Austria vs Sweden
Sweden costs roughly 12% less than Austria, though Austria scores higher on both safety and healthcare. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Sweden is approximately 12% less expensive than Austria based on cost of living including rent. This makes Sweden a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Sweden has a FIRE Score of 47/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 52, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Sweden is best suited for digital nomads who prioritize experience over savings.
About Austria
Austria has a digital nomad visa available or a fast path to citizenship, neither exists here. High earners also face a 55% top tax rate above EUR 1M. But retirees clearing EUR 2,548/mo qualify for a settlement permit, and with a 70.5 safety index and strong healthcare, it suits those prioritizing stability over low taxes or easy paperwork.
$774/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
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About Sweden
Skip Sweden for retirement or digital nomad visas, which aren't offered: neither exists, and the top tax rate reaches 52.1%. This fits high earners chasing a clear citizenship path and top-tier healthcare (68.3 index, 82.7-year life expectancy) over near-term savings or easy entry.
$975/mo
Not sure which Sweden visa you qualify for?
Answer 11 questions and get a personalized match in under 2 minutes.
Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness Scores
Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Austria | Sweden |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 1: Normal Precautions | Level 2: Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 192.9 | 193.2 +0.3 |
| Healthcare Index | 77.9 +9.6 | 68.3 |
| Safety Index | 70.5 +18.5 | 52 |
| Cost of Living Index | 60.7 | 54.2 +6.5 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $1,223.3 | $1,090.2 +133.1 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $4,250.6 | $4,049.6 +201 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $1,002.63 | $935.14 +67.49 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $817.87 | $738.7 +79.17 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1,814.94 | $1,591.9 +223.04 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,455.52 | $1,230.56 +224.96 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 199.98 Mbps | 294.38 Mbps +94.4 |
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Income thresholds, fees, processing time and residency paths for Austria and Sweden, side by side.
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