How Much Does It Cost To Move to Sweden From the US?
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: It costs between $6,000 and $10,000 to move to Sweden, set up housing and apply for your visa. The wide cost range reflects varying rent prices and shipping costs required to get a full home across the Atlantic.
Here is how that price breaks down:
- Shipping costs: You’ll spend between $2,900 and $4,900 to ship a 20-foot container to Sweden from the states. This can fit most three-bedroom homes. Additionally, an air freight shipment of 100 kg or less of essentials can cost up to $800.
- Other expenses: Always set aside extra money to pay the first month’s rent and a security deposit. Given median rent in Malmo, you’ll need roughly $1,800 to $3,200 for this. Also plan to pay visa fees totalling between $100 and $200. The current permanent visa cost is $115.
Getting at least three different quotes from international moving companies will give you the most accurate idea of your total and service expectations. We recommend considering the companies below for any international move. While you’re getting quotes, read our breakdown of the overall cost of moving between the US and Sweden to learn what to expect after your relocation.
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Average cost of moving to Sweden from the US
Given shipping costs for 20-foot containers and average air freight rates between the US and Sweden, you can expect to spend at least $3,300 and $5,700 on simple freight costs. Ocean freight’s lower costs make it an attractive option, but transit times often exceed six weeks. However, air freight’s high costs put it out of reach for full moves.
You can save money on this and set up a far easier move by downsizing; this task should feature highly on any moving checklist.
Sea freight costs from the US to Sweden
Shipping via ocean freight is always the most cost-effective way to get larger quantities of furniture across the Atlantic. While shipping times are far longer at three to six weeks, you’ll save enough money to make the longer wait time worth it.
Paying to ship furniture overseas is a costly endeavor, as movers charge according to shipment weight, volume, or a combination of the two. The price points below show typical rates for a 20-foot shipping container, which can fit most three-bedroom homes.
| From | To | Container Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Stockholm | $2,900 | 20–23 days |
| Miami | Stockholm | $2,900 | 25–30 days |
| Los Angeles | Stockholm | $4,900 | 40–45 days |
| New York | Gothenburg | $2,600 | 20 days |
| Miami | Gothenburg | $2,900 | 25 days |
| Los Angeles | Gothenburg | $4,900 | 40 days |
*Source: Cost figures from BR Logistics reflect 20-foot container shipping rates.
Air freight costs from the US to Sweden
Air freight can be prohibitively expensive if you use it for your entire overseas move. Shorter shipping times are a huge plus for any move, however. We researched the typical cost ranges for shipping a 100-kg bundle or pallet of goods. This way, you can ship your essential items to have with you during your move while the bulk of your goods make their way across the ocean.
| From | To | Shipment Cost | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Stockholm | $400–$800 | 3–5 days |
| Miami | Stockholm | $400–$800 | 3–5 days |
| Los Angeles | Stockholm | $800+ | 3–5 days |
| New York | Gothenburg | $400–$800 | 3–5 days |
| Miami | Gothenburg | $400–$800 | 3–5 days |
| Los Angeles | Gothenburg | $800+ | 3–5 days |
*Source: Air freight cost ranges from DocShipper reflect the price of 100-kg shipments between the US and Sweden.
How much does it cost to live in Sweden?
The overall cost of living in Sweden is 8.1% lower than in the United States before rent is included. With rent, monthly costs are 22% lower, according to resident data collected by Numbeo.
As is the case with many EU countries, rent and public transportation costs are far lower than in the states, while purchasing a home and paying for private or personal transportation are more costly. As a bonus, utilities costs, childcare and education are also cheaper in Sweden. However, the same source shows a 30.9% lower net monthly wage after taxes here: $2,995.31 in Sweden, versus $4,337.87 in the states.
Housing costs in Sweden
We looked up averages specific to two cities of similar populations to further contextualize costs of living in the two countries. Rent in Malmo ranges from 33.2% to 43.4% cheaper in Malmo than in Cleveland, according to Numbeo. However, the cost of owning a home in Sweden is more than double the cost.
| Apartment | Cleveland | Malmo | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rental | $1,344 | $897 | -33.2% |
| 3BR rental | $2,800 | $1,584 | -43.4% |
| Price per sq. ft. (for purchase) | $120.42 | $419.92 | +248.7% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Malmo and Cleveland (March 2025)
We recommend that you search for housing in Sweden immediately after securing employment. As an expat, using sites like Hemnet and Blocket Bostad can help you to secure housing. Similarly, securing placement on a municipal housing queue can offer another means of renting a rent-controlled apartment. However, wait times on such lists are years long in more populated areas. Most landlords will require a security deposit and proof of income when renting to tenants.
Still trying to find a place in Sweden? Here are a few of its more popular locales:
- Stockholm: Sweden’s capital and largest city is one of the more in-demand locations in Scandinavia. It boasts plenty of job opportunities for citizens and expats alike and offers numerous museums, cultural attractions and more.
- Malmo: This is another large city and an increasingly popular destination for young professionals. It offers convenient access to nearby Denmark and the rest of mainland Europe, as well as numerous education, cultural and nightlife opportunities.
- Umea: Many of Sweden’s cities attract young new residents, and Umea is no different. This northern hub has many job opportunities in manufacturing and tech alike, with access to nature and outdoor recreation readily available.
Utilities costs in Sweden
Amenities and utilities are cheaper across the board in Sweden. This is highlighted by the 54.2% drop in basic housing utilities between Cleveland and Malmo.
| Utility | Cleveland | Malmo | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Basic housing utilities | $312.62 | $143.20 | -54.2% |
| Internet | $55.76 | $35.50 | -36.3% |
| Monthly cell phone plan | $49.17 | $28.67 | -41.7% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Malmo and Cleveland (March 2025)
*Based on the combined cost of electricity, water/sewer, and trash for a 915 square foot apartment as of March 2025
Food costs in Sweden
Eating out at most restaurants is more expensive, given resident data collected by Numbeo. Despite grocery cost differences listed here, some food items are far cheaper in Sweden however. Bread, many produce items and wine are all significantly more affordable overseas relative to the US.
| Food | Cleveland | Malmo | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast food meal | $9.50 | $11.89 | +25.2% |
| 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant | $60 | $76.82 | +28% |
| Gallon of milk | $3.04 | $6.29 | +107.4% |
| 1 dozen eggs | $3.85 | $4.10 | +6.4% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Malmo and Cleveland (March 2025)
Transportation costs in Sweden
Another trend among EU countries which Sweden follows is the relative affordability of its public transit system. While single tickets cost more in Malmo than in Cleveland, a monthly transit pass is far more affordable abroad.
| Transportation Mode | Cleveland | Malmo | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-way public transit ticket | $2.50 | $3.17 | +26.9% |
| Monthly public transit pass | $95 | $66.12 | -30.4% |
| Cost of one gallon of gas | $3.27 | $6.98 | +113.7% |
| *Cost to buy a new car | $25,762 | $31,876 | +23.7% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Malmo and Cleveland (March 2025)
*Based on the cost of Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort or equivalent new vehicle as of March 2025
Education costs in Sweden
Childcare and access to education are both vastly more affordable in Sweden, with international schools costing 75.5% less in Malmo than in Cleveland. However, with the country’s widespread English literacy, attendance at an international school may not be required for expat children.
| Type of Education | Cleveland | Malmo | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-day private preschool/kindergarten (monthly) | $1,009 | $149.02 | -85.2% |
| International primary school (annual) | $18,780 | $4,592.71 | -75.5% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Malmo and Cleveland (March 2025)
How to save money when moving to Sweden from the US
Saving money on your move can make it easier to pay the large sums that often accompany such lengthy relocations.
Here are a few things to help lessen the impact on your wallet:
- Downsize: Getting rid of undesired items will save space and weight in your shipping container, sometimes dramatically lowering your final price. Setting up a garage sale or donating goods are both easy ways to do this.
- Pay for storage: If you’re not ready to fully part with the goods from the step above, purchasing long-term storage near your current home can save a little money short-term.
- Pack yourself: Packing can cost thousands of dollars when licensed movers handle the task. Packing your own goods can cut costs on moving day.
Sweden’s visa & immigration requirements
Expats should start the process of moving to Sweden with an application for a work permit or temporary residency. Applying for a work permit requires first obtaining a residence card. For families, you’ll have to present valid passports, prove that you are a family and prove that you have enough income or liquid assets to support yourself in the country.
Work permits as a non-EU citizen will require that you get a job offer for a salary of at least 80% of Sweden’s median wage. Once you’ve lived and worked in the country for five years, you’ll be able to apply for permanent residency.
Moving to Sweden from the US
Your first step in the moving process will be to find permanent employment with a company that operates in Sweden. Proof of sufficient income is a primary factor when applying for residence permits and searching for housing.
Once you’ve handled employment, residency permits and housing, you’ll be able to get quotes from professional movers to help you with your relocation.
Top international moving companies
Hiring a qualified international moving company can make your entire move less stressful. Such companies offer customs clearance assistance and can help you to get settled in your new home after the fact, aside from being licensed to operate around the world. International moving costs can exceed $20,000, depending on service requirements and move distance.
Relocations to mainland Europe typically cost between $7,000 and $12,000 for most home sizes. If you’re looking into booking full-service moving assistance, the following companies feature excellent reputations and customer reviews.
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Shipping your vehicle to Sweden
Shipping your vehicle overseas is a vital part of many moves between the US and Europe. Some moving companies, like International Van Lines and JK Moving, offer this as a separate service. However, you may need to book this service through a dedicated car shipping company.
Regardless of which company you book through, this will typically cost between $1,000 and $5,000. Get quotes from a few of our top car shippers to have a more concrete idea of your rate:
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FAQ
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