Forests, IKEA, ABBA — this is what Sweden is famous for abroad. But there’s way more to it. In this article, we’ll explore the top cities in Sweden where life feels good.
Top cities in Sweden: Stockholm
The capital is one of the most beautiful cities in Sweden. Founded in 1252, Stockholm is a blend of urban and natural elements, representing the country's spirit well.
Why expats in Sweden love it:
International touch
People from all over the world go to Stockholm. So, the city is welcoming—cultural festivals, meetings, and an English-speaking environment. It will make you adapt easily. Of course, the cultural shock may happen anyway, but the atmosphere will smoothen the impression.
Comfortable life
Stockholm is constantly ranked as one of the best cities in Sweden and beyond in terms of the quality of life. Healthcare, social safety net, work-life balance — everything is on a great level.
Personally, we think that life cannot be enjoyable without parks, cosy places to rest and tasty food, and Stokholm delivers it.
Job opportunities
Stockholm is the best place to live in Sweden for expats who want to climb the corporate ladder. Spotify, IKEA, H&M and other global companies are based in the capital, so with some experience and a strong resume, you can become a part of a huge corporation. If you prefer startups, there are plenty of them, too.
Summing up, Stockholm is the best place to live in Sweden for expats, who want to find a perfect balance between busy city life and peaceful existence. Even though the cost of living in the capital may be high, local salaries make it possible to live comfortably.
Explore: ATMs in Sweden
Top cities in Sweden: Malmö
Malmö was a small Danish fishing village in the past, but now it’s one of the best cities in Sweden—a glow-up we all deserve.
Why expats in Sweden love it:
Location
All it takes to get to Copenhagen from Malmö is to cross the Öresund Bridge; it’s that close. The city has a great connection system, so travelling to other cities in Sweden and Europe is pure joy.
Public transport is convenient, too: you can get around the city by bus, train or bicycle.
More wallet-friendly
Living in Malmö is 10% cheaper than in Stockholm, according to Numbeo. And the rent? 34% lower on average! It makes a big difference for expats coming from countries with lower prices. So, Malmö is the best place to live in Sweden for expats who want to live comfortably yet budget-wise.
International touch #2
Malmö is a popular destination in Sweden, expats with different backgrounds settle down here. The city is known to be tolerant and welcoming: foreigners from over 180 countries reside there. If you move to Malmö, be respectful towards other cultures and you’ll live happily.
Malmö is one of the best cities in Sweden for expats because it offers affordability and a high quality of life. However, searching for jobs there is more challenging than in Stockholm.
Top cities in Sweden: Gothenburg
The next on our list of the best cities in Sweden for expats is Gothenburg.
Family-friendly city
Gothenburg is good for families with kids because it has a nice infrastructure for entertainment and daily life. The educational system works well, and the city is convenient to explore. There are children's science centres, museums, libraries, cafes, and the largest amusement park in Scandinavia.
Your child won't get bored, and you'll feel calm for them.
Affordable
Gothenburg is around 12.7% cheaper than Stockholm! It means you have more spare funds to have fun and travel. Of course, your total budget will depend on your lifestyle, but overall, living in Gothenburg costs less than in other big cities in Scandinavia. In Sweden, expats should be ready to be financially responsible. We prepared some budget tips for you:
Fika culture
Fika culture is about taking a moment to breathe out and enjoy the coffee with pastries. It’s rooted in Swedish society and is an important part of their daily routine. To follow it, go to any cosy coffee shop in Gothenburg and take a break.
While in your Fika moment, spend a couple of minutes supporting people back home by sending them funds with beneficial and secure Profee transfers. You'll be done in a few clicks before the barista gets your coffee done.
Top cities in Sweden: Uppsala
The oldest university in Scandinavia was opened in Uppsala in 1477, and it says a lot about the city.
Why expats in Sweden love it:
A place for true academic weapons
Uppsala University was ranked 93rd in the QS World University Rankings 2026, which means it is a top academic institution. The university supports researchers and offers diverse academic programmes.
Uppsala is among the best cities in Sweden for expats looking for academic opportunities.
Cleanliness
Uppsala has been named the city with the cleanest air in Europe by the European Environment Agency—and it shows. The local government is working on reducing street waste, making it one of the most beautiful cities in Sweden. In this place, you can breathe easily and feel good about your surroundings. Uppsala is one of the best cities in Sweden for a reason.
International touch #3
No, we’re not repeating ourselves, it’s just Sweden is extra welcoming. The locals speak English well and there are a lot of foreigners—you’ll blend in well. If you’ve got questions, you can head to the Uppsala International Hub website and read tips on moving, living and searching for a job in the city.
In Sweden, expats make themselves at home and start a new life.
Summing up, Uppsala is one of the best cities in Sweden for expats who want to pursue an academic career and enjoy a calm life in a clean city.
Top cities in Sweden: Lund
Lund is one of the most beautiful cities in Sweden because of its historic charm—colourful small houses, cathedral, university building—architecture screams “old times” and that’s why expats live it.
Fruitful academic life
Lund University was ranked 72nd in the QS World University Rankings 2026, higher than Uppsala's one. Intelligent professors, research opportunities, and quality education attract students and scientists from every corner of the world. If you want to move to Sweden to study, consider Lund as one of your destinations.
It’s the best place to live in Sweden for expats who want to get an international studying experience.
Closeness to nature
There are times when all you need is to go out and touch some grass. Lund is a perfect destination for that. Parks, hiking routes, forests, and even beaches are not far from Lund, making it one of the most beautiful cities in Sweden.
So, if you want to mysteriously wander in the woods, Lund is one of the best cities in Sweden for that.
Safety
Lund is known for being one of the calmest and safest cities in Sweden. We still advise you to stay alert at night and avoid shady people and places, but Lund is mostly a secure and welcoming place. Among Swedish cities, it consistently ranks as one of the safest.
Tips for expats:
FAQ — top cities in Sweden
Is Sweden a rich or poor country?
Sweden is considered a high-income and developed economy. The country is ranked 23rd on the list of the wealthiest places in the world.
What is the most expensive city in Sweden?
Among all the cities in Sweden, Stockholm is the most expensive. The costs for housing, food, and entertainment are high.
Do they speak English in Sweden?
Yes, the majority of the population is able to speak and understand English, especially in larger cities and among younger Swedes. You’ll easily communicate in stores, hospitals and public transport. However, learning Swedish will speed up your integration and give more chances to have a successful career and social life.
What are the top 5 cities in Sweden?
The best cities for expats are Stockholm, Malmö, Gothenburg, Uppsala and Lund.
How to send money from Sweden?
In Sweden, expats use Profee, an online service for transferring funds abroad. Profee offers great exchange rates from Swedish krona to dozens of other currencies, little to no fees, and a convenient interface that helps you send money in minutes.
Go to profee.com to start sending money from Sweden in a smart way.
