Are you looking for a stunning new country with a rich history and a good standard of living? Well, look no further than Sweden!
From the breathtaking natural beauty to its vibrant cities, this Scandinavian haven offers something for everyone.
Today, we’ve listed the best places to live in Sweden to help you choose the number one option for you.
Why Live or Retire in Sweden?
Sweden has a lot more to offer besides its exceptional beauty — which already entices many people who want to retire or live in Sweden.
First, the Swedes are just as warm and welcoming as their beautiful landscape. Mingling with them and finding new friends in Sweden will be easy. They’ll be more than happy to tell you about Sweden’s rich history!
Second, they have an excellent healthcare program, which some countries can only dream of having. You can finally stay on track with your health goals.
And if you’re planning to grow a family, best believe that Sweden has a great educational system that can make your kids prime for the picking!
Your kids won’t have a hard time looking for job opportunities in the future either.
Types of Places to Live in Sweden
You can expect a very diverse population regardless of where you decide to live in Sweden. That’s because it’s the fifth largest country in Europe.
You have many options to choose from — from Sweden’s major cities down to its smaller towns and rural areas.
Major Cities
Sweden is a land of wonderful cities, each having its own unique culture. Each city offers stunning natural surroundings you’ll never get tired of seeing.
Living in the heart of the city provides an ideal opportunity to experience a hip urban lifestyle with a thriving job market, exciting restaurants, and the presence of major corporations.
What’s more, Swedish residents are often very proficient in using the English language, making it easy to communicate and source all necessities.
In short, living downtown puts almost everything you could ever need within reach!
Smaller Towns
Do you need a break from the urban metropolis? Why not take a trip to one of Sweden’s beautiful small towns?
They’re still close to the city, but the population is not as crowded. Less light and noise pollution can help you relax with your warm cup of coffee after a very long day.
Nonetheless, you won’t have a problem visiting the beautiful cities near you!
Rural Areas
Wake up each day to stunning views of the Alps and rivers while enjoying a slower pace of life than what you’d find in cities.
It’s truly a great way to experience the country’s unique culture and immerse yourself in Swedish living!
Now who doesn’t want that?
You’ll also be glad that electricity, Wi-Fi, and other basic needs are still accessible to you.
Cost of Renting vs. Owning
Looking for an apartment is the first thing you must do when arriving in Sweden.
However, rental prices vary depending on the Swedish city you plan to live in.
NOTE: Expect expensive price tags if you live closer to the city center.
Meanwhile, owning a house in Sweden is often considered a challenge.
Based on our research, we discovered that the country is no stranger to the housing shortage issue.
Couple this with its steep prices and requirements — you must be prepared for the competition.
Education System in Sweden
The education system in Sweden has a student-centric approach.
This approach lets students choose where and what they want to study. This freedom helps them find the best path for them in life.
More importantly, education in Sweden is free for their nationals, so parents won’t have to worry about tuition fees.
Health Care System in Sweden
We’re sure you know Sweden as the country with one of the best healthcare systems worldwide.
Unlike the educational system, it’s not free since people pay for it through taxes.
However, the quality of their health care system helps ensure its people live in their best health possible.
Despite Sweden’s relatively high cost of living, spending on hospital bills is quite affordable, unlike other countries — more so if you have health insurance.
Top 10 Best Places to Live in Sweden
Are you ready to check out the beautiful Swedish places that will have you inspired and amazed?
Let’s jump into the best places to live in Sweden. We’re sure you’ll fall head over heels for these iconic areas.
1. Gothenburg
Gothenburg, the second largest city in Sweden, is home to several thriving industries like logistics, film, and even gaming!
It is also considered the largest port city in West Sweden, and you can visit and explore the Gothenburg archipelago anytime!
You won’t have difficulty falling in love with this beautiful city.
Not to mention, the city is full of surprises you’ll never see coming! Starting from its diverse culture and industries, you’ll never run out of activities to do.
2. Linköping
Linköping is a charming city that combines the old and the new. That’s because it houses several historic buildings while still accommodating the growing tech industry!
There are many attractions in Linköping, such as the open-air museum and the air force museum.
Visiting these attractions will help you get to know the Scandinavian country better.
3. Malmö
Quick fun fact: located at Sweden’s southern tip, Malmö is the country’s third largest city.
It is closer to the southwestern coast, so expect warmer and sunnier days you can spend at the beach.
It’s one of Sweden’s best and largest cities, perfect for those who can’t stand the cold breeze of other Swedish cities.
This west coast city is perfect for exploring the different urban areas in the country.
4. Helsingborg
Helsingborg is a country that sits really close to Denmark. It’s the most important city because it houses some of the shipping and manufacturing industries of the country.
What makes this city charming is its attractive waterfront town.
It also houses the first pedestrian shopping street in Sweden, Kullagatan, perfect for those who want a day off with friends.
5. Örebro
You can get to know a country through its historical sights, and Örebro is the best city to live in for this. This city has a lot of beautiful nature reserves, similar to the west coast.
Strolling around the city can show you its diverse restaurant scene that can satisfy any of your cravings!
Notwithstanding this, Örebro is now becoming known as robot valley because of the various robotic companies settling down in this quaint city.
6. Solna
Solna is a small city that’s less than an hour north of Stockholm.
You might think this is busy because it’s close to the country’s capital. The truth is, it’s not.
Through the years, Solna has become a tourist attraction for places like the Angso national park and its modern residential vibe.
Walking around feels relaxing because of how serene the town looks.
The city also enjoys one of the lowest corporate tax rates, perfect for investors in Sweden.
7. Stockholm
Stockholm is the capital city of Sweden!
Everyone wants to live in this bustling and sustainable city, despite its high cost of living.
This city rests close to the Baltic Sea and Lake Mälaren, perfect for those who want to live in waterfront buildings.
The capital is a major transportation hub that can connect you to city life and rural towns. Thanks to that, it’s the prime location for tech companies to start their business.
8. Umeå
Umeå is located in northern Sweden and is the opposite of what you’d expect from southern cities.
The city was elected the European Cultural Capital in 2014 because of its cool weather — perfect for winter sports like ice skating and snowboarding.
Summer in this city is just as lively and fun because it houses various film and music festivals. Catching the annual jazz festival is a good way to end summer in this city.
You can also take a short ferry ride from this town to a neighboring town in Finland.
9. Uppsala
Uppsala’s cost of living is slightly more affordable than other Swedish cities. This is because it houses many students, and the city is called a university town by some locals.
This beautiful town houses the oldest university and some of the best attractions. It also boasts a vibrant historic quarter for tourists and locals to enjoy.
If you want the best education possible for your child, you can’t go wrong with Uppsala.
10. Västerås
Västerås is one of the oldest cities along the Lake Mälaren shore. Its cobbled streets can transport you back in time.
But the city has seen a lot of changes through the years, and it’s now become a thriving and booming industrial city. Nonetheless, the town still manages to keep its tradition alive.
The only drawback is the high cost of living, something you must consider before you live in Sweden.
Food and Groceries
Many of the things you need are readily accessible in Sweden.
That means you can easily buy food and groceries from a supermarket, so you won’t need to make any huge lifestyle changes.
Just be sure to set a budget for your grocery expense, considering how costly some essentials can get.
Employment Opportunities
Working in Sweden won’t be hard, considering the presence of various industries in the country. Let’s see what employment opportunities await you!
Top Industries in Sweden
The country has a pretty large average net wealth, considering the number of industries it has, such as:
- Manufacturing
- Motor vehicles
- Pharmaceuticals
- Telecommunications
Regardless of your profession, Sweden has multiple opportunities waiting for you.
Types of Jobs Available
You won’t have difficulty looking for a job when you decide to live in Sweden. Many employment opportunities are waiting as long as you qualify for the position.
Take note of any working requirements needed, especially if you’re still a non-resident of the country.
Quality of Life
The quality of life in Sweden is truly unbeatable. Settling in won’t be so hard because everything about this country is accommodating and welcoming.
Let’s look at what you can expect from different aspects of living in Sweden’s cities.
Culture
Sweden has a very diverse and dynamic culture that you won’t get tired of learning from the locals.
In general, Sweden is a combination of the modern and the old. They’ve made accommodations for the new world while preserving its traditions and practices.
The country prides itself on giving its people equal opportunities while ensuring everyone enjoys their privileges.
Safety
Sweden is a pretty safe country, regardless of the city you stay in. You won’t feel scared that you might get mugged on the street when you’re alone.
The people are generally friendly, and there’s hardly any room for suspicion.
Nonetheless, we still recommend exercising essential safety precautions, especially when walking alone at night and using public transport.
Climate
Living in Sweden means learning how to brave the cool weather.
It can get pretty cold during the winter season —which can be a complete shocker for people coming from countries with tropical climates.
Nonetheless, some areas in Sweden aren’t too cold. Adjusting to the cool climate will be better in those areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we leave with our parting words, allow us to answer some of the FAQs we usually get about living in Sweden:
What Places Should You Avoid When Living in Sweden?
In general, some of the best cities to visit in Sweden are actually also some of the best cities to live in.
However, there are certain areas that we highly recommend you avoid visiting or living in — especially if you’re alone.
For instance, the outskirts are too far from the city.
Accessing your basic commodities and services from there can be challenging. Not to mention, some of the outskirt areas are notorious for being unsafe.
Is Sweden a Great Country to Live for Expats?
Yes, Sweden is a good country for expats. Today, there’s already a growing number of foreign-born residents because of the country’s outstanding benefits!
Stockholm and Gothenburg are well populated and offer easy access to basic services. That makes these two of the best Swedish cities for expats to live in.
You can also enjoy various dining options, regardless of the cuisine!
How Much Money Do You Need to Live in Sweden?
Around 1,000 Swedish krona a day will give you a comfortable life in Sweden.
Admittedly, this is quite expensive compared to other countries.
However, you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank with hospitalization and education.
This is considering how much service you get in return from the government.
Conclusion
Ready to pack your bags and move to Sweden? The country is waiting for you! You have a lot of beautiful sights and destinations to explore.
Perhaps you might find Stockholm to be the next place you call home, with its vibrant culture tucked right beside the Baltic Sea.
Or, maybe you’ll find the culture in Umeå to be one that can reignite your will to live.
Regardless of what you choose, we hope you find your perfect home away from home among the best places to live in Sweden!
