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Cost of Living: Sweden vs France

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

Data updated: November 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Sweden is 1.5% more expensive than France. The biggest difference is in Childcare, where costs are 77.9% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in France, you would spend about $101 in Sweden for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Markets 25.8%

Sweden is 25.8% more expensive

Sports And Leisure 24.2%

Sweden is 24.2% more expensive

Salaries And Financing 18.0%

Sweden is 18.0% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 1.5%

Sweden is 1.5% more expensive than France

Most Expensive Categories

  • Markets +25.8%
  • Sports And Leisure +24.2%
  • Salaries And Financing +18.0%

Is Sweden cheaper than France?

No, France is cheaper than Sweden

Overall, living costs in France are 1.5% lower than in Sweden.

Where France is cheaper:

  • Markets 25.8% cheaper
  • Sports And Leisure 24.2% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 18.0% cheaper

Where France is more expensive:

  • Childcare 77.9% more expensive
  • Other Expenses 43.9% more expensive
  • Household Utilities 39.8% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Sweden: 14.72 $ France: 17.07 $
13.8% cheaper in Sweden

Monthly public transport pass

Sweden: 89.36 $ France: 70.58 $
26.6% more expensive in Sweden

1 liter of milk

Sweden: 1.68 $ France: 1.31 $
28.2% more expensive in Sweden

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, France is indeed cheaper than Sweden. You would spend approximately 1.5% on living expenses by choosing France over Sweden. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

1.5%

Sweden is 1.5% more expensive than France

Restaurants

10.7%

Sweden is 10.7% more expensive than France in this category

Markets

25.8%

Sweden is 25.8% more expensive than France in this category

Other Expenses

43.9%

Sweden is 43.9% cheaper than France in this category

Transportation

8.6%

Sweden is 8.6% cheaper than France in this category

Household Utilities

39.8%

Sweden is 39.8% cheaper than France in this category

Mobile and Internet

12.1%

Sweden is 12.1% more expensive than France in this category

Sports And Leisure

24.2%

Sweden is 24.2% more expensive than France in this category

Childcare

77.9%

Sweden is 77.9% cheaper than France in this category

Clothing And Shoes

1.6%

Sweden is 1.6% cheaper than France in this category

Rent Per Month

0.2%

Sweden is 0.2% cheaper than France in this category

Property Prices

7.0%

Sweden is 7.0% cheaper than France in this category

Salaries And Financing

18.0%

Sweden is 18.0% more expensive than France in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Sweden France Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 14.72 $ 17.07 $ 13.8%
Sweden is 13.8% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 84.10 $ 68.30 $ 23.1%
Sweden is 23.1% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 11.46 $ 12.52 $ 8.5%
Sweden is 8.5% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 4.71 $ 3.63 $ 29.8%
Sweden is 29.8% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 2.79 $ 3.19 $ 12.5%
Sweden is 12.5% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.32 $ 2.21 $ 5.0%
Sweden is 5.0% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.48 $ 0.78 $ 89.7%
Sweden is 89.7% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 3.59 $ ? N/A
Imported Beer (330ml) 3.13 $ 3.33 $ 6.0%
Sweden is 6.0% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 10.78 $ 11.38 $ 5.3%
Sweden is 5.3% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.12 $ ? N/A
Milk (1L) 1.68 $ 1.31 $ 28.2%
Sweden is 28.2% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 3.03 $ 2.04 $ 48.5%
Sweden is 48.5% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 3.77 $ 2.59 $ 45.6%
Sweden is 45.6% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 4.40 $ 4.29 $ 2.6%
Sweden is 2.6% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 12.04 $ 20.08 $ 40.0%
Sweden is 40.0% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 12.38 $ 13.86 $ 10.7%
Sweden is 10.7% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 48.39 $ 21.30 $ 127.2%
Sweden is 127.2% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 3.19 $ 3.12 $ 2.2%
Sweden is 2.2% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 2.74 $ 2.33 $ 17.6%
Sweden is 17.6% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 3.16 $ 3.10 $ 1.9%
Sweden is 1.9% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 4.49 $ 3.63 $ 23.7%
Sweden is 23.7% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 1.78 $ 2.35 $ 24.3%
Sweden is 24.3% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.77 $ 2.45 $ 27.8%
Sweden is 27.8% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 2.37 $ 1.57 $ 51.0%
Sweden is 51.0% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 89.36 $ 70.58 $ 26.6%
Sweden is 26.6% more expensive
Cigarettes (20 pack) 7.67 $ 13.66 $ 43.9%
Sweden is 43.9% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 3.78 $ 2.16 $ 75.0%
Sweden is 75.0% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 6.41 $ 5.46 $ 17.4%
Sweden is 17.4% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 2.10 $ 2.28 $ 7.9%
Sweden is 7.9% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 62.81 $ 37.22 $ 68.8%
Sweden is 68.8% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 1.96 $ 2.04 $ 3.9%
Sweden is 3.9% cheaper
New Economy Car 32,485.06 $ 36,876.07 $ 11.9%
Sweden is 11.9% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 34,251.96 $ 36,162.84 $ 5.3%
Sweden is 5.3% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 126.98 $ 210.87 $ 39.8%
Sweden is 39.8% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 28.82 $ 25.59 $ 12.6%
Sweden is 12.6% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 38.24 $ 34.21 $ 11.8%
Sweden is 11.8% more expensive
Gym Membership 41.42 $ 37.20 $ 11.3%
Sweden is 11.3% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 27.93 $ 18.42 $ 51.6%
Sweden is 51.6% more expensive
Movie Ticket 16.72 $ 13.66 $ 22.4%
Sweden is 22.4% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 154.09 $ 800.37 $ 80.7%
Sweden is 80.7% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 2,590.58 $ 11,595.44 $ 77.7%
Sweden is 77.7% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 92.67 $ 102.59 $ 9.7%
Sweden is 9.7% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 41.38 $ 43.82 $ 5.6%
Sweden is 5.6% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 101.97 $ 104.20 $ 2.1%
Sweden is 2.1% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 146.62 $ 138.28 $ 6.0%
Sweden is 6.0% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 953.88 $ 875.36 $ 9.0%
Sweden is 9.0% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 748.45 $ 692.40 $ 8.1%
Sweden is 8.1% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,573.53 $ 1,634.03 $ 3.7%
Sweden is 3.7% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,206.47 $ 1,289.02 $ 6.4%
Sweden is 6.4% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,135.72 $ 6,484.72 $ 5.4%
Sweden is 5.4% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 4,015.65 $ 4,425.62 $ 9.3%
Sweden is 9.3% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 3,169.85 $ 2,687.45 $ 18.0%
Sweden is 18.0% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 4.52 3.66 23.5%
Sweden is 23.5% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to France. 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 France 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 France

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.

France

  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

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 France

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