🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad who has spent several months living and working in Stockholm, Sweden, I can confidently say that this city has a unique charm that draws remote workers in. With its stunning architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and high standard of living, Stockholm is an attractive destination for those looking to experience the best of Scandinavia. The city has a population of 1,515,017 people, with a mix of Swedish and English spoken languages, making it easy for digital nomads to communicate and navigate. Stockholm’s safety index is also impressive, with a score of 5373/100, making it one of the safest cities in the world.
One of the reasons Stockholm digital nomads love this city is its perfect blend of history, culture, and modernity. From the picturesque Old Town (Gamla Stan) to the trendy neighborhoods of Södermalm and Östermalm, there’s always something new to explore. The city is also surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with numerous lakes, forests, and archipelagos to discover. With a nature score of 65/100, Stockholm offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, and skiing. As a remote worker, you’ll appreciate the city’s excellent internet infrastructure, with an average speed of 46 Mbps, making it easy to stay connected and productive.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to finding the perfect neighborhood to live and work in Stockholm, there are several areas that stand out. Here are my top recommendations:
- Södermalm: This trendy neighborhood is a favorite among Stockholm digital nomads, with its vibrant atmosphere, eclectic shops, and stunning views of the city. Rent prices are relatively affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around 9,500 SEK ($1,100 USD) per month.
- Östermalm: This upscale neighborhood is known for its beautiful parks, high-end shopping, and excellent restaurants. It’s a bit pricier than Södermalm, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around 12,000 SEK ($1,400 USD) per month.
- Kungsholmen: This charming neighborhood is located on a small island in the city center and offers a more laid-back atmosphere. Rent prices are relatively affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around 8,000 SEK ($930 USD) per month.
- Vasastan: This neighborhood is a bit more off the beaten path, but it’s still within walking distance to the city center. It’s known for its beautiful architecture, quaint cafes, and affordable rent prices, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around 7,500 SEK ($870 USD) per month.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Stockholm can be high, but it’s still possible to find affordable options. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses for a digital nomad:
- Rent: A one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood can cost between 8,000-12,000 SEK ($930-$1,400 USD) per month.
- Food: Eating out can be expensive, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around 150-200 SEK ($17-$23 USD) per person. Groceries are also pricey, with a weekly shop costing around 500-700 SEK ($57-$80 USD).
- Transport: A monthly public transport pass costs around 890 SEK ($100 USD), while a single ticket costs 32 SEK ($3.70 USD).
- Coworking: A desk at a coworking space can cost between 2,000-4,000 SEK ($230-$460 USD) per month.
Internet & Coworking
Stockholm has an excellent internet infrastructure, with fast and reliable speeds throughout the city. Here are some popular coworking spaces and cafes with good internet:
- Impact Hub Stockholm: This coworking space is located in the heart of the city and offers a range of membership options, including a hot desk for 2,500 SEK ($290 USD) per month.
- WeWork Stockholm: This global coworking chain has several locations in Stockholm, with prices starting at around 3,000 SEK ($350 USD) per month.
- Bröd & Salt: This cozy cafe in Södermalm offers excellent coffee and pastries, as well as fast and reliable internet.
- Östermalms Saluhall: This historic food hall in Östermalm has been renovated into a trendy coworking space, with plenty of natural light and fast internet.
Stockholm has a thriving digital nomad community, with plenty of meetups and events to connect with like-minded individuals. Here are some popular groups and events:
- Stockholm Digital Nomads: This Facebook group has over 1,000 members and is a great place to connect with other remote workers and find out about upcoming events.
- Nomad List Stockholm: This group is part of the global Nomad List community and hosts regular meetups and events for digital nomads.
- Stockholm Startup Weekend: This annual event brings together entrepreneurs and remote workers to pitch ideas and work on projects.
Culture & Lifestyle
Stockholm has a unique cultural scene, with a blend of traditional Swedish customs and modern trends. Here are some insider tips:
- Fika: This Swedish tradition of taking a break to drink coffee and socialize is a must-try. Head to a traditional cafe like Vete-Katten or Bröd & Salt to experience it.
- Food: Swedish cuisine is all about local and seasonal ingredients, with popular dishes like meatballs, gravlax, and Janssons Frestelse. Be sure to try some traditional Swedish pastries like kanelbulle or cardamom cake.
- Dating: Stockholm is a great city for singles, with a vibrant nightlife and plenty of social events. Try the trendy bars and clubs in Södermalm or Östermalm, or join a dating app like Tinder or Bumble.
- Nightlife: Stockholm has a lively nightlife scene, with everything from rooftop bars to underground clubs. Some popular spots include Berns, Spy Bar, and Slakthuset.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a visa to stay in Sweden for an extended period. Here are the options:
- Tourist visa: This visa is valid for up to 90 days and can be obtained at the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Work visa: If you’re planning to work remotely in Sweden, you’ll need to apply for a work visa. This requires a job offer from a Swedish employer and can take several months to process.
- Digital nomad visa: Unfortunately, Sweden does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa. However, you may be able to apply for a residence permit for self-employment, which allows you to live and work in Sweden as a freelancer or entrepreneur.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips for living and working in Stockholm as a digital nomad:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a prepaid SIM card at most convenience stores or telecom shops. Prices start at around 100 SEK ($11 USD) per month.
- Transport: The public transport system in Stockholm is excellent, with buses, trains, and metro lines covering the entire city. You can purchase a monthly pass or individual tickets at most stations.
- Safety: Stockholm is a very safe city, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, as with any city, it’s always a good idea to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
- Weather: Stockholm has a temperate climate, with cold winters and mild summers. Be sure to pack warm clothing for the winter months (December to February), and enjoy the sunny days during the summer (June to August).