- Indian students require 6,000-14,000 SEK (₹56,000-₹1.3 lakh) monthly for comfortable living expenses in Sweden.
- Växjö is Sweden’s cheapest student city with living costs of SEK 8,000-10,000 (₹74,800-₹93,500) monthly for Indian students.
- The most budget-friendly housing option in Sweden is student dormitories, which cost 2,500–4,500 SEK (₹23,375–₹42,075) per month.
Indian students who want to pursue study programs in Sweden find diverse, comfortable living options to stay in the country. Managing the cost of living on its own for Indian students can be challenging, but it can be done with appropriate assistance.
We have presented a detailed blog on the cost of living in Sweden, including Sweden’s average cost of living and its different components. It will guide you in spending your expenses intelligently and without any hassle.
Cost of Living in Sweden: Introduction
Living expenses, or the cost of living, are the finances required to sustain and maintain minimum living standards.
The Cost of Living in Sweden generally includes house rent, food bills, transportation charges, utility bills like electricity, gas, phone bills, laundry, etc.
Sweden is the 5th biggest country in Europe, with a growing infrastructure, modern technology, and a supportive ecosystem that helps international students live comfortably.
Here, we will briefly discuss the living expenses in Sweden, including average expenses, the cost of essential services such as accommodation, meals, transportation, health insurance, tips to reduce unnecessary costs, and more.
Average Living Expenses in Sweden for Indian Students
The cost of living in Sweden can depend on factors such as city lifestyle preferences, local taxes, etc. A monthly budget of between 6,000-14,000 SEK per month (INR 56,000 to 1.3 Lakh) is sufficient to sustain comfortably in the country. Apart from these costs, tuition fees for pursuing courses are also considered separately.
Below is the table that enlists the general breakdown of the cost of living for Indian students in Sweden.
| Category | Estimated Expenses (SEK/INR) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 2,500-10,000 SEK (₹23,375-₹93,500) |
| Food | 1,800-2,500 SEK (₹16,830-₹23,375) |
| Transportation | 600-800 SEK (₹5,610-₹7,480) |
| Amusement/Leisure | 500-800 SEK (₹4,675-₹7,480) |
| Utilities Bills (Electricity, Water, Phone bills, etc.) | 600-900 SEK (₹5,610-₹8,415) |
Affordable Cities in Sweden
We have listed below the affordable cities in Sweden for Indian students and their average monthly cost of living.
| Cities | Average Cost of Living (per month) |
|---|---|
| Växjö | SEK 8,000 – 10,000 (₹74,800 - ₹93,500) |
| Örebro | SEK 8,500 – 10,500 (₹79,475 - ₹98,175) |
| Karlstad | SEK 9,000 – 11,000 (₹84,150 - ₹1,02,850) |
| Uppsala | SEK 9,500 – 12,000 (₹88,825 - ₹1,12,200) |
| Linköping | SEK 10,000 – 12,500 (₹93,500 - ₹1,16,875) |
| Lund | SEK 10,000 – 13,000 (₹93,500 - ₹1,21,550) |
Cost of Living in Sweden: Accommodation Rent
Indian students in Sweden find ‘house hunting’ not difficult if they follow appropriate guidelines provided by authorities. Swedish universities play a significant role in providing suitable accommodation to incoming students without any stress. This prevents students from falling into the trap of scammers, unauthorised persons, or agencies.
Accommodation costs in Sweden may vary according to location, accommodation type, size of house requirements, etc. It is the wisest approach to start searching for accommodation when the student gets an acceptance letter from the university.
Below, we present a table to showcase the type of accommodation and the average rent in Sweden.
| Type of Accommodation | Cost of Accommodation (per month) |
|---|---|
| Student Dormitories | 2,500-4,500 SEK (₹23,375-₹42,075) |
| Shared Apartments | 3,500-5,500 SEK (₹32,725-₹51,425) |
| Studio Apartments | 4,500-7,000 SEK (₹42,075-₹65,450) |
| One bedroom apartment | 6,500-10,000 SEK (₹60,775-₹93,500) |
Health Insurance for Indian Students in Sweden
The eligibility for health insurance in Sweden depends on several factors, including the length of stay and country of origin. The following is an overview of health insurance for Indian students in Sweden.
Indian students studying in Sweden for longer than a year are entitled to the same health benefits as Swedish citizens.
They first need to register at their tax office and then obtain a personal identity number (or “personnummer” in Swedish) as soon as they arrive in Sweden.
The application procedure can take some time to complete.
The health insurance premium in Sweden depends on the policy type, ranging from 197–310 SEK (₹1,840–2,900) per day.
Living Expenses in Sweden: Top Cities
The following is an overview of Sweden’s major cities’ average cost of living. It includes the cost of accommodation, transportation, meals, and tourist attractions.
| City | Accommodation (per month) | Transportation (per month) | Meals (per month) | Utilities (per month) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stockholm | 10,000 - 18,000 SEK (₹93,500 - ₹1.6L) | 900 - 1,200 SEK (₹8,415 - ₹11,220) | 3,000 - 5,000 SEK (₹28,050 - ₹46,750) | 800 - 1,200 SEK (₹7,480 - ₹11,220) | 14,700 - 25,400 SEK (₹1.3L - ₹2.3L) |
| Gothenburg | 8,000 - 15,000 SEK (₹74,800 - ₹1.4L) | 700 - 1,000 SEK (₹6,545 - ₹9,350) | 2,800 - 4,500 SEK (₹26,180 - ₹42,075) | 700 - 1,100 SEK (₹6,545 - ₹10,285) | 12,200 - 21,600 SEK (₹1 L - ₹2L) |
| Malmo | 7,000 - 13,000 SEK (₹65,450 - ₹1.2L) | 600 - 900 SEK (₹5,610 - ₹8,415) | 2,500 - 4,000 SEK (₹23,375 - ₹37,400) | 700 - 1,000 SEK (₹6,545 - ₹9,350) | 10,800 - 18,900 SEK (₹1 L - ₹1.7L) |
| Uppsala | 6,000 - 12,000 SEK (₹56,100 - ₹1L) | 600 - 800 SEK (₹5,610 - ₹7,480) | 2,500 - 4,000 SEK (₹23,375 - ₹37,400) | 600 - 1,000 SEK (₹5,610 - ₹9,350) | 9,700 - 17,800 SEK (₹90,695 - ₹1.6L) |
| Lund | 7,000 - 13,000 SEK (₹65,450 - ₹1.2L) | 600 - 800 SEK (₹5,610 - ₹7,480) | 2,500 - 4,000 SEK (₹23,375 - ₹37,400) | 600 - 1,000 SEK (₹5,610 - ₹9,350) | 10,700 - 18,800 SEK (₹1L - ₹1.7L) |
Tips to Cut Living Expenses in Sweden
The following are some general tips for Indian students in Sweden to reduce unnecessary expenses:
- Choose to stay in a student house or shared apartment to cut the cost of accommodation.
- Preparing a weekly or monthly budget can be beneficial in order to track and maintain the expenses.
- Part-time job options can also be explored to reduce unnecessary expenses and also for the betterment of the skills.
Key Takeaways
Managing living expenses in Sweden requires careful planning, but it’s entirely achievable with the right approach. Indian students should budget between 6,000-14,000 SEK per month (₹56,000-₹1.3 Lakh), with accommodation being the largest expense at 2,500-10,000 SEK monthly. Cities like Växjö and Örebro offer more affordable options starting from SEK 8,000 per month, while Stockholm remains the most expensive at 14,700-25,400 SEK monthly. Remember to factor in health insurance (197-310 SEK per day for stays under one year), and explore cost-cutting strategies like shared apartments, monthly budgeting, and part-time work opportunities to make your Swedish study experience financially sustainable.
Ready to start your Sweden study journey? AdmitX guides Indian students through every stage of their study abroad application, from university selection to settling into Swedish student life.
- University Selection Guidance
- SOP Review
- Study-Abroad Document Templates
- Free IELTS Bootcamp Course
- Scholarship Assistance
- Visa Support Services
And much more!
Book your FREE study abroad counselling session today!
FAQs
Is Sweden good for Indians to settle?
After completing their studies, Indian students find various benefits to returning to Sweden. A peaceful environment, a diverse and multicultural community, and a developed economy are a few of the factors that attract new international graduates to settle in the country.
What is the average salary for part-time jobs in Sweden?
The average pay for a part-time job in Sweden for students is between 8,000-10,000 SEK or INR 62,000-78,000 per month. The salary depends on the type of job and also on the number of hours dedicated to the work by a student.
Are vegetarian meals available in Sweden for Indian students?
Students pursuing various academic programs in Sweden can easily manage their meals. Almost every Swedish restaurant provides vegetarian meals as an optional item for the meat products they serve. Students can also cook food independently in their homestays.
What is the average monthly budget required for Indian students living in Sweden?
Indian students need 6,000-14,000 SEK (₹56,000-₹1.3 lakh) monthly for comfortable living in Sweden.
Which are the most affordable cities in Sweden for Indian students?
Växjö and Örebro are the cheapest, with costs starting from SEK 8,000 (₹74,800) per month.
Which are the most affordable cities in Sweden for Indian students?
Växjö and Örebro are the cheapest, with costs starting from SEK 8,000 (₹74,800) per month.
What are the accommodation costs for Indian students in Sweden?
Student dormitories cost 2,500-4,500 SEK monthly, whilst one-bedroom apartments range from 6,500-10,000 SEK.
Can Indian students work part-time whilst studying in Sweden?
Yes, students can work unlimited hours, though 20-30 hours weekly is recommended during term time.
What is Sweden's student visa success rate for Indian applicants?
Sweden maintains an 82% student visa approval rate with 75% processed within five months
Do Indian students in Sweden require health insurance?
Students staying over one year get Swedish health benefits after obtaining a personnummer; shorter stays require insurance at 197-310 SEK daily.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
