Cost Of Living in Stockholm 2025
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Stockholm
Whether you're living in Stockholm or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: SEK
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: SEK
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: SEK
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: SEK
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: SEK
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Stockholm is 40,000 SEK. Expenses can range from 5,700 SEK at the minimum level to 440,000 SEK at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Stockholm is 59,000 SEK. Expenditure can range from 9,000 SEK to 540,000 SEK per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Stockholm is 70,000 SEK per month. Families spend anywhere from 14,000 SEK to 700,000 SEK.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Stockholm is 28,000 SEK. Students spend from 4,300 SEK to 310,000 SEK per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
Financial goals of people in Stockholm
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Stockholm, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.
| Financial Goal | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Fund | 6% |
| Debt Reduction | 31% |
| Retirement Savings | 7% |
| Education Funding | 9% |
| Homeownership | 16% |
| Investing | 9% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 12% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 8% |
| Financial Independence | 9% |
Around 6% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 31% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 7% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 9% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 16% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 12% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 8% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
Saving Challenges in Stockholm
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Stockholm. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 7% |
| High Expenses | 10% |
| Debt and Loans | 19% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 10% |
| Impulsive Spending | 9% |
| Financial Emergencies | 6% |
| Living the moment | 7% |
| Will do it later | 16% |
| Inflation | 10% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 3% |
Around 7% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 10% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 19% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 9% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 16% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 10% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Stockholm
One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.
Spending to Income Ratio
93%
83% to 100%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 6% |
| 50% - 60% | 12% |
| 60% - 70% | 19% |
| 70% - 80% | 27% |
| 80% - 90% | 15% |
| 90% - 100% | 9% |
| 100% - 110% | 5% |
| 110% - 120% | 3% |
| 120% - 130% | 2% |
| 130% - 140% | 2% |
| > 140% | 1% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Stockholm is 93%
This means that on average, people spend around 93% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 19% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.
How can spending be more than income?
A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.
Individual
86%
Spending-Income-Ratio
76%
96%
Couple
93%
Spending-Income-Ratio
82%
100%
Family
95%
Spending-Income-Ratio
85%
110%
How do people spend their money in Stockholm?
We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.
The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.
Housing Expenditure27%
27% of total expenses on average (16% to 35%)
| LOW | $120 1,300 SEK |
| AVERAGE | $1,200 13,000 SEK |
| HIGH | $19,000 190,000 SEK |
| Per Month |
People living in Stockholm typically spend from 16% to 35% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 27% being the average. The average spend on housing is 13,000 SEK with expenditure ranging from 1,300 SEK to 190,000 SEK. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $18 190 SEK |
| AVERAGE | $180 1,900 SEK |
| HIGH | $2,800 29,000 SEK |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Stockholm ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 1,900 SEK with 190 SEK and 29,000 SEK being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute9%
9% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)
| LOW | $40 410 SEK |
| AVERAGE | $400 4,100 SEK |
| HIGH | $5,900 62,000 SEK |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 410 SEK to 62,000 SEK on commuting with 4,100 SEK being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 9% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 13%.
Food and Groceries Cost26%
26% of total expenses on average (18% to 32%)
| LOW | $97 1,000 SEK |
| AVERAGE | $970 10,000 SEK |
| HIGH | $15,000 150,000 SEK |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Stockholm is 10,000 SEK. The cost of groceries can range between 1,000 SEK to 150,000 SEK. People spend on average about 26% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 18% and 32% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services8%
8% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $24 250 SEK |
| AVERAGE | $240 2,500 SEK |
| HIGH | $3,600 38,000 SEK |
| Per Month |
People in Stockholm allocate 3% to 11% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 8%. The range of medical expenses range from 250 SEK to 38,000 SEK with 2,500 SEK being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $15 160 SEK |
| AVERAGE | $150 1,600 SEK |
| HIGH | $2,300 24,000 SEK |
| Per Month |
This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 160 SEK to 24,000 SEK with 1,600 SEK being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.
Education and Schooling6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $23 240 SEK |
| AVERAGE | $230 2,400 SEK |
| HIGH | $3,500 36,000 SEK |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 2,400 SEK per month with 240 SEK being the minimum spent amount and 36,000 SEK being the maximum.
Other Expenses12%
12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)
| LOW | $53 550 SEK |
| AVERAGE | $530 5,500 SEK |
| HIGH | $7,900 82,000 SEK |
| Per Month |
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Stockholm
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Stockholm
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 5,100 SEK | 7,600 SEK | 20,000 SEK |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 7,800 SEK | 12,000 SEK | 31,000 SEK |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 11,000 SEK | 16,000 SEK | 43,000 SEK |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 13,000 SEK | 22,000 SEK | 59,000 SEK |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 25,000 SEK | 62,000 SEK | 120,000 SEK |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 20,000 SEK | 31,000 SEK | 87,000 SEK |
House monthly rent cost
| 25,000 SEK | 63,000 SEK | 130,000 SEK |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 30,000 SEK | 76,000 SEK | 120,000 SEK |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Stockholm ranges between 5,100 SEK and 20,000 SEK, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 7,800 SEK to 31,000 SEK. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 11,000 SEK and 43,000 SEK per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 13,000 SEK to 59,000 SEK. The average rent of a townhouse in Stockholm is around 31,000 SEK while house rental costs can be as high as 63,000 SEK per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 30,000 SEK to 120,000 SEK per month.
Apartment and house prices in Stockholm
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
| 1.1M SEK | 1.6M SEK | 3.2M SEK |
| $100,000 | $150,000 | $310,000 |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 1.3M SEK | 2.2M SEK | 8.2M SEK |
| $130,000 | $210,000 | $790,000 |
2-bedroom apartment price
3-bedroom apartment price
Townhouse price
House price
Villa price
The average price of a studio apartment in Stockholm can range from 1.1M SEK to 3.2M SEK depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 1.3M SEK to 8.2M SEK. A villa can cost you 73M SEK on average with prices ranging from 13M SEK to 110M SEK.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Stockholm will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.
House / apartment prices to income ratio
Property price to income ratio
( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100
| 64 | x190 monthly income | 304 |
Property prices in Stockholm can be x190 to x304 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x190 multiples of the average monthly salary in Stockholm.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Stockholm is around 41%. This means that people pay 41% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 29% to 53% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.
The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.
Housing affordability index
The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.
Housing Affordability Index
32% Property Taxes
Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.
Home Maintenance Costs
Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.
| 87 SEK | 870 SEK | 13,000 SEK |
Urban vs. rural living costs
Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Stockholm
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Stockholm and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.
Retirement planning and savings
There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.
The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Stockholm:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 100,000 SEK |
| 30 | 210,000 SEK |
| 35 | 370,000 SEK |
| 40 | 540,000 SEK |
| 45 | 760,000 SEK |
| 50 | 1.1M SEK |
| 55 | 1.3M SEK |
| 60 | 1.7M SEK |
| 65 | 1.9M SEK |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 14% |
| Savings | 21% |
| Investments | 14% |
| Social Security | 9% |
| Annuities | 9% |
| Part-time Job | 9% |
| Real Estate | 16% |
| Dividends and Interest | 9% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Stockholm 3,200 SEK
$310 | 29,000 SEK
$2,800 | 320,000 SEK
$31,000 |
Typical saving choices for people in Stockholm
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 10% |
| Gold | 9% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 12% |
| Cash Savings | 15% |
| Real Estate | 10% |
| Investment | 6% |
| Stocks | 6% |
| Bonds | 7% |
| Mutual Funds | 3% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
Prices and cost of goods and services in Stockholm
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one
| 350 SEK | 530 SEK | 2,100 SEK |
Cappuccino or latte
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Pack of beef
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
Average car 1-day rental
Average car price
| 130,000 SEK | 250,000 SEK | 340,000 SEK |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
| 340 SEK | 520 SEK | 1,000 SEK |
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
| 290 SEK | 2,100 SEK | 23,000 SEK |
Utility Bill - Couple
| 310 SEK | 2,200 SEK | 25,000 SEK |
Utility Bill - Family
| 580 SEK | 2,900 SEK | 29,000 SEK |
Internet and cable
Mobile phone charges
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
| 430 SEK | 540 SEK | 1,100 SEK |
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
Woman dress
| 310 SEK | 440 SEK | 1,400 SEK |
Woman shoes
Men's shoes
Men suit
| 280 SEK | 350 SEK | 1,800 SEK |
Regular t-shirt
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 5,100 SEK | 7,600 SEK | 20,000 SEK |
1-bedroom apartment
| 7,800 SEK | 12,000 SEK | 31,000 SEK |
2-bedroom apartment
| 11,000 SEK | 16,000 SEK | 43,000 SEK |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 1.1M SEK | 1.6M SEK | 3.2M SEK |
| $100,000 | $150,000 | $310,000 |
1-bedroom apartment
| 1.3M SEK | 2.2M SEK | 8.2M SEK |
| $130,000 | $210,000 | $790,000 |
2-bedroom apartment
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 5,200 SEK | 6,500 SEK | 8,700 SEK |
Double Bed
| 3,600 SEK | 5,400 SEK | 6,700 SEK |
Single Bed
| 3,200 SEK | 4,200 SEK | 5,500 SEK |
Living Room
| 6,200 SEK | 8,000 SEK | 28,000 SEK |
Dining Table
| 2,600 SEK | 3,500 SEK | 6,500 SEK |
Sofa or Couch
| 3,600 SEK | 4,900 SEK | 11,000 SEK |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 3,600 SEK | 5,400 SEK | 11,000 SEK |
Fridge or Freezer
| 3,200 SEK | 5,000 SEK | 6,900 SEK |
Washing Machine
| 3,900 SEK | 5,700 SEK | 10,000 SEK |
Stove or Cooker
| 3,800 SEK | 4,800 SEK | 6,600 SEK |
Mobile Phone
| 4,500 SEK | 5,400 SEK | 7,700 SEK |
Laptop or Computer
| 5,000 SEK | 6,100 SEK | 11,000 SEK |
Affordable living in Stockholm
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Stockholm?
Around 76% of surveyed residents think that living in Stockholm is affordable with proper budgeting while 24% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Stockholm
People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:
Plenty of low-cost options60%
Few low-cost options40%
Based on the survey, 60% of the people living in Stockholm have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 40% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
A typical and healthy budgeting structure
The 50/30/20 rule
Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle,
location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule,
which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.
50% for needs and financial obligations
This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
30% for wants and discretionary spending
This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.
20% for savings and emergency fund
This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.
About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting
The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.
How much money can you save in Stockholm every month?
We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.
What percentage of people in Stockholm manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 73% of the surveyed people in Stockholm said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 27% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Stockholm
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 82% | 18% |
| Couples | 80% | 20% |
| Families | 71% | 29% |
Savings-to-Income Ratio
The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
1,900 SEK
$180 | 19,000 SEK
$1,800 | 290,000 SEK
$27,000 |
For most people, 16% to 40% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 27% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 19,000 SEK on average with savings ranging from 1,900 SEK to 290,000 SEK.
82% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 80% of couples said the same. 71% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Stockholm?
The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.
Singles
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
1,800 SEK
$170 | 16,000 SEK
$1,600 | 180,000 SEK
$17,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 28% |
| 10% - 20% | 22% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 17% |
| 40% - 50% | 13% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 20% to 42% of their monthly income to savings, with 32% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 16,000 SEK with 1,800 SEK and 180,000 SEK being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
3,700 SEK
$360 | 24,000 SEK
$2,300 | 220,000 SEK
$21,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 32% |
| 10% - 20% | 24% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 12% |
| 40% - 50% | 10% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 18% to 42% of their monthly income, with 30% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 24,000 SEK with 3,700 SEK and 220,000 SEK being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
5,700 SEK
$550 | 29,000 SEK
$2,700 | 290,000 SEK
$27,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 35% |
| 10% - 20% | 27% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 9% |
| 40% - 50% | 7% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Stockholm can save anywhere between 15% to 35% of their monthly income, with 25% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 29,000 SEK with 5,700 SEK and 290,000 SEK being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Financial Literacy in
Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.
Financial Leteracy71%
We asked residents of whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 29% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 71% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.
Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning
We wanted to understand whether residents of have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 31% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 69% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance31%
Easily manages finances69%
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Stockholm
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Stockholm
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Stockholm is approximatly 110 SEK with meal cost ranging from 53 SEK to 180 SEK. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 180 SEK and 550 SEK with 280 SEK being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Stockholm.
Fine dining meal for one price
| 350 SEK | 530 SEK | 2,100 SEK |
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 350 SEK to 2,100 SEK with the average cost being 530 SEK for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Stockholm.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Stockholm is around 72 SEK. Price ranges between 45 SEK and 110 SEK depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Stockholm is 44 SEK. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 55 SEK and the minimum being 37 SEK depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
A dozen eggs costs around 35 SEK on average with 26 SEK and 52 SEK being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Stockholm is between 63 SEK and 120 SEK depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 81 SEK.
Pack of beef price
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 110 SEK. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
A bag of rice in Stockholm costs around 38 SEK on average with prices rangeing between 28 SEK and 54 SEK depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 11 SEK to 26 SEK. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
A bag of apples costs 25 SEK on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio
( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Stockholm is around 28%. This means that people spend 28% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 35% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 5,800 SEK per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 830 SEK and 64,000 SEK depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 7,300 SEK per month. That number can be get as low as 1,100 SEK or a high as 68,000 SEK. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 2,200 SEK to 110,000 SEK with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
Emergency Funds
An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes72%
No28%
Based on the survey, 28% of the people living in Stockholm said that they don't have an emergency fund while 72% said that they do.
Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Stockholm
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Stockholm
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual
| 290 SEK | 2,100 SEK | 23,000 SEK |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
| 310 SEK | 2,200 SEK | 25,000 SEK |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
| 580 SEK | 2,900 SEK | 29,000 SEK |
Internet and cable cost
Mobile phone bill and charges
Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.
The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Stockholm ranges between 290 SEK and 23,000 SEK with average being 2,100 SEK, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 2,200 SEK with 310 SEK and 25,000 SEK being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 2,900 SEK. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 280 SEK to 740 SEK with 550 SEK being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 300 SEK but can range between 180 SEK and 900 SEK depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.
Energy / Utility expense to income ratio
( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average utility-to-income ratio in Stockholm is around 4.7%. This means that people pay 4.7% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 1.2% to 9.4% depending on salary and location.
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Stockholm
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 29% of the people in Stockholm have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 71% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Stockholm
Debt to income ratio
26%
16% to 36%
( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100
Interpretation
The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 26% of the people's monthly income in Stockholm goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 10% |
| 40% - 50% | 11% |
| 30% - 40% | 13% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 10% - 20% | 20% |
| 0% - 10% | 28% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Stockholm pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 10% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 11% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 13% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 16% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Stockholm
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 14% |
| Auto Loan | 24% |
| Student Loan | 3% |
| Credit Card | 24% |
| Personal Loan | 35% |
14% of debtors in Stockholm confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 24% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 24% of people and personal loans rose at 35%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Stockholm.
About credit score and debt managementManaging debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.
Good debt vs. Bad debt
Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.
Loan Affordability Index in Stockholm
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.
Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.
| Frequency | % People |
|---|
| Never | 56% |
| Once a year | 22% |
| Twice a year | 11% |
| Three times a year | 8% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
Cost of living comparison by city
#1 Malmo
The average cost of living in Malmo is 24,000 SEK, which is 44% less than the country average. Malmo is ranked first in Sweden in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#2 Goteborg
The average cost of living in Goteborg is 33,000 SEK, which is 23% less than the country average. Goteborg is ranked second in Sweden in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#3 Stockholm
The average cost of living in Stockholm is 43,000 SEK, which is same as the country average. Stockholm is ranked third in Sweden in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
Published: September 13, 2024 Last Update: April 20, 2025
