Planning your studies in Sweden involves understanding the cost of living. Despite Sweden’s high living expenses, students can manage costs through budgeting and smart choices. This guide outlines typical monthly expenses related to accommodation, food, transportation, and leisure, providing practical tips for maintaining a budget. While some commodities are pricier than the European average, effective planning allows newcomers to adapt easily to life in Sweden.
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What is the Monthly budget for a student in Sweden
This guide will assist you in estimating your approximate monthly living expenditures if you are travelling to Sweden for academic purposes. Please be aware that this is an estimate and not a precise figure for all Swedish students.
Budget breakdown
Accommodation
Rent prices can vary greatly, and in general, the more central a flat or room is, the more expensive it will be. A rough estimate:
- Housing for students, single-family 4000–7500 SEK ($424.80 – $795)
- Private houses, tiny apartments, and student housing 6,000–10,000 SEK ($636–$1,060)
Telephone and internet
Although phone and internet service fees can vary significantly, expect to pay at least SEK 400 ($43) per month. In Sweden, internet access is typically not included with flat rentals.
Food
Naturally, the frequency of eating out, cooking, and other factors will have a significant impact on your monthly food expenses. It wouldn’t be unusual to spend between SEK 3000 and 4000 ($320.52—$427.36). The lower estimate is based on the assumption that you cook most of the food yourself.
Public transportation
A monthly pass for public transit in Sweden costs about SEK 625 ($66.28) for students. Within the city borders, you can use the pass to travel by bus, tram, and ferry.
Clothes, entertainment, insurance, care, and additional costs
Although this price may vary, it should come to at least SEK 2,500 ($265.11).
Total for the month
This puts your monthly total between SEK 10,525 and 17,525 ($947 – $1,577). Note that this is just an estimate.
How to Get Funding, Work, and Residence Information for International Students
#1. Residence permit maintenance requirement
Students who must apply for a residence permit for their studies at the Swedish Migration Agency must demonstrate that they have enough money to cover their living expenses while in Sweden.
#2. Working during your studies
Students from the EU and EEA, as well as those from other nations, who possess a valid study-related residency permit, are permitted to work in addition to their studies. But you shouldn’t assume that you’ll be able to get part-time work. Particularly if you are new to Sweden, you must be able to maintain yourself without relying on receiving additional income.
#3. Scholarships
During the admissions process, you can apply for scholarships for students who pay fees. Once you have registered as a student, you can also apply for minor scholarships.
Other Things to Note While Studying in Sweden
In Sweden, money is not king.
One thing to keep in mind is that “card is king” in Sweden. It can be challenging to pay with huge sums of cash, so avoid bringing them. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely used and recognised debit and credit cards in Sweden. Please be aware that American Express and Maestro cards may be subject to certain limitations.
Online purchasing, contract signing, and money transfers
In a foreign country, online shopping, contract signing, and bill payment might be challenging. “Hallå konsument” is a nationwide service that provides information about Swedish consumers’ rights and responsibilities in a variety of languages.
Tips on saving money in Sweden As An International Student
One of the reasons why sometimes people postpone their dreams is the thinking of “the money is not enough”. However, many times that can be solved simply by controlling expenses. In this blog, I will give some budgeting tips to keep your expenses as a student in Sweden at the minimum. Therefore, you will be able to enjoy this beautiful country without worrying about your pocket.
#1. Housing
Depending on whether you want an apartment for yourself or may share it with two or more people, housing costs in Sweden’s major cities can be extremely high.
The best way to save money on housing as a student in Sweden, I must say, is to rent a room in the university housing. The rent for a single student in these rooms ranges from SEK 3,000 to SEK 7,000 ($282.34—$658.83). However, it’s always the less expensive choice.
#2. Groceries – food
The price of groceries and food is mostly depends by your diet and level of willingness to prepare meals each day.
My recommendation would be to cook and freeze the food since it will help you save a lot of money. Cooking with friends also helps you eat better and save money while also enjoying the experience.
Furthermore, you can enjoy yourself with your pals without always purchasing meals, so you don’t actually need to spend what they do. Additionally, you’ll observe that the majority of Swedish individuals prepare their own meals, with large gatherings typically requiring lunch or supper to be eaten outside.
#3. Books
Books shouldn’t be a financial concern for colleges because the majority of the resources they need are available online or in university libraries. However, you should keep in mind that e-books and PDFs are not particularly inexpensive if you prefer traditional books.
I would suggest looking for used books or books written by previous students if you plan to purchase or spend money on university-related books. On the other hand, if you enjoy reading poetry, novels, and other works of literature, I would suggest getting an e-reader.
#4. Transportation
You can avoid paying for transit altogether if you live in a small Swedish city or if you frequently cycle or walk. In order to save money on transit, some favour paying for apartments close to the institution.
Additionally, new students typically visit during the first month; therefore, the monthly ticket will be a very good deal.
#5. Mobile and gym
In Sweden, mobile phones are not too expensive; if you are a student, you will have more possibilities. Your future institution will give you a SIM card when you get to Sweden, but you are not required to use it. Instead, I advise you to be patient and look for other offers. In addition, the internet in Sweden is fantastic; it is available for free at coffee shops, squares, libraries, and, of course, universities. You will always be able to stay in touch in this way.
#6. Gym
Another problem is the gym in Sweden, where you will see a lot of people training and going to the gym. It is not as expensive, as there are student deals starting at 200 SEK ($21) per month, which I think is reasonable. But since Sweden is known for its natural beauty, it’s essentially a free gym.
You can run around lakes or forests to stay in shape without paying to join a gym. Hiking and strolling across the city are also rather common in Sweden. Lastly, you can try looking at student housing that has amenities like saunas and gyms.
#7. Leisure
We may now discuss lifestyle! You alone have the authority to manage your spending during your free time.
I think it’s a fantastic idea to recommend activities to your pals where everyone can split the cost. You can also find some great offers in Sweden called “afterwork”, where you can get pizza or a buffet for just one beer. You can also try to arrange a picnic or dinner with friends as well.
Furthermore, I think it’s good to occasionally spend time by yourself, such as at parties or elegant dinners. You can attempt various low-cost activities for the remaining weeks.
Extras and Final Thoughts
Remember that the first month in Sweden is always the most costly; don’t panic and be ready; once you’ve settled in, you’ll undoubtedly find a balance.
Make an effort to purchase hygiene items (shampoo, toothpaste, soap, etc.) on a monthly basis. You won’t have any issues with your monthly budget if you purchase these things from the start for roughly six months.
Additionally, try to purchase clothing in your home country. Sweden occasionally has sales, but they are not particularly affordable. Another option is to purchase from second-hand stores, where you can find items in excellent condition and at a very low cost.
Lastly, because a lot of people are continually moving out and they sell a lot of items at good rates, there are offers in Facebook groups or markets.
Budgets can vary greatly, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Sweden. I hope this guide will help you figure out how much you can spend there.