Sweden is known as one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, with a very high quality of life. You are never too far from nature in any of Sweden’s cities, and its natural beauty is exquisite.
Nearly everyone in Sweden speaks English; it is a very welcoming and open country, which goes a long way when you are settling in a new country and struggling with culture shock. It’s ranked in the top ten in the World Happiness Report which is another reason you should move to Sweden. The question is, which city should you choose to make your home? Read on for help in this decision.
Best Places to Live in Sweden for:
- Expats: Solna
- English Speakers: Stockholm
- Digital Nomads: Malmö
- Solo Travelers: Uppsala
- Couples: Gothenburg
- Groups: Umeå
Top 10 Places to Live in Sweden
1. Solna
Best City for Expats
Cost of Living: $$
Just north of Sweden’s capital city, Solna is a peaceful place to live – with the option of enjoying the big city life too. Solna has grown in size due to the thriving job market. This city is an excellent option if you are a lover of nature – you’ll have access to parks, rivers, islands, lakes, and coastline.
Tip: There are 25 trains a day to Stockholm that only take 7 minutes for 44 SEK (4 USD).
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats, English Speakers & Couples
Pros:
- Thriving job market
- Peaceful living
- Close to Stockholm
Cons:
- Cold winters
- Nightlife isn’t very exciting
- Commuting to and from Stockholm can become tiring
2. Stockholm
Best City for English Speakers
Cost of Living: $$$
Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and it is incredibly diverse with a rich history and traditions. It’s built on 14 islands between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea and is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, surrounded by mountains, islands, and forests. Stockholm has fantastic museums to visit and great nightlife with many bars and cafes.
Tip: Even though everyone can speak English in Sweden, and Stockholm especially, you should learn Swedish to help you integrate easily.
Who Would Like to Live There: English Speakers & Expats
Pros:
- Thriving job market
- Vibrant nightlife
- Clean city
Cons:
- The cost of accommodation is expensive
- Finding an apartment to rent is difficult
- Cold and long winters
3. Malmö
Best City for Digital Nomads
Cost of Living: $
Malmö is on the Southern tip of Sweden and offers an excellent balance of the city and laidback lifestyle. You can get almost everywhere on a bike in Malmö, and the city center is nearly a completely carless zone. This city has an excellent restaurant scene, and during the summer, the beach is a great place to enjoy your free time.
Tip: Purchase a bicycle to get around as this will be cheaper than public transport.
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital Nomads & Groups
Pros:
- Copenhagen is nearby for a weekend away
- The cost of rent is cheaper than in Stockholm
- Many lakes and forests to explore
Cons:
- Finding an apartment is difficult
- The train service can be unreliable
- The combination of rain and wind can be hard to deal with
4. Uppsala
Best City for Solo Travelers
Cost of Living: $$
Uppsala sits on the banks of the Fyris River and is home to Scandinavia’s largest cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century. Uppsala also houses the oldest university in Scandinavia, and although it can be expensive for a college student there are things you can do to pay for studying abroad. It also has many lovely parks and gardens when you want to relax and take in nature.
Tip: Obtain a Swedish ID card to make getting into bars and purchasing alcohol easier.
Who Would Like to Live There: Solo Travelers & Couples
Pros:
- Beautiful cathedral
- Stockholm is nearby
- Lots of parks and greenery
Cons:
- It can be hard to make friends due to cultural differences
- Public transport can let you down
- Finding a job is tough
5. Gothenburg
Best City for Couples
Cost of Living: $$
Gothenburg sits on the shores of the Baltic sea and has beautiful natural landscapes. You are never far from a camping spot in this city filled with mountains, lakes, rivers, and forests. Living in this city also gives you access to the Gothenburg Archipelago of islands less than 30 minutes away, perfect for a quick weekend getaway.
Tip: The Gothenburg University hosts a language café twice a month to practice Swedish.
Who Would Like to Live There: Couples, Groups & Expats
Pros:
- Many restaurants
- Great public transport
- Numerous interesting places to see and explore
Cons:
- Icy winters
- Lots of rain
- Expensive
6. Umeå
Best City for Groups
Cost of Living: $$
If you are a fan of snow, then Umeå is the perfect city. This city has dramatic landscapes while enjoying skiing, ice skating, ice hockey, or snowboarding. During the summer, there are film and music festivals for you to appreciate.
Tip: Join a local sport or social club to meet new people.
Who Would Like to Live There: Groups, English speakers & Digital Nomads
Pros:
- Winter sports
- Music and film festivals
- Beautiful natural landscapes
Cons:
- Freezing winters
- Very long nights
- There is a housing crisis
7. Västerås
Best City for Cultural Enthusiasts
Cost of Living: $$
Västerås is one of Sweden’s oldest cities and it sits on the shore of Lake Mälaren. The city is a great mix of modern and ancient, adding to its charm. You can find a Viking burial ground just outside of the town, which is a testament to this city’s cultural importance.
Tip: Save up some money before moving, as living costs can be overwhelming.
Who Would Like to Live There: Solo travelers & Couples
Pros:
- Cultural experience
- Live in a historic city
- Charming city
Cons:
- Small city
- Entertainment can be lacking
- Expensive living costs
8. Örebro
Best City for Nature Lovers
Cost of Living: $$
A warm and welcoming city, Örebro is a beautiful place to live. It’s where you want to be if you’d like to escape the busy city and have a more laid-back lifestyle. Although quieter than other cities in Sweden, it still has many things to do, like visiting the castle that’s been there since the 13th century. There are also lovely lakes and nature reserves to visit that are a leisurely bicycle ride from the city, meaning you will always be in touch with nature.
Tip: Get in touch with private landlords to find accommodation.
Who Would Like to Live There: Groups, Couples & Expats
Pros:
- Friendly people
- Laidback lifestyle
- Beautiful nature
Cons:
- Accommodation is hard to find
- The nightlife can be underwhelming if you aren’t a student
9. Helsingborg
Best City for History Enthusiasts
Cost of Living: $$
Helsingborg is one of the oldest cities in Sweden, dating back to 1085. It has a 600-year-old medieval castle fortress in the center of the city. It is also just 3 miles from the coast of Denmark, which you can visit with a 20-minute ferry.
Tip: Gothenburg is only a 2.5-hour train ride away for a weekend away.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats & Digital Nomads
Pros:
- Safe city
- Close to Denmark
- Magical castle fortress
Cons:
- Conformist culture
- Swedish social rules will take getting used to
- You may need to wait a while for healthcare
10. Lund
Best City for Student Life
Cost of Living: $$
Lund only has a population of 90 000, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. Known as a university town, it is the oldest city in Sweden with charming museums and galleries. It also has a lively nightlife thanks to its student population. The town’s origins stretch back to the time of the Vikings, and it houses a 900-year-old cathedral.
Tip: The train to Malmö takes 12 minutes and is 21 to 160 SEK (2 to 17 USD) – for when you want to experience the busy city life.
Who Would Like to Live There: English Speakers, Groups & Solo Travelers
Pros:
- Historic city
- Charming museums
- Quiet and calm city
Cons:
- Not many nightlife options for non-students
- Slower lifestyle
- Getting used to the climate may take a while
FAQs
1. Is It Safe in Sweden?
Sweden is very safe, and there are rarely any crimes against foreigners.
2. What Currency Do They Use in Sweden?
The official currency of Sweden is the Swedish Krona.
3. What Language Do They Speak in Sweden?
Locals speak Swedish in Sweden, but almost everyone speaks English too.
4. How to Travel Around Sweden?
Traveling around Sweden is easy with options such as a train, car, airplane, boat, and bus.