25 Jan Cons of living in Sweden.
While Sweden is often praised for its high standard of living, it’s crucial to address the disadvantages of living in Sweden too. These factors are essential in understanding the full scope of the pros and cons of living in Sweden, especially for those considering a move here. Keep in mind that these are my personal opinions, and what I perceive as downsides to living in Sweden may differ from the experiences of others. Nonetheless, it’s valuable to gain insight into both the pros and cons of residing in this Scandinavian nation.
Con #1
Long and dark winter months Living in Sweden during the winter months can be a difficult experience for many people. The long, dark days can be draining, leaving individuals feeling exhausted and low on energy. What is even more concerning is that the sun does not rise until late in the morning, making it impossible to get up early and make use of daylight hours. Moreover, temperatures are usually below freezing which makes outdoor activities uncomfortable or even dangerous at times. All these factors make living in Sweden during the long winter months one of its biggest cons.
Con #2
High taxes and cost of living Sweden’s high taxes and cost of living are one of the biggest drawbacks to living in the country. For example, its overall taxation level is significantly higher than the European Union average. An average income tax rate of around 30% is imposed on all employees. Additionally, Sweden’s costs for food, accommodation, and other daily expenses are quite expensive compared to other European countries.
Con #3
Challenges in integrating into the Swedish society Integrating into Swedish society is not an easy task. Despite the country’s commitment to creating a hospitable and welcoming environment
for immigrants, there are still significant challenges that newcomers face when attempting to integrate into Swedish society. The Swedish language can be one of the biggest obstacles, as many Swedes speak English but it is usually more difficult to communicate with locals in their native language.
Cultural differences such as more individualism and less emphasis on collective solutions can create a difficult learning curve for those who are used to different social norms. Overall, integrating into Swedish society requires patience and determination from those looking to make Sweden their new home. Want to learn Swedish? I recommend iTalki! I use this app to familiarize
myself with the language and boost my confidence in conversing with others.
Con #4
Work permit acquisition and renewal delays One of the notable cons in the overall pros and cons of living in Sweden, particularly for immigrants, is the often prolonged waiting periods for work permit applications and renewals. This issue, a significant factor in considering the pros and cons of living in Sweden, involves extensive delays that can last several months. During such times, individuals find themselves in a state of limbo. Leaving Sweden isn’t an option if their current permit has expired, and they must remain in the country awaiting a decision.
This uncertainty, coupled with restrictions on employment, can lead to various challenges, including financial difficulties for those without a regular income.
Con #5
Housing shortage Sweden is facing a housing shortage that has been steadily increasing over the years, making it difficult for people to find affordable and long- term housing contracts. In addition to rising rents, another major problem faced by many residents is the difficulty in finding a long-term contract in Sweden. Many landlords are now offering only short-term leases, which can be uncertain and difficult to plan around. This issue is especially challenging for families who may not have the flexibility or resources necessary to move frequently.
Con #6
Access to healthcare An important aspect to consider in the pros and cons of living in Sweden is the healthcare system. Be aware of potential challenges, such as scheduling medical appointments, which can be particularly difficult for non-registered individuals. Also, the relatively higher cost of dental care is a factor to keep in mind. The overall quality of the Swedish healthcare system, while generally high, is often marred by long waiting times, which can be a point of frustration. This is especially contentious considering the high taxes paid by residents.
The expectation of better and faster service without additional costs is a reasonable one, and this discrepancy highlights a critical issue in the pros and cons of living in Sweden.
Con #7
Job search obstacles for foreigners Acknowledge that finding a job in Sweden can be time-consuming and competitive, despite certain industries not requiring Swedish language proficiency. Racial discrimination, often an unseen barrier, can be one of the reasons not to move to Sweden.
Con #8
Government-controlled alcohol stores The government regulates alcohol in Sweden. You can only find drinks with more than 3.5% alcohol by volume in Systembolaget. All alcoholic drinks
that you see in grocery stores in Sweden are less than 3.5%.
Con #9
Adapting to laundry practices in Sweden Laundry facilities in Stockholm apartments are limited, requiring residents to book time slots in communal laundry rooms, which can be
challenging to secure, so it’s important to check for in-unit facilities or nearby laundry rooms before signing a contract.
Con #10
Reliability of commuter trains Consider the occasional reliability issues with the commuter train (pendeltåg), particularly with line 43, which is canceled for six weeks
every year. These cancellations can significantly affect residents’ travel to the city, extending the journey to up to an hour, and creating inconvenience and disruption to daily routines. Recognizing these challenges is vital in presenting a balanced view of the pros and cons of living in Sweden. Potential immigrants need to consider both sides before making a decision. If you want to explore the potential drawbacks and reasons why someone might choose not to move to Sweden, I’ve written a more detailed post on that topic. Check out my blog post on reasons not to move to Sweden for a deeper understanding of the considerations involved.