Sweden is a good place to live for people considering moving there. Its diversified culture and tradition, positive stand on LGBTQ rights, excellent healthcare, affordable education, safe neighborhoods, and extensive social welfare system are some of the many reasons that inspire people to live in this country.
Preparing for a move to Sweden? This blog post provides various useful insights by providing you with the pros and cons of living in Sweden and helping you decide if the Scandinavian country can be a great place for you or challenging! So, Read on.
1. Is Sweden a Great Country for Expats?
Yes, Sweden is a great country for expats who are highly qualified as they get a secured job profile to move on and have a great quality of life in Sweden.
It offers flexible working hours, attractive salaries, proper work-life balance, a dynamic job market, and proximity to nature and outdoors for everyday living to the Expats.
They can also easily access affordable healthcare, world-class education, and beautiful landscapes and lakes that are easier to reach than any other modern country.
Is Sweden good for expats?
Sweden is a great place for expats to live and work than any other country in the world. It offers a great work-life balance, compulsory 25 holidays per year, and flexible working hours as per the law.
Is Sweden friendly to foreigners?
People in Sweden are generally courteous, kind, and well-mannered. They are welcoming to foreigners.
Does Sweden have good job opportunities?
Sweden has fascinating career options that include a good work-life balance, challenging work, employee perks, and job satisfaction.
2. Pros and Cons of Living in Sweden
According to the expats and immigrants, Sweden is a nice place to live globally.
Other than its landscapes and amenities, its great people, lifestyle, and proximity to neighbouring countries are also some of the add-ons for them.
But besides these, there are also some drawbacks to living in an elongated country.
Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of living in this European nation to get an idea for making the right move.
Living in Sweden: Pros and cons (table summary)
| Pros | Cons |
| Proximity to nature | Bad Weather |
| Long coastline | Higher cost of living |
| Great working environment | Difficult to make friends |
| Great public transportation services | High Texas |
| Top-class education, healthcare, and outdoors | Lack of urban cities |
| No pollution | Alcohol is limited and expensive |
| The cost of utilities is less. | Less housing and rentals |
What is the quality of life in Sweden?
The quality of life in Sweden is high according to the Human Development Index (HDI). A strong economy, robust education, and outstanding healthcare are all major reasons why Sweden ranks so high on the happiness scale.
Pros of Living in Sweden
1. Great Public Transportation
Sweden has one of the best public transportation systems in the world, including trains, buses, ferries, and trams.
It has a well-developed, efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly public transportation system.
In the major cities, with a single ticket, you can use multiple modes of transportation. Public Transportation is a popular choice for many Swedes.
However, most tickets are valid on all modes of transportation without worrying about traffic or parking.
2. Incredible Standard of Living
With low crime rates, excellent healthcare, and a strong social safety net a higher quality of life in Sweden.
It is consistently ranked as one of the best countries in the world to live in. Sweden offers high levels of happiness, education, and healthcare.
The great thing is Sweden has access to free or low-cost healthcare. Schools are also ranked among the best in the world.
The Swedish government provides a strong social safety net that ensures everyone has a basic standard of living.
3. Scenic Landscapes
Sweden is a beautiful country with stunning natural scenery, whether from mountains and forests or lakes and coastlines.
The beauty of Sweden’s landscapes can be very calming and relaxing, which helps to improve mood and overall well-being.
This country helps to reduce the risk of obesity and boost the immune system. Several of Sweden’s scenic landscapes are located near popular tourist destinations.
Also, there are opportunities to meet new people and make friends.
4. Lack of Pollution
Sweden is a relatively clean country with strict environmental regulations. It has a healthy environment that helps to enjoy clean air and water.
There are numerous reasons why Sweden needs more pollution.
- The country has a strong commitment to renewable energy.
- 60% of Sweden’s electricity comes from hydropower, solar power, and wind power, which helps to reduce air pollution from fossil fuels.
- Vehicles in Sweden must meet strict emission standards that help to reduce air pollution from transportation.
- Clean and Scenic Towns
With plenty of green space and parks, Sweden’s towns and cities are also clean and well-maintained.
Sweden is known for its clean air and water that helps breathe easily and enjoy cleanliness. Their towns are generally small and quiet.
It is the home of the most beautiful and unspoiled nature. The people in Sweden are known for being friendly and welcoming.
It is a perfect place to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and learn about Swedish culture.
5. Top-Notch Healthcare
Sweden has a universal healthcare system that provides high-quality care to all citizens. Residents can get care from various providers, including doctors, nurses, and midwives.
All residents are entitled to free or low-cost healthcare. There are several hospitals and clinics in Sweden.
You can go to your nearest healthcare provider without worrying about the cost. Also, you can see a specialist if you need one.
Sweden ensures that residents always have access to the best possible care.
6. Incredibly Inexpensive or Free Education
Swedish citizens and permanent residents can attend public schools and universities for free.
International students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland can also study for free at Swedish public universities.
The cost of living in Sweden is also relatively high, so International students should factor this into their budget. So, studying in Sweden without paying a lot of money is possible.
7. World-class Working Conditions
Sweden has some of the best working conditions in the world. The standard workweek in Sweden is 40 hours, but several employers offer the option of working four 10-hour days.
Employees are entitled to at least 25 days of paid vacation per year. Moreover, many employers in Sweden offer flexible work arrangements, including telecommuting or flextime.
It allows employees to work from home or adjust their working hours to fit their needs.
Cons of Living in Sweden
1. High Taxes
Sweden has one of the highest tax rates in the world. The average Swedish taxpayer pays about 20%-25% in taxes that depend on their municipality.
However, when comparing Sweden vs. Switzerland, Sweden’s top marginal tax rate is 57.1%, one of the highest in the world, while Switzerland has a 40% marginal tax rate.
Many Swedes are willing to pay high taxes because they believe it is a fair way to ensure everyone has a good quality of life.
This high tax rate funds the country’s generous welfare state.
2. Out-of-Pocket Higher Education for Non-Citizens
Non-citizens of Sweden have to pay for their own higher education. It can be a significant expense, especially if you are studying for a long period.
Non-citizen students must pay tuition fees for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Swedish public universities.
They also have to pay a university application fee. Additionally, Non-citizens students also need to factor in the cost of living in Sweden.
However, it’s competitive to cover all the costs of studying in Sweden.
3. It’s Difficult to Purchase Alcohol
Sweden has strict alcohol laws. The only place to buy alcohol above 3.5% ABV in Sweden is Systembolaget, a government-owned chain of liquor stores.
Systembolaget stores are typically open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM. and 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturdays.
It can be challenging to buy alcohol outside of regular business hours. The minimum age to buy alcohol at Systembolaget is 20 years.
This makes ex-pats emigrate to Sweden from the USA social life difficult.
4. Unusual Weather Conditions
Sweden has a long, dark winter and a short, cool summer. The weather is unpredictable and can change quickly. It can be challenging for people not used to the cold weather.
It has unusual weather conditions, which have been observed in Sweden. Sweden has numerous heat waves with temperatures reaching up to 30° Celcius.
It is also prone to cold snaps, with temperatures dropping below 30° Celcius. It’s essential to prepare for these events.
5. No Major Cities
Sweden does not have any major cities such as London or New York. The largest city in Sweden is Stockholm, which has about 1 million people.
It can be a drawback for those looking for a vibrant, luxurious lifestyle. Sweden has a slower pace of life and a more affordable cost of living.
It has fewer cultural amenities like museums, theatres, and concert halls.
6. Difficult to Make Friends
Swedes are known for being private and reserved. It can be difficult for foreigners to make friends. Also, it takes time and effort to build relationships with Swedes.
They take time to warm up to you and don’t tend to open up to strangers easily, most importantly if you don’t speak Swedish.
Their cultures are also different, so it can be difficult to understand the social norms and expectations.
7. Conservative Living Expectations
Sweden is a relatively conservative country. There are some expectations about how people should behave, dress, and interact with each other.
It can be challenging for people accustomed to a more liberal lifestyle. Swedish culture values humility and modesty, so avoid bragging or being too self-promotional.
Punctuality is essential in Swedish culture. Avoid standing too close to people or invading their bubble. Also, avoid talking loudly or making a scene in Sweden.
Here are some of the bad things about Sweden that you must learn before relocating to this European country.
- Winters can be long and dark.
- It’s quite difficult to make Swedes friends.
- The country gets cold mostly.
- The country provides the worst customer service.
- Many social rules are just void and illegal.
- Young Swedes don’t respect elders, are selfish, feel superior to others, follow racism, and are complacent.
Is Sweden a good place to live FAQs
Is Sweden a cashless country?
Sweden is a cashless country. The country has cash accounts for only 2% of the total national transaction value, while 85% of the population has access to online banking and mobile banking.
Is Sweden a good retirement country?
Sweden is a great retirement country having a large number of healthy and happy pensioners, both international and domestic. It is generally safe, inexpensive, and offers high-quality health treatment.
Is Stockholm, Sweden a good place to live?
Stockholm, Sweden’s capital and largest city is a wonderful and dynamic location to live. It offers outstanding attractions, a fascinating past, and a unique Scandinavian vibe.
Conclusion
Relocation is a hard task. Just like other countries, Sweden also has some cons of living.
That doesn’t mean you will ignore the benefits of living in Sweden, which is undoubtedly overtaking the pros.
Proximity to landscapes, amenities, and an outstanding working environment, offers a great abode for expats, immigrants, and locals.
Whether you are looking for a great vacation or moving to lead a good life, Sweden always remains a great option!
