Cost of living in Sweden – 2019

📅 Please note this post was originally written in 2019, so the information is likely outdated. Check out our most recent posts under the Cost of Living category for more up-to-date information.

Recall I mentioned in the last post that another ‘hot’ topic would be addressed? I guess the title dismisses the element of surprise on the subject matter that I will be sharing on…

“I hear Stockholm is expensive? Is this true?”

” What should my average budget be like every month?”

I dare say for every prospective student I have interacted with, I have been asked the above two questions. I made a post in 2018 which I feel should be revised now, as some of the prices listed there have changed. 

Let’s set the ball rolling:

• Accommodation

Accommodation ranges from 2900SEK to 7500SEK. This year, Flemingsberg apartment which was 2500 SEK is unavailable. Instead, there is an available apartment in Sodermalm for 2900SEK. In my opinion, this is a better alternative as Flemingsberg is a bit far from the main KTH Campus. Accommodation actually has this large margin in price because it depends on many factors: proximity to the city centre, shared room, corridor room, studios, etc. Most of these accommodations have electricity, water and internet included in the amount you pay. However, if this is not the case, it would be clearly stated.

TIP: Most students pay between 3500 to 5000 SEK after the first year. This is largely due to sssb and other available forms of accommodation that they find as they understand Stockholm better.

• Food

Not much has changed in this aspect. If you’re big on cooking, then Lidl and Willys would fast become your go-to places as they usually have the same items at somewhat cheaper prices. Other stores include: Hemkop, ICA, Coop, In a month, if most of your shopping is done in Lidl or Willys (and you cook all that you eat), you can budget 800SEK to 1000SEK.

Also, at KTH, you can take advantage of the student discounts in most restaurants. Good to know that in the past year, these prices have stayed the same:

Restaurants in school: 65SEK to 89SEK

Sandwich: 25SEK to 50SEK (a small store close to KTH Entre usually sells for 25SEK while 7-eleven and coffice have sandwiches up to 50SEK)

Cinnamon bun and a cup of coffee: 15SEK (this applies to all Pressbyran stores if you show your student ID)

Obviously, you would want to treat yourself sometimes in the month, you can budget about 500SEK to 1000SEK to this. For example, you can buy pizza for 89SEK to 110SEK. You can get burgers starting from 50SEK to 89SEK (depends on the package you decide on). You can go for a food buffet also with 200SEK.

TIP: Always ask stores if they have a student discount. Most stores won’t mention but they usually do. Second, some stores have discounted prices close to the end of the day. Third, download Karma app. Fourth, download the apps of your favourite grocery stores and become a member to not miss out on good deals 😉

• Transportation

Riding a bike would save you a ton of money. Also, the student price for the SL transportation card is 590SEK/month. Most students who use the public transportation system pay this capped price as it is actually cheaper than paying per ride. An average Uber ride from the city centre to KTH main campus is 160SEK (which is about 11mins driving).

• Communication

I think this has been my cheapest expense. I use Halebop and my phone bill per month ranges from 0SEK to 100SEK. I would say the average price paid that students do pay is 100SEK/month irrespective of the service provider.  

• Gym

The average price for a gym membership, with student discount, ranges from 220SEk to 300SEk monthly.

• Miscellaneous

This section covers everything else you would love. You might love a night out with friends, cruises during the summer, shopping, anything else that really is not written above but depends on the individual’s personality. 

Let’s calculate👇🏽👇🏽

On average, the living expenses of a student ranges from 5000SEK to 10000SEK depending on the student’s preferences. 

Do you think there is a section that I missed on this list? Do you want certain specifics to prices for certain items? Feel free to ask:) If not, I am glad that this post gives you the right amount of information that you need!

Also, if you have any more questions that you would love answered in this transition journey to Sweden. I would love to also give answers either as posts or comments.

Till the next post,

Oluchi