Cost Of Living In Sweden Vs The UK For Students 2025

Are you considering studying abroad in Sweden or the UK? Both countries are popular destinations for international students, offering high-quality education, diverse culture, and exciting opportunities. But how do they compare in terms of cost of living, student life, and speciality? In this blog, we will explore the aspects of the cost of living in Sweden vs the UK, covering aspects such as tuition fees, accommodation, transport, food, entertainment, health care, and more. Read on to find out which country suits you best!

What Is The Average Cost Of Living In Sweden Vs The UK?

When considering the average cost of living in the UK vs Sweden, it’s essential to factor in various aspects that contribute to the overall financial landscape for students. For those seeking off-campus accommodation in Sweden, the estimated monthly cost stands at SEK 13,301 monthly, slightly surpassing the UK’s figure of £ 1,154 (equivalent to approximately SEK 15,840). 

However, if on-campus accommodation is preferred, the monthly expenses in Sweden rise to around SEK 13,985, while the UK maintains a comparable rate of £ 1,218 (SEK 16,719). 

Following is the breakdown of the average monthly cost of living in Sweden vs the UK for students as of 2023.

Student Accommodation In Sweden Vs The UK

In Sweden, you can choose from rooms in a hall of residence, one-room apartments, or shared apartments. While talking about student accommodation in the UK, one can choose from halls of residence, private rented accommodation, or homestays.

Best Places To Stay For Students

Sweden

• Stockholm: The capital and business hub, with many cultural attractions, museums, and nightlife options. Home to prestigious universities such as Stockholm University and KTH Royal Institute of Technology.
• Gothenburg: the second-largest city and a major port, with a lively music scene, beautiful parks, and a rich maritime heritage. Home to universities such as the University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology.

UK

• London: the global metropolis and cultural capital, with endless opportunities for entertainment, education, and career. Home to world-class universities such as Imperial College London, UCL, and King’s College London.
• Manchester: the industrial and creative city, with a diverse and multicultural population, a thriving music scene, and sports clubs. Home to universities such as the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, and the University of Salford. 

Average Rent Costs

The rent costs vary depending on the city, type, and quality of accommodation. According to some sources, the average rent for a room in a hall of residence in Sweden is SEK 3,000-4,000 ($290-$385) per month, while in the UK it is ££ 1,154-1,218 ($550-$825) per month. 

To gain a clear idea about accommodation abroad, contact UniAcco. UniAcco is a global student accommodation leader offering premium housing near the top universities. With UniAcco, you can easily compare, consult with other students, and select your dream housing, all at affordable prices.

Tuition Fees

In comparing the cost of living in Sweden vs the UK, it’s evident that tuition fees for international students differ significantly. In Sweden, these fees vary based on the program and university, generally spanning from SEK 80,000 to SEK 295,000 (approximately £5,829 to £21,493) per academic year. Meanwhile, tuition fees for international students in the UK, which also depend on the program and university, usually range from £10,000 to £38,000 per academic year.

Popular Courses

• Sweden: Attracting international students are courses like Business and Management, Engineering and Technology, Social Sciences and Humanities, and Health Sciences.
• UK: In the UK, popular courses for international students include Business and Administrative Studies, Engineering and Technology, Social Studies, Biological Sciences, and Creative Arts and Design.

Scholarships Availability

• Sweden: International students in Sweden have access to various scholarships such as the Swedish Institute Scholarships, Visby Programme Scholarships, and University-specific Scholarships.
• UK: Likewise, the UK offers diverse scholarships like Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and University-specific Scholarships for international students.

Following is a list of the 10 best universities in Sweden and the UK according to QS World University Rankings 2023:

Food Costs

Comparing food costs in Sweden and the UK, there are notable differences. On average, monthly food expenses in Sweden stand at SEK 5,400, while in the UK, it’s around £360 (equivalent to SEK 4,941). Groceries contribute to monthly expenditures as well, with SEK 400 in Sweden and £28 (about SEK 384) in the UK. 

Famous Foods

Sweden: Iconic dishes like meatballs, gravlax, and cinnamon buns offer a flavorful Swedish experience.

UK: Indulge in traditional fish and chips, hearty English breakfasts, and savoury pasties.

Transportation Costs

While unfolding the cost of living in Sweden vs the UK, we will compare the average monthly costs, and modes of transportation available for students. countries offer diverse transportation options, with Sweden’s monthly cost at SEK 835 and the UK’s at £65 (SEK 892). Students can choose from trains, buses, and even flights for longer distances.

Following is the table representing the monthly transportation costs and modes of transport to commute in the respective countries.

Entertainment And Other Expenses

In Sweden, entertainment expenses encompass activities like cinema tickets, concerts, sports events, and museum visits. The average monthly entertainment cost is SEK 600.

Similarly, in the UK, entertainment covers cinema, concerts, sports, and museums. The average monthly entertainment expense is £ 40 (approximately SEK 549).

Other Miscellaneous Expenses

• Beyond entertainment, additional miscellaneous expenses encompass home decor, travel, and gifts. The average monthly cost for other miscellaneous items in Sweden is SEK 1,500.
• Similarly, in the UK, these expenses include home decor, travel, alcohol, and gifts. The average monthly cost for other miscellaneous items is £ 100 (approximately SEK 1,372).

Healthcare Facilities 

In Sweden, healthcare facilities are universally accessible and renowned for their high quality, with funding sourced from taxes¹. Students have insurance options like the Swedish State Insurance Agency’s plan, often offered by universities at a minimal cost. Sweden’s favourable policy environment and security stem from its commendably low crime rate and high standard of living. 

In the UK, healthcare facilities maintain excellent standards, accessible through the tax-funded National Health Service (NHS)⁴. Students can opt for insurance like the UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), covering essential healthcare in the UK and EU countries. The UK’s strong policy framework and safety record arise from its low crime rates and high living standards. 

Part-time Job Opportunities For Students

Students in Sweden and the UK have various options to work part-time while studying, depending on their visa conditions, skills, and preferences. It’s worth noting that these opportunities contribute to managing the cost of living in Sweden vs the UK, allowing students to balance their educational expenses with their earnings.

• In Sweden, you need to have a residence permit to work part-time as an international student. In the UK, you need to have a Tier 4 visa and follow some restrictions on the hours and types of work you can do.
• In Sweden, most part-time jobs require you to know Swedish fluently, especially in the service sector. In the UK, you can find more part-time jobs that only require English.
• In Sweden, some of the popular part-time jobs for students are operations intern, online teacher, content writer, and tour guide. The average salary per hour ranges from 100 SEK to 200 SEK. In the UK, some of the common part-time jobs for students are online tutor, library assistant, campus ambassador, and student content creator. The average salary per hour ranges from £8- £15 (approximately SEK 109- SEK 205).

Conclusion

The cost of living in Sweden vs the UK depends on various factors such as consumer prices, rent, utilities, groceries, and restaurants. According to different sources, the cost of living in Sweden is lower than in the UK by 12% to 27%. However, some items like groceries and restaurants are more expensive* in Sweden than in the UK. Therefore, the cost of living comparison between Sweden and the UK may vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences.

FAQs

Q1. What is Sweden’s vs the UK’s cost of living?

Ans: The cost of living in the UK is £1,154 (approximately SEK 15,840) per month, while in Sweden, it amounts to SEK 13,301 on average each month.

Q2. Which factors should students consider when choosing between these countries?

Ans: Students should factor in housing, food preferences, entertainment choices, and their personal budget when deciding between Sweden and the UK.

Q3. Are food costs comparable between Sweden and the UK?

Ans: Food costs can differ, with Sweden often having slightly higher monthly food expenses than the UK.

Q4. What are the common modes of transportation for students in both countries?

Ans: Students in both Sweden and the UK often use trains, buses, and other public transport options.

Q5. Are there significant variations in healthcare expenses between Sweden and the UK?

Ans: While both countries offer accessible healthcare, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) often provides free or lower-cost medical services compared to healthcare costs in Sweden.

Thank you for reading about the “Cost Of Living In Sweden Vs The UK.” If you’re interested in exploring more articles on related topics, we recommend checking out the below articles:

• 80 Interesting Facts about the UK
• Cost of Living For International Students In the UK
• List Of Best Universities in the UK