Best Cities in Sweden to Live In 2026
3 cities ranked by Livability Score — affordability, safety, internet, democracy & climate.
Gothenburg
80/100Stockholm
78/100Malmo
75/100Compare cities in Sweden
❓ Living in Sweden — Common Questions
What is the best city to live in Sweden?▾
Based on our Livability Score, Gothenburg ranks #1 in Sweden with a score of 80/100, and city-centre rent from around $1121/month.
What is the cheapest city in Sweden?▾
Malmo has the most affordable city-centre rent in our Sweden data, at around $857/month for a 1-bedroom apartment.
What is the safest city in Sweden?▾
By UNODC homicide rate data, Gothenburg is the safest city in Sweden in our database, with a rate of 1.1 per 100,000 people.
Should I move to Gothenburg or Stockholm?▾
Gothenburg scores 80/100 on our Livability Score vs 78/100 for Stockholm. Rent is $1121/mo in Gothenburg vs $1549/mo in Stockholm. See the full comparison at the bottom of this page.
How do I get long-term residency or a visa to live in Sweden?▾
Sweden offers the Sweden Self-Employment Permit (complex process). Duration: 2 years (renewable). Key requirement: Proof of clients, sufficient income, and ability to support yourself. Takes 3–6 months.. The process is complex. Check individual city pages for full details.