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Cost of Living: Sweden vs Australia

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Sweden and Australia.

Data updated: November 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Sweden is 29.7% cheaper than Australia. The biggest difference is in Childcare, where costs are 80.3% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Australia, you would spend about $70 in Sweden for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Childcare 80.3%

Sweden is 80.3% cheaper

Other Expenses 75.4%

Sweden is 75.4% cheaper

Rent Per Month 31.5%

Sweden is 31.5% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 29.7%

Sweden is 29.7% cheaper than Australia

Most Expensive Categories

  • Transportation +29.6%
  • Markets +22.4%
  • Clothing And Shoes +14.5%

Is Sweden cheaper than Australia?

Yes, Sweden is cheaper than Australia

Overall, living costs in Sweden are 29.7% lower than in Australia.

Where Sweden is cheaper:

  • Childcare 80.3% cheaper
  • Other Expenses 75.4% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 31.5% cheaper

Where Sweden is more expensive:

  • Transportation 29.6% more expensive
  • Markets 22.4% more expensive
  • Clothing And Shoes 14.5% more expensive

Practical Examples

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Sweden: 953.88 $ Australia: 1,381.57 $
31.0% cheaper in Sweden

1 liter of gasoline

Sweden: 1.96 $ Australia: 1.18 $
66.1% more expensive in Sweden

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Sweden is indeed cheaper than Australia. You would save approximately 29.7% on living expenses by choosing Sweden over Australia. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

29.7%

Sweden is 29.7% cheaper than Australia

Restaurants

8.6%

Sweden is 8.6% more expensive than Australia in this category

Markets

22.4%

Sweden is 22.4% more expensive than Australia in this category

Other Expenses

75.4%

Sweden is 75.4% cheaper than Australia in this category

Transportation

29.6%

Sweden is 29.6% more expensive than Australia in this category

Household Utilities

27.8%

Sweden is 27.8% cheaper than Australia in this category

Mobile and Internet

15.8%

Sweden is 15.8% cheaper than Australia in this category

Sports And Leisure

9.9%

Sweden is 9.9% more expensive than Australia in this category

Childcare

80.3%

Sweden is 80.3% cheaper than Australia in this category

Clothing And Shoes

14.5%

Sweden is 14.5% more expensive than Australia in this category

Rent Per Month

31.5%

Sweden is 31.5% cheaper than Australia in this category

Property Prices

14.5%

Sweden is 14.5% cheaper than Australia in this category

Salaries And Financing

12.5%

Sweden is 12.5% cheaper than Australia in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Sweden Australia Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 14.72 $ 16.22 $ 9.2%
Sweden is 9.2% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 84.10 $ 77.88 $ 8.0%
Sweden is 8.0% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 11.46 $ 9.73 $ 17.8%
Sweden is 17.8% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 4.71 $ 3.48 $ 35.3%
Sweden is 35.3% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 2.79 $ 2.62 $ 6.5%
Sweden is 6.5% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.32 $ 2.16 $ 7.4%
Sweden is 7.4% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.48 $ 1.51 $ 2.0%
Sweden is 2.0% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 3.59 $ 5.69 $ 36.9%
Sweden is 36.9% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 3.13 $ 1.29 $ 142.6%
Sweden is 142.6% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 10.78 $ 7.97 $ 35.3%
Sweden is 35.3% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.12 $ 1.43 $ 48.3%
Sweden is 48.3% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.68 $ 1.53 $ 9.8%
Sweden is 9.8% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 3.03 $ 2.45 $ 23.7%
Sweden is 23.7% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 3.77 $ 2.05 $ 83.9%
Sweden is 83.9% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 4.40 $ 4.31 $ 2.1%
Sweden is 2.1% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 12.04 $ 8.89 $ 35.4%
Sweden is 35.4% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 12.38 $ 8.44 $ 46.7%
Sweden is 46.7% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 48.39 $ 13.88 $ 248.6%
Sweden is 248.6% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 3.19 $ 3.19 $ 0.0%
Sweden is 0.0% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 2.74 $ 2.75 $ 0.4%
Sweden is 0.4% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 3.16 $ 2.93 $ 7.8%
Sweden is 7.8% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 4.49 $ 4.30 $ 4.4%
Sweden is 4.4% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 1.78 $ 2.47 $ 27.9%
Sweden is 27.9% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.77 $ 2.14 $ 17.3%
Sweden is 17.3% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 2.37 $ 2.22 $ 6.8%
Sweden is 6.8% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 89.36 $ 97.35 $ 8.2%
Sweden is 8.2% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 7.67 $ 31.15 $ 75.4%
Sweden is 75.4% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 3.78 $ 2.92 $ 29.5%
Sweden is 29.5% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 6.41 $ 3.89 $ 64.8%
Sweden is 64.8% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 2.10 $ 1.88 $ 11.7%
Sweden is 11.7% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 62.81 $ 37.90 $ 65.7%
Sweden is 65.7% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 1.96 $ 1.18 $ 66.1%
Sweden is 66.1% more expensive
New Economy Car 32,485.06 $ 28,829.12 $ 12.7%
Sweden is 12.7% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 34,251.96 $ 22,658.59 $ 51.2%
Sweden is 51.2% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 126.98 $ 175.90 $ 27.8%
Sweden is 27.8% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 28.82 $ 26.66 $ 8.1%
Sweden is 8.1% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 38.24 $ 52.98 $ 27.8%
Sweden is 27.8% cheaper
Gym Membership 41.42 $ 47.43 $ 12.7%
Sweden is 12.7% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 27.93 $ 16.59 $ 68.4%
Sweden is 68.4% more expensive
Movie Ticket 16.72 $ 14.28 $ 17.1%
Sweden is 17.1% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 154.09 $ 1,570.69 $ 90.2%
Sweden is 90.2% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 2,590.58 $ 12,354.33 $ 79.0%
Sweden is 79.0% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 92.67 $ 71.57 $ 29.5%
Sweden is 29.5% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 41.38 $ 50.87 $ 18.7%
Sweden is 18.7% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 101.97 $ 102.13 $ 0.2%
Sweden is 0.2% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 146.62 $ 109.73 $ 33.6%
Sweden is 33.6% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 953.88 $ 1,381.57 $ 31.0%
Sweden is 31.0% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 748.45 $ 1,095.96 $ 31.7%
Sweden is 31.7% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,573.53 $ 2,332.99 $ 32.6%
Sweden is 32.6% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,206.47 $ 1,729.44 $ 30.2%
Sweden is 30.2% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,135.72 $ 6,794.53 $ 9.7%
Sweden is 9.7% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 4,015.65 $ 5,084.33 $ 21.0%
Sweden is 21.0% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 3,169.85 $ 3,619.71 $ 12.4%
Sweden is 12.4% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 4.52 6.35 28.8%
Sweden is 28.8% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Australia. Enter your monthly expenses in Sweden to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Sweden and Australia goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Sweden vs Australia

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Sweden

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.
  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

Australia

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Sweden Cost of living in Australia

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