Living in Stockholm, Sweden: A Double-Edged Sword
Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden, is often considered one of the most livable cities in the world. It offers a blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and modernity, making it an attractive destination for foreigners. However, like any major city, there are both upsides and downsides to living there. Let's explore what life is like for foreigners in Stockholm and whether it's worth the challenges.
The Positives
One of the major attractions of Stockholm for foreigners is its clean and crisp air, a result of strict environmental regulations. The city is well-organized and manageable, with reliable public transportation that includes subways, trains, trolleys, and buses. A monthly pass for the public transportation network costs around 100 euros/dollars, and a Big Mac can be bought for about 4 euros/dollars, making it affordable for everyday expenses.
The Swedes are known for being less judgmental than people in some other countries, which can be a refreshing change. However, it's important to note that the city is a melting pot of cultures, and one should be prepared to navigate these differences.
Climate and Lifestyle: Stockholm offers distinct seasons, but the nights can be long and cold. However, if you can handle the cold, you will find the city comfortable. While some might not be as fond of Swedish cuisine, which can include pickled herring, dilled herring, marinated herring, and reindeer, most Swedes find this part of their culture delightful.
The Downsides
While Stockholm has much to offer, it is not without its challenges. Housing in the city is very tough to come by. Renting prices are regulated by law, making them so low that tenants have no incentive to maintain or improve the properties they live in. As a result, very few new rental properties are being constructed, leading to a limited supply.
Buying a house or condo is also expensive, but the cost of living is relatively lower when compared to other currencies due to the strength of the Swedish Krona (SEK) and higher interest rates. A self-employed individual can expect to pay around 25% as an employer's tax on the business net income, plus a marginal income tax of 20-50% on any additional earnings. Furthermore, the city's affluence has led to the gentrification of many neighborhoods, making them less accessible to the general public.
Cost of Living: Stockholm is an expensive city, with high street criminality, mostly among drug addicts. While taking public transportation at night might be hazardous, the city's public transportation system, including subways, trains, trolleys, and buses, is well-built and efficient. A monthly pass for the public transportation network costs around 100 euros/dollars, and a Big Mac can be bought for about 4 euros/dollars, making it affordable for everyday expenses.
Healthcare: The healthcare system in Stockholm is of high quality, but there might be waiting times for treatment for non-life-threatening situations. Private insurance is an option for those who want to avoid waiting times.
Taxes: Taxes in Sweden are high, with a self-employed individual paying around 25% as an employer's tax and between 20-50% as a marginal income tax. The value-added tax (VAT) is 25%, and gas prices are also relatively high, at about 10 euros/dollars per gallon.
Conclusion
Living in Stockholm, Sweden, can be a rich and rewarding experience for foreigners, but it's important to be prepared for the challenges that come with it. The city offers a high standard of living, excellent public transportation, and a culturally diverse environment. However, the high cost of living, housing scarcity, and increase in drug-related crime are factors that could impact your quality of life. Understanding these aspects can help you make an informed decision about whether Stockholm is the right place for you.