Sweden: cost of living

How much have fuel and electricity prices risen in Sweden?

Fuel prices in Sweden were 20% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, and electricity prices 17% higher, according to Statistics Sweden (SCB). In September alone, electricity rose 11.7% and fuel 13.3% on the month.

SCB says energy was the main reason for the rise in consumer prices over the year, and rents for rental apartments were also higher. The Government Offices of Sweden say the government proposed measures totalling SEK 17.3 billion in an extra amending budget to meet the effects of higher energy prices, after oil prices rose with the war in the Middle East.

Official sources: SCB: Consumer Price Index, September 2026 · Regeringen: Statens budget

What share of people in Sweden are at risk of poverty?

18.6% of people in Sweden were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2025, up from 17.5% in 2024, according to Eurostat. The share was 18.4% in 2023.

This EU measure counts people with income below 60% of the national median after social transfers, people who cannot afford several basic items, and people in households where adults work very little. Because it is relative to the median, it measures inequality at the bottom as much as hardship. The survey's income figures usually refer to the previous year.

Official sources: Eurostat: Persons at risk of poverty or social exclusion (ilc_peps01n)

How fast are prices rising in Sweden?

According to the IMF, consumer price inflation in Sweden was 0.7% in 2025. The peak was 8.5% in 2023 and the low -0.5% in 2009. Europe & Central Asia median: 3.7%; Sweden is 45th highest of 48. Worldwide: 141st of 165.

How much do households in Sweden spend per person?

$25,438: that is household consumption per person in Sweden for 2025, according to the World Bank. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at $25,498; its low point was 2005, at $20,608. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was $11,266, and Sweden placed 7th highest of 44. Of 124 countries with 2025 data, 9th highest.

What is the extreme poverty rate in Sweden?

The World Bank puts the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in Sweden at 0.8% in 2023. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.3% (2017) to 1.3% (2022). Europe & Central Asia median: 0.4%; Sweden is 10th highest of 34. World rank, highest first: 31st of 59.

What share of Sweden lives below the poverty line?

The World Bank puts the share of people below the national poverty line in Sweden at 16.1% in 2022. Its high point since 2007 was 2018, at 17.1%; its low point was 2007, at 13.5%. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 17.9%, and Sweden placed 12th highest of 22. Of 52 countries with 2022 data, 35th highest.

What is Sweden's Gini coefficient?

In 2023, the Gini index in Sweden was 29.3, according to the World Bank. The peak was 31.6 in 2022 and the low 26.4 in 2006. It is 23rd highest of 34 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 31.5. Of 59 countries with 2023 data, 46th highest.

How many people in Sweden face food insecurity?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2024, is 7.9%. No year since 2015 has been higher. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 7.6%, and Sweden placed 21st highest of 45. World rank, highest first: 105th of 135.