This article explores the 12 best places to retire in Sweden. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis on living in and retiring to Sweden, go to 5 Best Places to Retire in Sweden.
Living in Sweden
According to the Global Peace Index, Sweden is one of the most peaceful nations in the world. Securing its place at number 28 amongst more than 150 countries, its enduring commitment to peace and diplomacy has been luring expatriates from around the world. Insider Monkey also ranks it amongst the top ten countries with the best quality of life. Boasting a comprehensive social welfare system, clean air and water, diverse culture, and excellent healthcare, the country is a haven for those who can secure themselves a retirement in the country.
Recently, the country has been facing an economic downturn and stubbornly high inflation levels. As Statistics Sweden notes, the inflation rate is stuck at 9.3%. The figures imply that between June 2022 and June 2023, the cost of living in the country has become 9.3% more expensive than it was a year ago. While the country is reputed to be a pricey one and inflation has made it worse, the reality is that it is cheaper than places such as the UK and the USA. Routes North reports that the cost of living in Sweden is 10% cheaper than in the USA. Recently, economic downturn and inflation in the country have been cooling off the real estate market as well, an opportunity for those planning a move.
2022 saw the national house price index fall by 3.33%, the worst showing the country has had since 1993. After adjusting for inflation, the new figures reveal that housing prices actually declined by 13.35% last year. Housing prices in Greater Gothenburg (Göteborg) declined by 4.5% in 2022. Moreover, the Greater Stockholm area and Greater Malmo saw the house price index fall by 5% and 5.3% y-o-y in 2022, respectively. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Commission also predict a mild recession this year as private consumption declines amidst increased debt servicing costs and high inflation.
Best Places to Live in Sweden
With the ongoing levels of inflation, fluctuating real estate prices, and economic downturn, potential retirees considering a move to the country may feel skeptical about their retirement move. Renting an apartment is often more competitive for such foreigners who prefer buying a house rather than joining in on the rental fray. There are even reports of a black market for long-term leases in the country, another reason the expatriate retiree prefers buying to renting.
Regardless, the country stands tall in many areas, making it one of the best English-speaking countries to live in Europe. Gorgeous scenery, walkable cities, and overall high quality of life is a big attraction for retirees. Expatriates report having a fine retirement in the country, and there are many affordable areas to live or retire to for those looking to stretch their dollar income a bit further. As such, some of the cheapest places to live in Sweden that potential retirees can choose are Norrköping, Orebro, and Uppsala. Major cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö offer some of the best places to live in Sweden for families. Plenty of family-friendly neighbourhoods with excellent schools, parks, and cultural activities are available.
These top three cities in the country also qualify as the best cities in Sweden for immigrants, boasting the largest population of foreigners. Expats claim that, in particular, Södermalm is the best place to live in Stockholm, being affordable and offering plentiful amenities. Östermalm, on the other hand, is an area for the affluent. This is the place where the rich live and socialize. Other nice choices within Stockholm include Norrmalm, Djurgården, and Vasastan.
However, expats should be wary of the neighborhoods on the outskirts of cities such as Stockholm, as these can be some of the worst places to live in Sweden. They are less safe and also too far from tourist areas and other amenities. In order to help you navigate your choices for retirement in Sweden further, we have curated a list. Read on below to explore some of the best places to retire in Sweden.
It is important to note that Sweden does not offer a specific retirement visa for individuals. Non-Europeans must work at least 4 years in the country to obtain a permanent residence permit, while EU citizens can apply for a permanent permit directly.
For investors who are thinking about investing in Swedish stocks, we don't have good news. Even though iShares MSCI Sweden ETF (EWD) returned around 10% over the last 12 months, its trailing P/E is above most international markets. Hedge fund sentiment towards EWD is low and has been stagnant. Overall, there were only 4 hedge funds with bullish positions in iShares MSCI Sweden ETF (EWD) at the end of the second quarter and the total value of these positions was less than $5 million. Yesterday we reported that the number of hedge funds with bullish positions in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF is 28.
12 Best Places to Retire in Sweden
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Methodology
To compile the list of the 12 best places to retire in Sweden, we have looked at 5 (1,2,3,4,5) sources. We also looked into expatriate opinions and experiences regarding the places they consider best when retiring to Sweden, sourced from different forums such as Reddit and Quora. Each time a source recommended a place, it was awarded 1 point.
Points were totaled, and places were ranked in ascending order from the lowest to the highest scores. For tie breaking, cost of living was used. Places with a lower cost have been placed higher on our list. The costs of living per month (including rent) and the average rent for one-bedroom apartments (per month) mentioned are for a single expatriate retiree living in Sweden sourced from Nomad List, Cost of Live, amongst others.
Here are the best places to retire in Sweden:
12. Linkoping
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Average Rent: $907
Cost of living (with rent): $1,393
Smaller cities such as Linkoping are some of the best places to retire in Sweden for affordable rent and cost of living. The city promises a rich cultural scene, top-quality healthcare services, and an efficient public transportation system for retirees to avail. Expatriates report that the city has friendlier locals here and various opportunities to socialize, join clubs, and engage in activities. Beautiful landscapes are nearby Linkoping, including lakes, forests, and picturesque countryside. Since Sweden experiences a northern climate, retirees must be comfortable dealing with cold winters and limited daylight when retiring here.
11. Umeå
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Average Rent: $757
Cost of living: $1,165
Located in northern Sweden, Umeå is one of the top retirement destinations in Sweden owing to its high quality of life, natural beauty, and robust healthcare system. Stunning natural landscapes, such as lakes, forests, and the nearby Bothnian Bay surround the city. There are also plentiful opportunities to hike, fish, and enjoy other outdoor sports for retirees. Umeå especially appeals to those who wish to live a secluded life and don't mind its northern, subarctic climate. Winter sports are a popular pastime here. The city also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with theatres, museums, galleries, and even music festivals to enjoy.
10. Helsingborg
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Average Rent: $877
Cost of living: $1,291
Nestled along the Öresund Strait, Helsingborg provides residents with a picturesque coastal landscape and heavenly waterfront views. Retirees get to enjoy lots of parks and green spaces, as well as engage in various cultural activities throughout the year. The city is also close to the Danish city of Helsingør, connected by the famous Øresund Bridge. It also enjoys an efficient transportation network, so retirees can get around the city easily. There are many wonderful restaurants to explore in the city, as well as other amenities such as shopping and leisure.
9. Vasteras
Insider Monkey Score: 4
Average Rent: $1,080
Cost of living: $1,530
Lying on the shore of Lake Mälaren in Central Sweden, Vasteras is a popular Swedish retirement destination for many. The small city is engulfed by lakes and forests, providing retirees with plentiful opportunities to hike, fish, boat, and explore nature. The thriving cultural scene adds to the beauty of retiring to Vasteras, and so does its comparatively reasonable cost of living. Like the rest of the country, Vasteras boasts a high quality of life, top-quality healthcare, and an efficient public transportation system. Limone Ristorante Italiano, Agrill, Djaknebergets Restaurang AB, and Spicy Hot Vasteras are some restaurants to try out in the city.
8. Örebro
Insider Monkey Score: 4
Average Rent: $766
Cost of living: $1,184
Retirees who wish to pursue a quiet, laid-back retirement can do so in Örebro. This welcoming city engulfed with natural beauty is one of the top retirement destinations in Sweden. Numerous lakes and reserves are close to Örebro, such as nearby Lake Hjälmaren and Tysslingen. Retirees can enjoy various activities for enjoyment and relaxation, such as boat trips. Since Sweden has a highly revered education system, retirees can also engage in lifelong learning. They can also join various clubs to socialize and participate in various activities.
7. Stockholm
Insider Monkey Score: 5
Average Rent: $1,424
Cost of living: $2,387
The multicultural capital city of Sweden, Stockholm, is one of the best places to retire in Sweden for expats. Boasting all big-city amenities, Stockholm promises an excellent standard of living, top-notch healthcare, natural beauty, and opportunities for life-long learning. The "Silicon Valley of Europe" is evidently more expensive than other cities but offers the best of entertainment, arts, and culture. It is fairly easy to get around the city thanks to its efficient public transportation network, and retirees love to explore all the natural beauty it has to offer. Spread across 14 islands and engulfed by waterways, the city boasts stunning waterfront views and a scenic coastal landscape for retirees.
6. Uppsala
Insider Monkey Score: 5
Average Rent: $966
Cost of living: $1,455
Uppsala makes it to our list of best places to retire in Sweden owing to its high quality of life, picturesque landscapes, and cultural richness. The city is home to Uppsala University, making it a cultural and educational hub. Beautiful and scenic landscapes engulf the city; from forests and lakes to the Fyris River, the city has a lot to offer to retirees. There is a wide range of cultural activities and festivals throughout the year as well, and plenty of galleries and museums to explore. The local community is also quite welcoming, and the city stands reasonably affordable as compared to the major cities of Sweden.
