Effective Hub

Located across the Öresund Bridge from Copenhagen, Malmö offers you an invigorating mix of Scandinavian charm and affordability in Sweden’s southern region.

While 6% pricier than the national average, it’s still kinder to your wallet than Stockholm.

You’ll find housing options ranging from shared accommodations to furnished apartments (around 10,855 SEK for 85m²).

Cook at home to save money—restaurant meals run 120-150 SEK, while local markets provide budget-friendly groceries. A romantic dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant costs about 130 SEK for the entire meal.

Getting around won’t break the bank either. The city boasts excellent public transport and bike-friendly streets that make car ownership optional.

What really shines is Malmö’s cultural scene—many activities are free or low-cost, and students enjoy special discounts across services, making this diverse city an attractive, economical choice. Unlike Stockholm’s must-visit attractions, Malmö offers similar cultural experiences at a fraction of the cost.

Lund: Compact City With Manageable Expenses

Nestled in southern Sweden, Lund offers you an ideal blend of academic excellence and budget-friendly living that won’t drain your wallet. This compact city lets you enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle for around SEK 7,500 monthly if you’re frugal with your spending.

What makes Lund special for budget-conscious folks:

• Affordable accommodation ranging from SEK 4,000-7,000 monthly, with walking-distance access to most amenities
• Active student community through Lund University, providing free or low-cost cultural events year-round
• Minimal transportation costs since the bike-friendly infrastructure makes car ownership unnecessary
• International atmosphere that welcomes newcomers while maintaining the charm of traditional Swedish living

You’ll appreciate Lund’s temperate climate, green spaces, and the perfect balance between academic opportunities and sustainable living—all without breaking the bank. The city’s overall cost of living is 37.9% less expensive than major cities like New York, making it an attractive option for international residents seeking affordability. Similar to popular Mediterranean destinations, Lund offers a vibrant cultural scene but with the added benefit of Scandinavian efficiency and lower tourist crowds.

Västerås: Industrial Center With Reasonable Living Costs

As Sweden’s fifth-largest city, Västerås offers you a practical compromise between big-city conveniences and small-town affordability.

Your housing costs won’t break the bank, with one-bedroom apartments running about 7,800 SEK monthly in the center and 5,675 SEK in outlying areas.

You’ll enjoy reasonable utility bills around 578 SEK monthly, and internet service costs about 300 SEK.

Getting around is budget-friendly too—a monthly transit pass runs 633 SEK, though the excellent bicycle infrastructure might save you even that expense.

Grocery prices sit slightly below the Swedish average, while industrial employers like ABB create job stability.

Dining out remains quite affordable with a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing around 134.50kr on average.

Compared to Stockholm or Gothenburg, you’ll stretch your krona further while still enjoying Sweden’s social benefits.

It’s just 0.5% pricier than the national average—practically a bargain for city living.

You might consider Västerås as an alternative if you’re weighing Mediterranean destinations but prefer Sweden’s excellent social systems and lower crime rates.

Örebro: Central Sweden’s Affordable Alternative

Örebro offers another wallet-friendly option in Sweden’s heartland, with an even stronger emphasis on housing affordability. You’ll find housing costs running about 13% below the national average, helping offset some of the city’s pricier aspects.

Living here gives you:

• Housing that won’t break the bank, unlike many Swedish cities
• Central location that balances accessibility with lower costs
• Significant clothing bargains (nearly 20% cheaper than Swedish norms)
• A middle-of-the-pack global cost ranking (4559th out of 9294 cities)

Be aware that childcare runs about 40% higher than Sweden’s average, making family budgeting essential.

While restaurants and groceries trend slightly above national averages, the overall package makes Örebro worth considering, especially if you’re looking to save on housing and clothing expenses. Unlike iconic cities like London and New York where cost of living skyrockets, Örebro maintains a modest financial footprint. Cost comparison data shows that Örebro is 28% cheaper than Rotterdam, offering substantial savings compared to many European cities.

The Sum Up

Sweden doesn’t have to empty your wallet! From Norrköping’s budget charm to Örebro’s practical appeal, you’ve got options that won’t leave you eating nothing but ramen. Remember, where there’s a Swede, there’s a way to live affordably. Take your pick, pack your bags, and start your Nordic adventure without breaking the bank. Your dream Swedish life is waiting—no trust fund required!