How to save money in Sweden. Is it even possible? It’s a common knowledge, I think, that living in Sweden is not cheap. According to data from Numbeo (February 7, 2018), “Cost of living in Sweden (rent is excluded), is 15.47% higher than in United States.” However, thanks to the Swedish way of life, there are some things that we can do to save money in Sweden. Here is a list based on my personal experience.

1. Save money in Sweden by shopping “home brand”

When you shop at Swedish supermarkets, you’d better check their home brand first for comparison, as their price could be much cheaper. Some of these home brands use the supermarket’s name like ICA. Others use totally different names because they have cooperate with certain suppliers, like Garant and Eldorado. You can usually recognize these products by their simple, plain packaging. They often use only one or two colors to keep prices low. The quality of these home brand products is generally okay especially when you need to save money for rainy days. Choosing home brands is an easy way to save money in Sweden especially on everyday groceries.

2. Pantamera: a simple way to save money

Don’t worry if you can’t find a definite translation for this phrase. It is actually a combination of two words: “panta” (recycle) and “mera” (more). It is used as a slogan to encourage people to recycle more. Pantamera itself is considered an essential activity in Sweden and is well-known among Swedes; they even made songs about it (you can see one of the videos here).

So, how exactly does this pantamera thing help you save some money?

Pantamera is a small but effective way to save money in Sweden while also helping the environment. It gives you an “immediate reward” when you buy coca cola, bottled water, cider, and any other products that aren’t the healthiest and heavily taxed to discourage the public from consuming them. These products have a recycling logo along with the amount of money they are worth, like 1 krona or 1.5 kronor, on their labels.

This works by returning the cans or bottles to the pantamera machines in the supermarkets and you will get money/coupon as a return. You can also donate the money you’ve collected from pantamera by choosing the “donate” option on the machine so it’s like saving the world and your money at the same time.

3. Buy second hand

Recycling is a lifestyle in Sweden. So, unlike in some parts of the world, there’s nothing shameful in buying used stuff in Sweden. In fact, it gives you more advantages, as the prices are obviously low while the quality can still be good. You can get pre-owned items in second hand shops (of course! 😀 ), buy and sell groups, Online Marketplaces and Loppis (garage sale). Some loppis are permanent and you usually find them at the flea markets in your city’s squares (torget) on the weekends.

4. Bike and Walk

Walking or biking is not only healthy but also a great way to save money in Sweden, especially on transportations costs. Whenever possible, take a walk or ride a bike in Sweden. It is healthier for your body and “healthier” for the environment and your pocket as well. With its well-developed network of cycle paths, biking in Sweden is a reasonable option. Getting a cheap bike is also easy especially when you live in a student city like Lund. So, instead of spending money on public transportation, you can invest your money in a bike or simply walk if your destination isn’t too far. As Steven Wright once said, “Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.”

5. B.Y.O

Bring your own: your own bag, your own bottle, and your own lunch.

By bringing your own bag when you shop, you will save on the cost of plastic or paper bags. Then, by bringing your own bottle, you don’t need to spend your money on bottled water as it is safe to refill it with tap water from the kitchen or at a refill station.

What about bringing your own lunch?

Well, the average price for lunch in Lund is 59-79 kronor per portion for a single menu and 89-119 kronor for a buffet, while the price for groceries, vegetables and fruits are way cheaper (a loaf of bread costs less than 25 kronor for example). Thus, making (then bringing) your own lunch is another way to save some money.

I agree, though, that these five things will not turn you into a millionaire. But after a few months, I can guarantee that you will see the difference. After all, a krona saved is a krona earned. Don’t you think so?

Further reading

• Work in Sweden guides
• Learn Swedish