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Lulea, Sweden
Capital City

Follows Sweden Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$2,080
Retiree Score
75.0
Safety Index
78.5
Healthcare
7 facilities

At just under 50,000 residents, Luleå is a modest coastal city in northern Sweden. The steel industry and university drive the economy, but the long, snowy winters and bureaucratic headaches are tough realities. Luleå's northern location also makes it a hub for Europe's data traffic, with a Facebook data center that has earned the region the nickname "The Node Pole." While the city offers cultural attractions and sports teams, the unforgiving climate and administrative hassles mean Luleå is best suited for those seeking an affordable, technology-focused life in the far north.

Can I afford Lulea?

$

Lulea

You could save

920/mo

Savings Rate31%

Monthly Costs

Rent $980
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$1,100

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
31/100
Retiree Score
(i)
75/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
48/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Sweden Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
79
Safety
7
Healthcare
100
Walkability
35
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$3
Eggs (12) $5
Rice (1kg) *$2
Chicken (1kg) *$6

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$13
Meal (Mid-range) $131
Cappuccino $5
Water (0.33L) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $175
Mobile Plan (mo) $34
Gym (mo) *$50
Cinema Ticket $14

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $392
1BR Outside (mo) *$295
3BR Center (mo) $740
3BR Outside (mo) *$492

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Medium
Top Neighborhoods
Svartöstaden
Best For
tech professionals

Expat Life Notes

A major tech and industrial hub in the north. High standard of living and excellent English.

Pros

  • ✓ High income area
  • ✓ Nature access
  • ✓ Sustainable

Cons

  • ✗ Long winters
  • ✗ High cost of living

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
681 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Jun, Jul, Aug

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Lulea

Click any question to expand the answer.

Lulea has a population of approximately 49,646 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $2,450 per month in Lulea, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $980/month.

The nearest airport to Lulea is LLA, approximately 5km away.

Lulea is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 78.5. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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