Expats moving to Stockholm can look forward to an eminently modern city that is at the same time sophisticated and funky, traditional and modern, and worldly yet undeniably Scandinavian. Spread out over a number of picturesque islets, there's no end to Stockholm's charm: from the enchanting medieval streets of Gamla Stan – the old town dating back to at least 1250 – to the sleek, bright Swedish design that characterises so many apartments, stores and museums.

Living in Stockholm as an expat

Stockholm is a major draw for expats from all over the world looking to relocate to Sweden. This uber cosmopolitan city serves as the cultural, media, political and economic hub of the country, with over 20 percent of the national population residing in its districts.

The city rests upon 14 islands which connect with the Stockholm archipelago and reach into the Baltic Sea. This unique geographical location was not only historically important as a measure of defending the city, but lends a shimmering watery beauty to the "Venice of the North", as the city is often referred to. Expats and locals delight in and take full advantage of a city that is one third waterways and one third greenery.

Expats moving to Stockholm for work will discover an economy that is flourishing. The last decade has seen significant growth in many areas, including high technology, finance and entrepreneurship, and many international companies have offices here. Stockholm consistently finds itself high on the lists of global and European rankings of innovation and competitiveness, while also coming in near the top for the greenest and most liveable cities.

Cost of living in Stockholm

The cost of living in Stockholm is undeniably high. The relatively high cost of housing matched with the very tricky rental market in the city can make finding a place to live difficult even for those born and raised in Stockholm. Finding a home in the leafy suburbs is far easier and cheaper, and with a well-planned and generally reliable – if a little expensive – transportation network, the inner city is quite accessible for those living in and around it.

Families and children in Stockholm

The family-friendly lifestyle of Stockholm means that the city is a great place to bring up children. With plenty of activities – both outdoor and indoor – to keep the little ones busy, parents can be sure weekends won't be boring. Excellent healthcare and schooling are also major draws, although expat families who won't be staying for the long term should be aware that local public schools teach in Swedish. The best alternative is usually one of Stockholm's often-pricey but high-quality international schools.

Climate in Stockholm

While long and cold winters can be a difficult adjustment for those unaccustomed to such a climate, many remark that Stockholm is well equipped for this time of year with decidedly cosy cafés and restaurants that invite one in with romantic lighting and toasty atmospheres. The winters also bring snow, which bring with it ample opportunities for snow sports such as skiing and boarding. On the other hand, the summers more than make up for winter’s difficulties, with an abundance of daylight, music festivals, the glorious midsummer holiday, and a population that revels in every chance there is to get outdoors.

Some, including many Swedes, say that Stockholm is an overly proud city in the context of Scandinavia's prevailing modesty. But with a city so abundant in culture and that keeps a well-preserved sense of history while taking innovative strides forward in technology, fashion and design, one cannot help but see the attraction for expats from all over the globe.

Stockholm, undeniably, gets bitterly cold during winter. In the coldest months, between December and February, average temperatures range from about 14°F (-10°C) to 30°F (-1°C), and the mercury has been known to drop as low as -4°F (-20°C). Fortunately, with the biting cold comes plenty of beautiful powder, which makes for excellent skiing, snowboarding, sledding and other snow sports. Most snowfall usually occurs from January to March.

To make up for the crisp winters, the summer months are rather mild and pleasant, with average temperatures between June and August generally ranging from 55°F (13°C) to 77°F (25°C), occasionally reaching highs of 86°F (30°C). Summers are ideal for enjoying Stockholm’s slew of green spaces, paddling around its beautiful islands or exploring the many hiking trails surrounding the city.

Rainfall can occur throughout the year, though the summer months of July and August tend to be the wettest. Stockholm receives about 18 hours of daylight in midsummer, and only six hours in midwinter.

Stockholm is a gorgeous, green and peaceful city. Made up of 14 islands and home to a quarter of the Swedish population, there is plenty to love about Stockholm. Of course, it isn't perfect, but if expats can find a way to bypass the pitfalls and rather focus on the perks, they will discover that the Swedish capital can be a wonderful new home. To prepare them, we've listed a few of the pros and cons of living in Stockholm.  

Accommodation in Stockholm

It is likely that, regardless of where they've lived before, expats will find the standard of housing in Stockholm to be quite high as far as infrastructure and build quality go. The majority of housing in the inner city is comprised of average-sized apartment buildings, while the outer city limits and beyond will offer plenty of villas and attached homes. 

+ PRO: Clean and updated

Homeowners and Swedes in general tend to take good care of the properties they own and live in. This means that whether renting or buying, expats will likely find most places to have updated amenities and all fixtures and services in great shape, especially in Stockholm, where remodelling seems to be a popular pastime. The associations that run and care for apartment buildings usually see to it that trash, laundry, repairs and other building services are in order and regularly serviced. 

- CON: Expensive and limited options

Relative to other Western countries, the cost of accommodation, whether renting or buying, is undeniably exorbitant in Stockholm. Prices are much higher in the inner city, so looking at options even just a couple of subway stops further will make a difference.

The rental market is a real mess; even locals have a hard time finding lasting and affordable rentals in the city. It is not impossible, of course, but it does take some diligence and possibly some networking. In fact, young families will often buy an apartment in Stockholm because of the tricky rental situation. 

Lifestyle in Stockholm

Stockholm is referred to by many as the Capital of Scandinavia. There is a great deal of culture, a mix of nightlife, and a variety of restaurants to be found, yet the city still retains a quaint and calm overall vibe. 

+ PRO: Outdoor/active lifestyle

Stockholmers love the outdoors and fill the warmer months with barbecues, sporting events, visits to the countryside, and soaking up the limited sunshine. They may complain about the long winters, but it doesn’t mean they don’t know how to make the most of them. During those colder months, the Swedish often take long skiing weekends, hikes in the snow, and go ice-skating or sledding. Winters in Stockholm are not too extreme, but there is usually quite a bit of snow, which makes for great skiing, boarding and other fun snow-based sports.

- CON: Long winters

Winters in Stockholm are long and quite dark. In December, daylight only lasts for about six hours. For the high latitude it sits at, however, the city has better weather than one would expect. There may be a longer time to wait for spring, but sunny snowy days are frequent in Stockholm, and it’s important for expats to learn to make the most of these if cold and darkness bother them. 

+ PRO: Green city

Stockholm is one third water, and one third green space. This makes for an abundance of parks to picnic in during the summer and possibly sled through in the winter. There are smaller islands to explore and countless waterfront restaurants, cafés, bars and attractions to enjoy. The city is clean and not very crowded at all. It’s easy to enjoy nature right in the inner city, as well as find a quiet forest to hike through not more than 15 minutes from the centre of town.

Safety in Stockholm

+ PRO: Low crime rates 

Stockholm is a very safe place with low levels of petty crime, and even lower levels of serious crime. It’s one of the safest capital cities in all of Europe. 

- CON: Theft and fraud in some areas

Some of the fancier areas of Stockholm, such as Östermalm and nearby upscale suburbs, are targeted for burglary. Stockholm has very low rates of such crime compared to other international cities, as stated above, but it is still important to be aware of this. Also, rental fraud is not uncommon in Stockholm, so expats should be aware of this when they are looking online for housing.

Working and doing business in Stockholm

+ PRO: Work/life balance

Swedes generally have around five weeks of vacation a year, plus a generous number of public national holidays. This, combined with a family-oriented culture, contributes to a strong sense of work/life balance, even in the capital city. Even the more demanding and fast-paced industries will have fewer working hours per week compared to companies in many other Western and Asian cities.

- CON: Slow summers and holidays

Because Swedes take so much time off in the summertime and during winter holidays, expect processes such as job searches or applications, visa processing, business deals or projects, and more, will be delayed during July and August as well as December and January. Expats should plan around this, especially if conducting a job search in Stockholm.

Culture shock in Stockholm

Stockholm is a tolerant and worldly city and is welcoming to all kinds of people and cultures. The Scandinavian shyness is likely the biggest hurdle that an expat will have to deal with. 

+ PRO: Non-hierarchical and equal society

Most of Stockholm's – and Sweden's – workplaces, organisations, political groups, and the like, are decidedly non-hierarchical. It’s important to Swedes that everyone from the secretary to the CEO has a voice and is treated equally. Upper management doesn’t tend to get a great deal more benefits than anyone else in a company. This may feel unusual to some expats, but it makes for a society where many are comfortable in their workplace and can approach anyone without much bureaucracy. 

- CON: Reserved culture

It is common for expats to complain that Swedes are hard to get to know. Even Swedes who are not from Stockholm can stereotype the city as a place where people are less friendly than the rest of the country. It really comes down to the fact that Swedes tend to be reserved and private, especially in public and with those who they do not yet know. Expats need to understand this from the beginning and know that social circles tend to be tightly formed in the city, but it certainly doesn’t mean that it is impossible to make friends. It's also important not to mistake shyness for rudeness.

Expats should be patient and genuine with the Swedes who they meet, respect their space, and the locals will certainly warm to them before long. Getting involved in local social, business and sports clubs can help this process along.

Learning the language is another major factor in making friends in the country. Stockholmers respond well to expats who are friendly, open and interested in them, but who don’t come across as too loud or opinionated. 

Cost of living in Stockholm

+ PRO: Affordable cultural and leisure options

Culture is a highly valued part of Stockholm’s city budget, and locals are keen on putting together entertainment at a low cost – many museums and exhibits around town have little to no entry fees. It is relatively cheap to take the boats around the different islands of the city in the summer, as well as to rent bicycles. In the warmer months, parks often have free concerts and shows. 

- CON: High cost of living

Generally, most things in Stockholm – from housing to clothing, petrol to public transport, alcohol to movie tickets – are quite expensive. Expats should prepare to adjust their lifestyle accordingly. 

Education and schools in Stockholm

+ PRO: Great bilingual schools

High-quality bilingual schools and other types of international schools are relatively common in Stockholm and nearby suburbs, especially compared to the rest of the country. 

- CON: Strict homeschooling laws

Homeschooling in Sweden is heavily regulated and generally only allowed in rare and specific circumstances. This may be an issue for some expats.

+ PRO: Esteemed high schools and universities

The public high schools, colleges and universities located in Stockholm are some of the best the country, and Scandinavia, have to offer. Stockholm has a high number of students and is a vibrant place to study. 

Healthcare in Stockholm

PRO: Accessible health insurance

Most expats will be covered by good health insurance, whether they are a student or have a residence visa through a job or a relationship. Visits and checkups will have a fee but these are usually quite low. Prescriptions are easy to pick up at any pharmacy and are usually quite affordable too. 

- CON: Language barrier

Navigating the system, like many administrative scenarios in Stockholm, can cost some patience if expats don’t yet speak Swedish. Most healthcare documents and paperwork are in Swedish only, as well as the menus spoken over healthcare phone lines.

Scandinavia, in general, is expensive to live in. That said, when compared to other capitals such as Oslo and the notoriously expensive Copenhagen, Stockholm is rather affordable. Out of the 227 countries surveyed for Mercer’s Cost of Living Survey for 2023, Stockholm ranked 87th, which suggests its cost of living is much gentler than Copenhagen (9th) and Oslo (60th). Despite this, expats should not expect to live cheaply in the Swedish capital. 

An expat’s biggest expense in Stockholm, as in most cities, is accommodation. Rental prices can be astronomical, among the highest in Europe in fact, and many expats don’t even consider buying as housing is so pricey. Public transport, although highly efficient and extensive, is also costly, as are many other services and goods in the city. High taxes also add to the overall cost of living.

The good news is that high salaries generally make up for the cost of living in Stockholm, and expats tend to find the quality of life in this spectacular city is very much worth the cost.

Cost of food in Stockholm

Although Sweden produces some fruit and vegetables, it imports most of its fresh produce, which of course increases the prices of these items in supermarkets. Meat, fish and dairy products are a little cheaper and, with affordable foreign chains such as Netto and Lidl appearing in Stockholm in recent years, grocery shopping doesn’t have to be an overly costly affair. Local brands such as Hemköp, Coop and ICA aren’t too expensive either, as long as expats stick to the larger stores towards the outskirts and avoid the smaller convenient branches in the centre of the city. 

Regardless, even expensive groceries will seem like a snip when compared to the eye-popping prices on restaurant menus in Stockholm, which is why most expats cook rather than eat out.

Cost of accommodation in Stockholm

Accommodation in Stockholm is some of the priciest in Europe. The rental market in the city is highly regulated, with a long waiting list, and property prices in Stockholm are steep and are generally considered to be overvalued. Of course, the demand is sky high in the city centre and the further away from the centre or the archipelago one searches, the more affordable housing becomes.

Should one choose to live in an affluent area such as Östermalm, for instance, one can expect to pay dearly, while outlying areas such as Bromma will save expats some money on accommodation. We’d advise that expats consider leases carefully before renting, and make sure of which utilities are included. Sweden is freezing during winter, which can lead to a hefty electricity bill.

Cost of transport in Stockholm

Public transport in Stockholm, although eminently punctual and seamlessly efficient, comes at a cost. Purchasing monthly or annual passes can help curb the cost, but it still adds up. Expats usually prefer not to purchase a vehicle, as the cost of fuel makes it largely impractical. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available and on par with the rates of those in other major European metros.

Cost of entertainment in Stockholm

As mentioned, eating out in Stockholm will cost a veritable arm and a leg. Many expats earn lucrative salaries in the city and most can afford the odd night out, but we’d recommend that newcomers to the city budget carefully when it comes to entertainment. Buying drinks in pubs can also be eye-wateringly expensive, and attractions such as the theatre and cinema don’t come cheap either.

Of course, there are bargains to be had, and expats should be on the lookout for restaurant specials, movie nights and drinks promotions at bars. It also depends on the area: a night out in a neighbourhood such as Södermalm will be far more affordable than in an upmarket area such as Östermalm. 

Cost of living in Stockholm chart 

Prices may vary depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices in January 2023.

The rental market in Stockholm is highly regulated, with a long waiting list. Property prices in Stockholm are high and are generally considered to be overvalued.

Most expats rent accommodation in Stockholm and leverage their network of local friends to find a place to stay in the city. Subletting is very common, but downsides include having to relocate when the short sublet contract is over, so expats taking this route may end up having to move multiple times a year. 

Types of accommodation in Stockholm 

Apartments are the most common form of expat housing for people living in Stockholm. Most apartments are unfurnished, but basics such as bathroom and kitchen fittings are provided.

Finding larger houses will prove more difficult, especially in the city centre. Family-friendly accommodation can be found in the outlying suburbs of Stockholm.

Kungsholmen and Södermalm are popular areas for expats in Stockholm. Buildings in the city centre are generally historical and have height restrictions, so depending on the area, many have been renovated.

How close a property is to the public transport network is an important factor to consider when looking for an apartment in Stockholm. This is largely due to the tough winter conditions and expensive costs associated with driving, parking and fuel in the city.

Finding accommodation in Stockholm

To find a home, expats can browse online property portals and local newspapers for listings. Where possible, expats should make use of their personal network to find accommodation, and try to get local friends to spread the word that they are looking. Of course, estate agents are another avenue, whose expertise and knowledge of the area often prove quite useful in the complicated quagmire of Sweden's rental market.

Renting accommodation in Stockholm

There is a general housing shortage in Sweden, but this is especially the case in Stockholm. Locals often find it more economical to live in their own homes than rent them out to tenants, although subletting is common.

Private and government housing

Many of the rental properties in Stockholm are obtained through the Bostadsförmedlingen (Housing Service). A house-hunter pays the Housing Service to allocate available housing to them, based on a set of preferences they provide the service with. There is usually a long waiting list, however, which means that some tenants opt to rent directly from private landlords at inflated prices.

This leads to its own challenges, however, as unscrupulous landlords may try to get tenants to make a down payment before they have even seen the property in person, use the high level of competition to inflate the rental prices they originally quoted and then increase rents above market levels for furnished apartments.

To avoid some of the pitfalls of the Stockholm rental market, expats are advised to use only reputable online property portals, act quickly if they identify a property they are interested in and sign up to the Housing Service waiting list. It can take years to find a property through official channels, but it usually pays off in the long run.

Given how complicated renting property in Sweden can be, it may be in an expat’s best interest to work through a real-estate professional. Many expats who are certain that they will be staying in Sweden for a long period of time choose to buy property in Stockholm.

Deposits and leases

It is very common to pay one month’s rent as a deposit. Common practice is also to give three months’ notice when moving out, so expats should be prepared and make sure to read the lease terms and conditions carefully before signing.

Utilities

Heating and water are usually included in the cost of rent in Sweden, while gas and electric bills are typically for the tenant's expense.

The standard of education and schools in Stockholm is high. Education in Sweden is compulsory for all children between the ages of six and 16. Public schools are free to attend, as are 'independent schools', which are funded but not run by the government. There are few fee-paying schools in Stockholm, and many of those that do exist are international schools teaching foreign curricula.

Children in Sweden start school when they are six years old. Compulsory education consists of förskoleklass (‘preschool year’ or Year 0), lågstadiet (Years 1 to 3), mellanstadiet (Years 4 to 6) and högstadiet (Years 7 to 9). This is followed by gymnasieskola (upper secondary school, Years 10 to 12), which is not compulsory. Most children do fulfil secondary education to be able to get good jobs in the future.

Public schools in Stockholm

Public schools in Sweden can be attended by locals and expats alike. These schools follow the Swedish national curriculum and are administrated by the local municipality in which they are located. As these schools are funded by taxes, tuition is completely free.

The quality of education is good and most Swedish children go to public schools, but expats generally choose international schools for their children instead due to the language barrier.

Independent schools in Sweden 

Friskolor are schools that, while receiving government funding, are run by non-government entities such as individuals, associations or foundations. Like public schools, friskolar are obligated to follow the Swedish national curriculum and are free to attend.

International schools in Stockholm

International schools in Sweden teach the curriculum of a foreign country such as the UK, the US or other qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate.

Children of all nationalities are welcome at most international schools. These schools may have long waiting lists, however, so it’s best for parents to plan ahead and apply for a spot for their children as early as possible.

International schools are expensive, charging not only tuition fees but also extras such as application and registration fees. Other potential costs include fees for school lunches, transportation and textbooks.

Special-needs education in Stockholm

Special-needs education in Sweden is managed by The National Agency for Special Needs Education and Schools (Specialpedagogiska skolmyndigheten). Children with special needs are kept in mainstream schools as far as possible, and receive individualised extra support in accordance with an action plan drawn up by the school principal. In cases where mainstream schooling is unable to provide the required support, a multidisciplinary team assesses the child and will then give a recommendation for entry into a special-needs programme or a special school if needed.

Tutors in Stockholm

Education is highly valued in Sweden, and parents make regular use of private tuition to bolster their children's learning. Expats also often employ tutors, whether for Swedish language lessons, extra help with certain subjects, or simply to build some confidence in an unfamiliar environment. Regardless of age, tutoring can be massively beneficial. Some of the top tutoring companies in Sweden include Studybuddy, Privatläraren Stockholm and My Academy.

There is a fairly wide selection of international schools in Stockholm that cater to students from all over the world. These schools offer a range of curricula, including various national systems from countries such as France and Germany, as well as the globally recognised International Baccalaureate.

While international schools are notoriously pricey, they provide expat children with a sense of familiarity amid their new environment in Sweden and usually offer an excellent standard of communication. They also provide easy contact with other expat families, making it easier to become part of the community.

Here are a few well-regarded international schools in Stockholm.

International schools in Stockholm

British International School of Stockholm

Website: www.bisstockholm.se
Curriculum: International Primary Curriculum, International Middle Years Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and International Baccalaureate
Gender: Co-educational
Ages: 3 to 18

Website: www.intsch.se
Curriculum: International Primary Curriculum and International Baccalaureate
Gender: Co-educational
Ages: 3 to 18

Expats moving to Stockholm will discover that they have a veritable smorgasbord of options when it comes to entertainment and shopping in the sensational Swedish capital. From museums and restaurants to entertainment for the kids, there is something to pique the interest of everyone regardless of age. Weekends in Stockholm will have nary a dull moment.

Shopping in Stockholm

Stockholm has great shopping, but it doesn’t come cheap. The classic Swedish items that expats usually ship out with them when they eventually leave Sweden are glass products, blonde-wood furniture and ceramics. A favourite shopping area in Stockholm is Gamla Stan. Västerlånggatan is the street to visit and expats will see many beautiful antique shops here, some of them eye-wateringly expensive. 

Kungsgatan is also a major shopping district in Stockholm. Here, expats can find the Drottninggatan pedestrian mall. The mall is home to popular high-street stores as well as smaller speciality stores.

Fashion-conscious expats should visit Bibliotekstan near Östermalm to discover what Swedish designers have to offer. Here one will find brands of unique Swedish companies. Birger Jarlsgatan in Östermalm is where expats can get their luxury fix, with most high-end designers having stores here. 

The most eclectic of all the city’s shopping areas, the famous SoFo district is in Södermalm. SoFo stands for South of Folkungagatan and this area is full of quirky, trendy and creative boutiques. 

Nightlife in Stockholm

Expats in search of exciting nightlife in Stockholm will not be disappointed. There is a bouquet of bars and clubs in the city and many stay open until late, but expats should expect high prices for entry and drinks.

The areas known for having the best nightlife in Stockholm include Stureplan, Södermalm and Djurgården. Expats should not miss the Ice Bar, a permanent feature near Central Station, with an interior that is made completely of ice from a river in northern Sweden. Thankfully, guests are able to borrow a warm hat and gloves. 

Stockholm also boasts theatre and jazz scenes for expats with more sophisticated tastes, while adventurous expats might want to explore the country’s famous heavy metal scene. 

From classic gourmet cuisine to experimental modern cooking and relaxed dining, there is also enough of a variety of restaurants in Stockholm to entice the most discerning of palates.

Sports and outdoor activities in Stockholm

The city’s famous green spaces and waterways mean that there is no shortage of outdoor activities in Stockholm to enjoy. Expats will get to take part in a wide range of activities, from hot-air ballooning and golf to fishing and hiking the nature trails on its outskirts.

The easiest way of getting around Stockholm is on two wheels, but the city’s many cycle paths and bike lanes also make it a good way to take in the city’s sights. Expats can easily rent a bicycle and explore areas such as Djurgården, which is home to a variety of attractions as well as breathtaking natural splendour.

Those fresh off the plane looking for a novel way of exploring their new home can also hire a kayak or canoe and paddle between the city’s many islands. Expats could also hire a boat and propel past some of the city’s most recognisable sights, enjoy the majesty of Lake Mälaren and settle down for a bite to eat at the end of their adventure.

See and do in Stockholm

A city surrounded by water, blessed with spectacular scenery and loads of green spaces, and coloured by a storied history, expats will have plenty to see, do and learn in Stockholm. Whether they are interested in the city’s ancient origins or exploring the tranquil waterways of the Stockholm archipelago, the city has something for a variety of tastes and preferences.

Royal Djurgården

The island of Djurgården is in the heart of Stockholm and it is the location of many museums, restaurants and parks. Expats can purchase souvenirs at the Handarbetets Vänner or visit Gröna Lund, Sweden’s oldest amusement park. On the other hand, children can enjoy Nordic wildlife at the zoo and explore the Junibacken fairytale fun centre. The best part of this attraction is that it is only a 10-minute walk from the city centre. 

Royal Palace and Gamla Stan

No visit to Stockholm would be complete without seeing the Royal Palace and spending some time in Gamla Stan. Expats can visit some of the palace’s 608 staterooms, the Hall of State, the Royal Treasury and can witness the changing of the guards. The streets of Gamla Stan are lined with restaurants and boutiques. Expats should also not miss the Storkyrkan Cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century. 

Stockholm City Hall

A major landmark in Stockholm, the City Hall is located on Kungsholmen. Expats who are interested in architecture will appreciate this building’s practical red-brick exterior, the three golden crowns on top of its tower, and its Art Nouveau interior with its vaulted ceiling. Expats looking for a spectacular view of Stockholm will find it at the top of City Hall’s tower. 

Stockholm Globe

Sporting enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to this massive arena which holds the title of the world’s largest spherical building. Restaurants, bars and shops are available for those who are not as fascinated by sports trivia. Expats can also experience SkyView, a glass elevator that carries visitors up the outside of the building to the top. 

Annual events in Stockholm

Whether during the seemingly endless daylight of summer or winter’s biting cold, expats will always be able to choose from a variety of events in Stockholm. 

Stockholm Marathon (May/June)

Keen runners have been taking part in the Stockholm Marathon since 1979. The course loops around the city twice and finishes in the iconic 1912 Olympic Stadium. Every year more than 20,000 runners take to the course and are cheered on by thousands of spectators. Participants get to enjoy some of the city’s most famous attractions, while spectators can take in the lively atmosphere and cheer on the athletes.

Stockholm Pride (July/August)

Held between the end of July and the beginning of August every year since its inception in 1998, Stockholm Pride consists of a week worth of celebrations, cultural performances and educational events. The highlight of the festival is the Pride Parade, the biggest in Scandinavia, which attracts as many as 60,000 participants and 600,000 spectators every year.

Stockholm Jazz Festival (October)

Having first taken place in 1980, the Stockholm Jazz Festival is one of the oldest festivals in Sweden. Originally an outdoor summer festival, it now takes place indoors in autumn at a variety of the city’s premier jazz venues over the course of the week. The one thing that has stayed constant is that the festival continues to attract jazz superstars from all over the world and is a must-see, whether an expat is a jazz aficionado or uninitiated novice.

Nyårsafton New Year Celebrations (December)

Held every year at Skansen, Stockholm's open-air museum, the city’s residents brave the cold to enjoy the lively celebrations, illuminated by spectacular fireworks displays. At midnight, the Skansen bells chime and the New Year is ushered in by Alfred Lord Tennyson’s famous poem, ‘Ring Out, Wild Bells’. Many city residents simply enjoy the celebrations from the comfort of their homes, or at other sites such as the Västerbron bridge, which provides breathtaking views of its own. Wherever they are in the city, expats should be sure not to miss the revelry.

Where to meet people and make friends in Stockholm

Finding new friends can be one of the most intimidating aspects of moving to a new city. One of the best ways to start meeting likeminded people is to join a local club or meet-up group. Here are a few suggestions.

Expats in Stockholm and Sweden

This Facebook group has close to 30,000 members, making it the perfect place to meet expats from all walks of life. Here, expats can join or arrange events to get to know fellow group members.

The English-Speaking Community Club (ESCC)

ESCC is a club primarily made up of English-speaking expats from the US and the British Commonwealth, but English-speaking expats from other countries are also welcome. From picnics and brunches to "armchair philosophy" sessions, members can enjoy a variety of regular events.

Stockholm Mountain Club

Take advantage of Stockholm's beautiful natural surrounds by joining the Stockholm Mountain Club. The club has weekly hikes year round, and in summer undertakes longer overnight expeditions.

Wherever one chooses to live in the city, getting around in Stockholm is rather simple and painless. The Swedish capital's public transport network is extensive and consists of the metro, bus, tram, regional rail, light rail and archipelago boats.

Public transport in Stockholm

Public transport plays a big role in the lives of the city's residents. Around 800,000 commuters make use of public transportation in Stockholm every day, which is impressive given the city's estimated population of 950,000 people.

While expats living in Stockholm are blessed with such an extensive public transport system, unfortunately, this convenience comes at a cost, as Stockholm has some of the most expensive public transport in the world.

Buses

There are a number of bus lines running through Stockholm and passengers can hop on and off any bus using an SL card. The special inner-city buses are blue, while regular buses servicing the rest of Stockholm are red.

The city's bus routes include the blue inner-city and suburban lines as well as service bus lines. The Flygbussarna bus line is available for transport from Arlanda Airport into Stockholm.

Metro

Stockholm’s Tunnelbana is an extensive metro system which runs both above and below ground, and serves the city centre and surrounds. There are three main lines (green, red and blue) which run to 100 stations, many of which connect to the local bus system.

While Stockholm’s metro is a convenient mode of transport, it does get busy during morning and evening rush hours.

Suburban rail services

Expats living outside the city and commuting to work on a daily basis will be able to make use of Stockholm’s suburban rail services. There are a number of suburban rail systems in Stockholm that service the city's outskirts, including Saltsjöbanan and Roslagsbanan.

Light rail and tram

In addition to the Djurgården line, the city's heritage tram, Stockholm has other light rail services including the Nockebybanan, Lidingöbanan and Tvärbanan. 

Boats

There are several archipelago boat lines in Stockholm, run by Waxholmsbolaget. Some of these operate year round. One boat line, Djurgårdsfärjan, operates in central Stockholm between Slussen and Djurgården. While SL travel cards are usually valid on this line, single trip tickets and strip tickets are not accepted.

Taxis in Stockholm

Taxis are also readily available in the Swedish capital. One can hail these on the street, grab one at a rank or call ahead and book one for a certain time. We'd recommend making use of the main reputable companies, and avoiding smaller independent firms.

Prices aren't regulated in Sweden, and we'd advise that expats check the price beforehand, usually found on the yellow and white label displayed on the rear window. The good news is that even taxi companies are toeing the line when it comes to the environment and a few of the bigger cab firms have started to make use of mainly eco vehicles, with a new rota system rewarding taxis with low emission levels.

For those averse to using regular taxis, there are several convenient ride-hailing apps to use in Stockholm, including the likes of Uber and Bolt. These allow for more convenient navigating, payment and avoids any language barriers. Expats simply download the app, link their credit card, and start riding.

Walking and cycling in Stockholm

Stockholm is well-equipped to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists with its brilliant network of cycle paths, green parks and safe walkways. Many locals choose to walk or cycle to work.

Cycling has become highly popular in Sweden as locals have embraced the benefits of this simple, fast, inexpensive and environmentally friendly mode of transport, no matter the weather. Stockholm city authorities have made the city's cycling infrastructure a priority and are constantly working on improving accessibility for cyclists.

Expats don’t even need to spend on their own bicycle in Stockholm, as the city has made hundreds of bicycles available for people to rent. All that's needed is a bike card from Stockholm City Bikes. Commuters can either purchase a season or three-day card. 

Driving in Stockholm

While having a car is not essential in Stockholm, it is easy to drive in the city as the roads are well signposted and, in comparison to other European cities, Stockholm is far less congested.

A congestion charging scheme to reduce traffic in Stockholm has been in place since 2006. If someone lives in the city their car is automatically connected to their bank account, while those who live in the suburbs need to pay before they enter the congestion charging zone. 

Most locals and expats prefer to take advantage of Stockholm’s convenient public transport network instead of driving as parking fees in the city are expensive and finding a good parking spot can be difficult. For these reasons, expats rarely need to rent or purchase a car unless they are travelling outside the city.