Västerås, Sweden

73

Västerås is an old trading and industrial city on Lake Mälaren, about an hour west of Stockholm by rail. Medieval lanes, waterfront promenades and leafy suburbs make it feel quietly urban, with Sweden’s energy giant ABB as its modern heartbeat.

Est. monthly cost €1,600 – €1,800
Overall score 73
Remote Workers Families Budget Expats Car Free Living

Livability scores

Advantages & drawbacks

Advantages

  • Quick rail link to Stockholm while keeping lower living costs
  • Safe, family-friendly environment with Swedish schools and healthcare
  • Green lakefront, good cycling paths and compact centre

Drawbacks

  • Limited nightlife and food scene compared with Stockholm
  • Job market skewed to Swedish-speaking industrial and technical roles
  • Winters are long, dark and cold by many expat standards

Monthly costs

  • Estimated monthly cost €1,600 – €1,800
  • Monthly transit pass €70

Sources

Figures on this page are compiled from the following references. Data is indicative and may change over time.