Ostersund, located in the heart of Sweden, offers a unique blend of urban and natural environments. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for anyone considering moving here or planning a visit.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $14.51 on average, with a range between $10.88 and $18.14.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $45.35, with prices ranging from $36.28 to $54.42.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) - A domestic beer costs $5.44.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - An imported beer ranges from $4.53 to $8.62, averaging $6.58.
  • Cappuccino - A regular cappuccino costs between $2.27 and $2.72, averaging $2.49.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.26 and $1.36 per liter, averaging $1.31.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.55 and $2.72, with an average price of $2.63.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.72 to $3.32, averaging $3.02.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese costs between $11.43 and $13.15 per kg, averaging $12.29.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets are priced between $6.89 and $13.6 per kg, averaging $10.25.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.81 to $5.17 per kg, while oranges range from $2.27 to $4.08 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.81 and $4.53 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.6 to $1.81 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2.9.
  • Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport is priced at $68.02.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.64 and $1.89 per liter, averaging $1.75.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4.9, with a cost of $2 per km and $62.2 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1179.06.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $870.69.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $2358.12.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $2086.03.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $1813.94.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $1360.45.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $130 and $360, averaging $198.49.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $45 to $120, with an average cost of $67.02.
Worldwide
Sweden

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for Sweden are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Sweden, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 7 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$14.51
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$45.35
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.44
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.58
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.49
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.31
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.63
Eggs (regular) (12)
$3.02
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.29
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.27
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$9.25
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.58
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$6.89
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.25
Apples (1kg)
$3.17
Oranges (1kg)
$3.17
Potato (1kg)
$3.17
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.71
Rice (white), (1kg)
$4.29
Tomato (1kg)
$3.63
Banana (1kg)
$2.58
Onion (1kg)
$1.27
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$12.85
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$2.90
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$68.02
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.75
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.90
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$2.00
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$62.20
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,179.06
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$870.69
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$2,358.12
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$2,086.03
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$31.65
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$22.67
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$13.33
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$54.42
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$13.60
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$45.35
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$54.42
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$1,813.94
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$1,360.45
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,995.33
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
4.8%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$153.10
Ostersund (Östersund) Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Ostersund offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Swedish cities. Dining out is reasonably priced, and grocery costs are moderate.

Housing costs vary significantly between the city centre and the outskirts, offering options for different budgets.

Transportation is efficient, with affordable public transport options, though owning a car can be more costly due to fuel prices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ostersund provides a balanced cost of living with reasonable expenses across various categories. It is an attractive option for those seeking a blend of urban and natural living environments.

Potential residents should consider their housing preferences and transportation needs to optimize their budget effectively.