Cost of Living in Sweden for International Students 2025-26
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Students who want to study in Sweden should plan their budget first. They need to know the total cost of living and study fees in the city they choose. The cost of living in Sweden is about 230% higher than in most Indian cities. This article tells about the average cost of living in Sweden for students in 2025.
The cost of living in Sweden is different for everyone. There are various factors on which the cost of living in Sweden depends, such as the city you study, the accommodation you live in, and more. Small cities in Sweden, like Uppsala and Lund are cheaper. Many universities in Sweden help students find cheap houses.
The monthly living cost in Sweden is about SEK 10,584 (around INR 90,000–95,000) every month for house, food, travel, and other things. Student housing usually costs SEK 3,000–7,000 per month. Sweden is a bit expensive, but students can save money with student discounts, buying second-hand things, and doing part-time jobs. Sweden also gives work after study and is friendly for students.
- Estimated Cost of Living in Sweden 2025
- Average Cost of Living in Sweden for One Person
- How expensive is it to live in Sweden?
- Living Expenses in Sweden for the Different Cities
- Extra Living Costs in Sweden
- How to Save Money while Living in Sweden
Estimated Cost of Living in Sweden 2025
| Expenses in Sweden |
Average Yearly / Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
SEK 3,000 – SEK 7,000 per month |
| Food and groceries |
SEK 2,500 – SEK 3,000 per month |
| Public transportation |
SEK 500 – SEK 650 per month |
| Phone subscription |
SEK 300 – SEK 500 per month |
| Internet (Home Wi-Fi) |
SEK 300 – SEK 400 per month |
| Study material and books |
SEK 750 – SEK 1,500 per semester |
| Health insurance |
Students may pay SEK 300 – SEK 600 per month |
| Leisure and miscellaneous |
SEK 1,000 – SEK 1,500 per month |
| Clothing and personal items |
SEK 500 – SEK 1,000 per month |
Note: Big cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg are more expensive than small cities like Uppsala or Växjö. Many students save money using student discount cards like Mecenat or Studentkortet and buy second-hand things.
On average, the monthly cost of living for international students in Sweden is about SEK 10,584 (around INR 90,000 – 95,000) in 2025.
Average Cost of Living in Sweden for One Person
The table given below is based on data provided by Study in Sweden and official Swedish university resources. International undergraduate students can estimate the average tuition fees and annual living costs based on different types of institutions:
| Expenses for International Applicants |
Tuition Fees (Annual) |
Housing & Living Expenses (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Universities in Sweden |
SEK 80,000 – SEK 295,000 |
SEK 120,000 – SEK 130,000 |
The cost of studying in Sweden is very important when planning your total expenses. Tuition fees can be different for each course and university. The average monthly living cost for international students usually includes rent, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Also Read:
How expensive is it to live in Sweden?
Sweden is the among the most expensive country to live in Europe. The cost of living index of Sweden is around 59.3, which is 230.1% higher than in India. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Sweden are INR 95K, excluding rent. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Sweden is around €885.
Compared to some other European countries, Sweden’s cost of living is relatively moderate. For example, in Germany, a family of four spends around €3,428 a month excluding rent, while a single person spends €1,000. In the Netherlands, monthly expenses for a family of four can reach €3,573 and €1,016 for a single person. The cost of student accommodation will also be around €900. In contrast, Sweden offers a slightly lower cost of living for both families and individuals (Source: Numbeo).
Also Read: Education loans for studying in Sweden
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Living Expenses in Sweden for the Different Cities
The cost of living in Sweden for Indian students depends a the city you live in. Here is the average monthly cost for international students in popular cities.
| Top Student Cities in Sweden |
Average Cost of Living in Sweden (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Stockholm |
SEK 12,000 – SEK 14,000 |
| Gothenburg |
SEK 11,000 – SEK 13,000 |
| Uppsala |
SEK 10,000 – SEK 11,500 |
| Lund |
SEK 10,000 – SEK 11,000 |
| Linköping |
SEK 9,500 – SEK 10,500 |
| Umeå |
SEK 9,000 – SEK 10,000 |
| Växjö |
SEK 9,000 – SEK 10,000 |
Students who want to study in these cities should plan their budget carefully. The cost of living in Sweden for Indian students also changes depending on their course. Undergraduate students may pay more because their programs are longer, while postgraduate students may spend a little less depending on course length and university location.
Most Expensive City to Live in Sweden
The most expensive city to live in Sweden is Stockholm, where a single person may spend around €2,448 per month including rent. Next is Gothenburg with €1,938, and Malmö with €1,707. These cities have high rental prices and living expenses.
Also check:
Cheapest City to Live in Sweden
The cheapest city to live in Sweden is Norrköping, with a monthly cost of around €1,108. Other cheap cities are Jönköping (€1,273) and Helsingborg (€1,256). These cities have low rent and living costs, which is good for students and families.
Also Check: Public Transport Tips for International Students
Extra Living Costs in Sweden
If you want to study in Sweden, you need to be ready for some extra costs. The cost of living can go up 5 to 8% every year. It is good to keep around SEK 2,000 – 3,000 each month for unexpected things.
Some extra costs can be:
- Travel between India and Sweden during holidays
- Big things like laptop, study desk, bicycle, or second-hand stuff
- Medical costs not in health insurance like dentist or eye check
- Transport outside public transport with student cards
- Fun things like movies, museums, eating out, or trips with friends
It is smart to have extra money for these things. The total cost for living in Sweden is about SEK 120,000 – 130,000 each year and tuition fees are about SEK 80,000 – 140,000. So, planning budget is very important.
Also Read:
How to Save Money while Living in Sweden
Even though living in Sweden is a bit expensive, students can save money if they plan well. Make a monthly budget, apply for scholarships, choose student housing or shared rooms, and use public transport with student discounts.
To save money in Sweden, you can cook at home and buy second-hand things. Using student cards like Mecenat or Studentkortet can also be beneficial.
Students should also keep money for health insurance, books, personal care, and travel. It is good to have some emergency money for surprises.
If you want to study in Sweden, you can sign up for free Shiksha Abroad Counselling and get a callback from their experts.
To live well in Sweden, a person needs about SEK 25,000 to 30,000 each month (around INR 1.9 to 2.3 lakhs). This money can pay for rent, food, travel, and other things. In big cities like Stockholm, it can be little more because houses and things cost more.
Both Sweden and the US have high living costs, but the overall expenses can vary depending on the city and lifestyle. Sweden offers subsidised education and healthcare, which can reduce the overall burden. Rent and tuition fees in the US are usually higher, while Sweden may have higher food and service costs.
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Yes, Sweden is an expensive country to live in. There are cities in Sweden which are higher living costs because of rent and lifestyle. Students may spend around SEK 8,000 to 12,000 per month (approx. INR 60,000 to 90,000) for food, housing, transport, and other things.