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Cost of Living: Sweden vs Singapore

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

Data updated: November 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Sweden is 66.5% cheaper than Singapore. The biggest difference is in Childcare, where costs are 91.2% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Singapore, you would spend about $34 in Sweden for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Childcare 91.2%

Sweden is 91.2% cheaper

Transportation 75.2%

Sweden is 75.2% cheaper

Property Prices 73.1%

Sweden is 73.1% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 66.5%

Sweden is 66.5% cheaper than Singapore

Most Expensive Categories

  • Mobile and Internet +18.7%
  • Restaurants +15.2%
  • Markets +13.1%

Is Sweden cheaper than Singapore?

Yes, Sweden is cheaper than Singapore

Overall, living costs in Sweden are 66.5% lower than in Singapore.

Where Sweden is cheaper:

  • Childcare 91.2% cheaper
  • Transportation 75.2% cheaper
  • Property Prices 73.1% cheaper

Where Sweden is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 18.7% more expensive
  • Restaurants 15.2% more expensive
  • Markets 13.1% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Sweden: 14.72 $ Singapore: 10.90 $
35.0% more expensive in Sweden

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Sweden: 953.88 $ Singapore: 3,140.74 $
69.6% cheaper in Sweden

1 liter of milk

Sweden: 1.68 $ Singapore: 3.01 $
44.2% cheaper in Sweden

1 liter of gasoline

Sweden: 1.96 $ Singapore: 2.22 $
11.7% cheaper in Sweden

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Sweden is indeed cheaper than Singapore. You would save approximately 66.5% on living expenses by choosing Sweden over Singapore. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

66.5%

Sweden is 66.5% cheaper than Singapore

Restaurants

15.2%

Sweden is 15.2% more expensive than Singapore in this category

Markets

13.1%

Sweden is 13.1% more expensive than Singapore in this category

Other Expenses

41.2%

Sweden is 41.2% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Transportation

75.2%

Sweden is 75.2% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Household Utilities

19.7%

Sweden is 19.7% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Mobile and Internet

18.7%

Sweden is 18.7% more expensive than Singapore in this category

Sports And Leisure

38.4%

Sweden is 38.4% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Childcare

91.2%

Sweden is 91.2% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Clothing And Shoes

7.6%

Sweden is 7.6% more expensive than Singapore in this category

Rent Per Month

70.8%

Sweden is 70.8% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Property Prices

73.1%

Sweden is 73.1% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Salaries And Financing

23.6%

Sweden is 23.6% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Sweden Singapore Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 14.72 $ 10.90 $ 35.0%
Sweden is 35.0% more expensive
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 $ 7.79 $ 47.1%
Sweden is 47.1% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 4.71 $ 4.88 $ 3.5%
Sweden is 3.5% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 2.79 $ 1.68 $ 66.1%
Sweden is 66.1% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.32 $ 1.22 $ 90.2%
Sweden is 90.2% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.48 $ 1.52 $ 2.6%
Sweden is 2.6% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 3.59 $ 2.00 $ 79.5%
Sweden is 79.5% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 3.13 $ 2.49 $ 25.7%
Sweden is 25.7% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 10.78 $ 10.00 $ 7.8%
Sweden is 7.8% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.12 $ 2.21 $ 4.1%
Sweden is 4.1% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.68 $ 3.01 $ 44.2%
Sweden is 44.2% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 3.03 $ 2.35 $ 28.9%
Sweden is 28.9% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 3.77 $ 2.92 $ 29.1%
Sweden is 29.1% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 4.40 $ 3.35 $ 31.3%
Sweden is 31.3% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 12.04 $ 19.37 $ 37.8%
Sweden is 37.8% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 12.38 $ 11.15 $ 11.0%
Sweden is 11.0% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 48.39 $ 15.21 $ 218.1%
Sweden is 218.1% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 3.19 $ 4.57 $ 30.2%
Sweden is 30.2% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 2.74 $ 2.97 $ 7.7%
Sweden is 7.7% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 3.16 $ 4.51 $ 29.9%
Sweden is 29.9% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 4.49 $ 2.71 $ 65.7%
Sweden is 65.7% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 1.78 $ 2.39 $ 25.5%
Sweden is 25.5% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.77 $ 2.20 $ 19.5%
Sweden is 19.5% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 2.37 $ 1.86 $ 27.4%
Sweden is 27.4% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 89.36 $ 93.46 $ 4.4%
Sweden is 4.4% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 7.67 $ 13.05 $ 41.2%
Sweden is 41.2% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 3.78 $ 1.56 $ 142.3%
Sweden is 142.3% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 6.41 $ 3.58 $ 79.1%
Sweden is 79.1% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 2.10 $ 0.78 $ 169.2%
Sweden is 169.2% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 62.81 $ 16.28 $ 285.8%
Sweden is 285.8% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 1.96 $ 2.22 $ 11.7%
Sweden is 11.7% cheaper
New Economy Car 32,485.06 $ 140,192.38 $ 76.8%
Sweden is 76.8% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 34,251.96 $ 128,887.54 $ 73.4%
Sweden is 73.4% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 126.98 $ 158.22 $ 19.7%
Sweden is 19.7% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 28.82 $ 18.54 $ 55.4%
Sweden is 55.4% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 38.24 $ 37.95 $ 0.8%
Sweden is 0.8% more expensive
Gym Membership 41.42 $ 115.77 $ 64.2%
Sweden is 64.2% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 27.93 $ 12.22 $ 128.6%
Sweden is 128.6% more expensive
Movie Ticket 16.72 $ 11.68 $ 43.2%
Sweden is 43.2% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 154.09 $ 1,272.43 $ 87.9%
Sweden is 87.9% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 2,590.58 $ 29,780.50 $ 91.3%
Sweden is 91.3% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 92.67 $ 80.91 $ 14.5%
Sweden is 14.5% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 41.38 $ 42.93 $ 3.6%
Sweden is 3.6% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 101.97 $ 105.33 $ 3.2%
Sweden is 3.2% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 146.62 $ 126.28 $ 16.1%
Sweden is 16.1% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 953.88 $ 3,140.74 $ 69.6%
Sweden is 69.6% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 748.45 $ 2,267.71 $ 67.0%
Sweden is 67.0% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,573.53 $ 6,205.41 $ 74.6%
Sweden is 74.6% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,206.47 $ 3,723.55 $ 67.6%
Sweden is 67.6% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,135.72 $ 22,697.92 $ 73.0%
Sweden is 73.0% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 4,015.65 $ 15,076.91 $ 73.4%
Sweden is 73.4% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 3,169.85 $ 4,151.48 $ 23.6%
Sweden is 23.6% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 4.52 3.17 42.6%
Sweden is 42.6% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

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

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Sweden

Singapore

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.
  • 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 Singapore

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