Living costs as a student in Gothenburg
Although Sweden is generally considered an expensive country, the cost of living in Gothenburg largely depends on your personal lifestyle and spending habits. While some goods and services are priced above the European average, others are more affordable. Careful budgeting can help make everyday expenses easier to manage.
Monthly budget for a student
If you are coming to Gothenburg to study and want to calculate your approximate monthly living expenses, here is a guide to help you. Please note that this is an estimate, not an exact number for all students in Gothenburg or Sweden.
Accommodation
This will most likely be your biggest expense. The cost of rent can vary a lot and generally, the more central an apartment or a room is, the pricier it will be. An estimate:
- student housing, single household: SEK 4000-7500
- student housing and private accommodation, small apartments: SEK 6000-10 000
Accommodation and budget (studyinsweden.se)
Telephone and internet
The charge for telephone service and internet can vary greatly but count on a monthly cost of at least SEK 400. When you rent an apartment in Sweden, internet access is usually not included.
Food
Monthly food expenses will naturally depend a lot on how often you eat out, how often you cook your own meals, and so on. Around SEK 3000–4000 would not be unreasonable. The lower estimate assumes you do most of the cooking yourself. The university has both cafeterias and lunch rooms with microwaves, so many students bring their own lunch.
Public transportation
As a student a monthly pass for public transportation within Gothenburg costs SEK 645. With the pass, you can travel by bus, tram and ferry within the city limits.
Clothing, leisure, insurance, care and any other expenses
This cost can differ but expect it to total at least SEK 2,500.
Monthly total
This brings you monthly total to roughly SEK 10,525–17,525, but do not forget that this is only an estimation.
Funding and working during your studies
Before your studies begin, you need to be aware of the financial requirements for your residence permit, opportunities for funding, and the rules for working while studying in Sweden.
Residence permit maintenance requirement
For students who need to apply for a residence permit for studies at the Swedish Migration Agency, you need to prove that you have sufficient funds to support your stay in Sweden.
Funding requirements, Swedish Migration Agency
Working during your studies
Students from EU/EEA countries and students from other countries who hold a valid residence permit for studies are allowed to work alongside their studies. However, finding a part time job is not something you should take for granted. You need to be able to support yourself, without depending on getting an extra income, especially when you are new in Sweden.
NB: New Swedish regulations, taking effect on 1 June 2026, limit international students with residence permits for studies to a maximum of 15 working hours per week during the academic semesters.
Working during your studies, Student Portal
Scholarships
There are Scholarships for fee-paying students that you can apply for during the admission process. There are also smaller scholarships that you can apply for once you are a registered student.
Cash is not king in Sweden
One thing to be aware of is that in Sweden 'card is king'. Do not bring large amounts of cash as it can be difficult to pay with. The most common and accepted debit & credit card in Sweden is Visa or Mastercard. Please note that some restrictions may apply to American Express and Maestro cards.
Online shopping, signing agreements and payments
Online shopping, signing agreements, and paying bills can be tricky in a new country. "Hallå konsument" is a national service with information in many languages about rights and obligations as a consumer in Sweden.
Tips on saving money
In many ways, Gothenburg is at the forefront of sustainable consumption and effective use of resources. In the last decade, a huge number of second hand boutiques and initiatives based in lending, borrowing, and giving things have sprung up throughout the city landscape. Smartakartan is an interactive map where you can find places to rent, borrow, or give things or services.