The admission season is here, and students are packing up to leave. For students in Pakistan, the cost of living in Sweden is very challenging.
Pakistani currency versus Swedish Krone is not that difficult to manage compared to the euros. This is why most education consultants recommend students to consider Sweden as an option.
Students often wonder, why study in Sweden when there are so many developed European countries.
Sweden is ranked second in the world on the Prosperity Index. With the 14th highest GDP in the world, Sweden is becoming a destination for students in terms of affordability and quality of life.
In comparison with Pakistan, the living is high, but earning a living isn’t difficult.
For students gearing up to study abroad and move to Sweden, this guide will prove extremely beneficial.
The breakdown includes the living expenses in Sweden, such as housing, food, healthcare, transportation, entertainment, and education.
Overview of Cost of Living in Sweden
If you are comparing the cost of living in Sweden with other European countries, Germany, Netherlands and UK, you will find Sweden as a good option.
There are various options to study in Sweden without IELTS.
The cost of living in Sweden for a single person is approximately 16,800 SEK (€1,780 or $1,910). It is approximately 501,889 Pakistani rupees.
Much of these expenses are subjected to the lifestyle preferences, city, and your visa status. As a student, these expenses mount up due to educational expenses.
Whereas, for a professional, post-studies, with a job and more working hours, you can manage living expenses in Sweden.
On average, a professional earns 40,000 SEK (approx. €4,200 or $4,500). The job market is growing competitive, but it is still quite lucrative compared to other European countries.
Housing and Accommodation Costs in Sweden
Just like any country, rent and housing costs in Sweden differ depending on how metropolitan the city is.
For instance, Stockholm is the most expensive city in Sweden. Uppsala, with plenty of universities, also has high rents.
But if you steer away from the urban hubs, take up flats for rent away from city centers, you will end up saving plenty on rent and housing costs in Sweden.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city center is somewhere between SEK 8,000 – 15,000. If you move away from busy city centers, prices drop to SEK 5,000 – 10,000.
Students who come to study in Sweden and live in dormitories or shared apartments have to pay rent expenses up to SEK 3,500 – 7,500.
| City | Rent/ month | Size |
| Lund | 500 – 1500 | 1 bedroom apartment |
| Gothenburg | 350 – 1000 | 1 bedroom apartment |
| Stockholm | 500 – 1500 | 1 bedroom apartment |
| Uppsala | 500 – 1000 | 1 bedroom apartment |
Food and Grocery Expenses in Sweden
Naturally due to conversion rates, the grocery costs in Sweden are higher for Pakistani students. A single person is estimated to spend 2,500 – 4,000 SEK. This is somewhere around 78,875 to 126,200 PKRS per month.
Students who want to save on grocery costs in Sweden can benefit from deals and discounts on LIDL and Willy’s.
Mid-range superstores like ICA and Coop also offer seasonal and occasional discounts. Here is a breakdown of some of the essentials:
- Milk (1 liter): SEK 15–20
- Bread (loaf): SEK 25–30
- Eggs (dozen): SEK 35–45
- Chicken (1 kg): SEK 80–100
- Rice (1kg): SEK 30–40
The grocery prices are expensive if you compare them with Pakistan. Students who get to work limited hours may have a tricky curve ahead of them.
Students who cook at home can manage the expenses well. In most cities, eating out is expensive, and finding a halal option is challenging.
For a single person, eating out can cost SEK 140, that too in an inexpensive restaurant.
Transportation Costs in Sweden
Transportation costs in Sweden is quite comprehensive. With trains, ferries, buses, and trams available, the transportation problem is sorted.
On average, a one-way ticket costs SEK 36 in most cities. But if you get a monthly pass, it costs SEK 860 (PKR). Students often receive discounts, reducing passes to SEK 400–550 (PKR 12,620–17,353).
Cycling is popular, with 27% of students using bikes, costing around SEK 1,100 (PKR 34,705) for a one-time purchase.
Mostly, students find housing that is close to campus. Biking and walking to the campus cuts the fares and avoids high transportation costs in Sweden.
Owning a car can be really expensive for students. A Volkswagen costs SEK 309,000, and a 1-liter of gasoline costs approximately 19 SEK.
Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Sweden
Sweden’s public healthcare system is subsidized. One of the best things about Sweden is that the students who live for more than a year become eligible for healthcare benefits.
Residents pay SEK 110–300 (PKR 3,471–9,465) per doctor visit and SEK 400 (PKR 12,620) for specialists.
International students, including Pakistani students, need health insurance, starting at SEK 300 (PKR 9,465) monthly.
In Pakistan, healthcare is less controlled, with private consultations costing PKR 1,000–3,000 per visit, and health insurance is a less common concept.
Pakistani students should budget for healthcare expenses in Sweden with insurance and dental care. Sweden’s system, while maybe efficient, requires upfront costs.
The accessibility of Sweden’s healthcare system is a significant advantage compared to Pakistan’s variable quality.
Education and Childcare Costs in Sweden
Sweden living expenses for international students is expensive, meanwhile, it is free for EU and EEA residents. Moreover, PhD students often receive stipends, free education, and health insurance covered by their education.
On the other hand, non-EU/EEA students, including Pakistanis, have to pay tuition fees of SEK 80,000–295,000 (PKR 2,524,000–9,310,225) annually, depending on the program.
Application fees are around SEK 900 (PKR 28,395). In Pakistan, university fees are much lower (e.g., PKR 100,000–500,000 annually for private institutions), making Sweden’s tuition a significant investment.
Scholarships like the Lund University Global Scholarship or Linköping International Scholarship can cover up to 100% of tuition for Pakistani students, easing the burden.
Expert education consultants would help you find the best scholarship opportunities in Sweden. IELTS would benefit you in securing the best scholarships in Sweden.
If you aim to get the maximum scholarship, enroll in IELTS preparation and better your chances.
Childcare is subsidized, costing SEK 1,500–3,000 (PKR 47,325–94,650) monthly, compared to PKR 10,000–30,000 in Pakistan.
Entertainment and Lifestyle Expenses in Sweden
Entertainment costs depend on lifestyle and how you manage these expenses. Here is a breakdown of routine entertainment expenses:
- Cinema ticket: SEK 120–150 (PKR 3,786–4,733)
- Gym membership SEK 300–500 (PKR 9,465–15,775) monthly
- Tennis court (rent on weekend) SEK 260
These fares are expensive for Pakistani students. Students mostly prioritize between watching a movie and dining out to manage their expenses.
Often, there are deals and student discounts on museums, concerts, and cultural events.
Students are often seen prioritizing going for hikes or park picnics to have less expensive entertainment options.
Cost of Living for Students in Sweden
Sweden cost of living for students is expensive yet manageable. Students spend somewhere between SEK 9,000 to 12,000 (PKR 283,950–378,600) monthly.
Smaller cities like Lund, Växjö, or Örebro are more affordable, with rents as low as SEK 3,500 ($376 or PKR 110,425).
Part-time work is allowed without a permit, but jobs often require Swedish proficiency, and full-time studies (40 hours/week) limit work hours.
Regional Variations in Cost of Living
| City | Rent | Food | Transportation | Miscellaneous |
| General | 3,500–7,500 | 2,000–3,500 | 400–550 | 900–1,700 |
| Stockholm | 4,000–8,500 | 2,500–4,000 | 500-1,100 | 1,200–2,000 |
| Uppsala | 5,000-11,120 | 2,000–3,500 | 400–550 | 900–1,700 |
| Lund | 4,500-10,020 | 1,800-3,000 | 450–700 | 1000–1,700 |
Stockholm is the most expensive compared to smaller cities like Lund, Växjö, or Örebro are more affordable.
Part-time work is allowed without a permit, but jobs often require Swedish proficiency, and full-time studies (40 hours/week) limit work hours.
You can always check the cost of various essentials and compare the cost of the cities on Numbeo.
Budgeting Tips for Living in Sweden
Managing expenses in Sweden isn’t difficult. For students who cannot manage expenses in other European countries, the cost of living in Sweden is extremely manageable. Here are some great tips to manage the expenses for Pakistani students.
- Shared Housing: Pakistani students can benefit a lot from shared housing. You can also look for shared dorms in universities.
- Home-cooked food: If you follow the social pages of grocery stores like Lidl and Willy’s, you will be able to keep track of deals and discounts. Instead of dining out, get the groceries on deals and cook food at home to save.
- Student Discounts: Student cards like ISIC and Mecenat offer discounts on groceries, transport, and various entertainment options.
- Public Transport: Monthly passes are a great way to save on transportation. Owning a car is quite impossible during studies. Professionals can own a car; however, for students, it’s quite expensive.
- Second-hand Options: In university campuses, you can always find second-hand books. You can also look for second-hand clothing and furniture.
- Energy-efficient Appliances: Use only energy-efficient appliances to reduce energy and heating bills.
- Part-time Work: Students are eligible for part time jobs in Sweden for 20 hours per week. If you understand Swedish, you are at an advantage in the job market.
- Explore Scholarship: Look for scholarship opportunities at Lund and Uppsala universities, with merit-based scholarship options to ease some financial burdens.
- Activities: Students need activities to relieve the burnout from assignments, exams, and studies. When entertainment gets costly, they can opt for park picnics, hikes, and other free activities.
Conclusion
Study in Sweden has become a routine topic of discussion among students who aspire to get the best education in technology, sustainability, and information technology.
The living expenses in Sweden are manageable compared to other European countries. With some tips and tricks, you can manage monthly expenses in Sweden.
The best thing to do is to secure a scholarship and combat the high Sweden living expenses for international students due to the conversion rate.
It is best to consult an expert immigration consultation to help you prepare the case and get a successful outcome.