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Dreaming of seaside strolls, Viking history, and charming cobbled streets? Look no further than Helsingborg, a coastal gem resting between Copenhagen and Malmö. But before you pack your bags, understanding the cost of living in Helsingborg Sweden is crucial. This blog dives deep into the Scandinavian paradise’s 2024 expenses, from food to your student living quarters, so you can budget like a pro and savour every Swedish krona. So buckle up, and let’s go!
This Blog Includes:
Why Choose Helsingborg to Live and Study in 2024?
So what does Helsingborg have to offer to international students in terms of lifestyle and education? First off, the cost of living in Helsingborg Sweden is much more affordable compared to other Swedish cities. It is also home to 2 universities and several university colleges offering a wide range of high-quality academic programs in English and Swedish. Lund University‘s Faculty of Engineering (LTH), consistently ranked among the top engineering schools in Sweden, is located in Helsingborg.
Helsingborg is situated in southern Sweden, close to the Danish border and just a short ferry ride from Copenhagen. This makes it a great base for exploring Scandinavia and Europe. It is also surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with beaches, forests, and parks to explore, with a well-developed network of cycling and walking paths.
Also Read: Student Life in Sweden: Everything You Need to Know
Cost of Living in Helsingborg Sweden
The cost of living in Helsingborg Sweden for a single person is around SEK 19,432 per month. This overall cost covers various essential expenses for students like food, accommodation, entertainment, transportation, and utilities. Here’s a general breakdown:
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
| Accommodation | SEK 2,000 – 7,000 |
| Food | SEK 4,000 – 5,000 |
| Entertainment | SEK 500 – 1,000 |
| Utilities | SEK 200 – 800 |
| Transportation | SEK 400 – 500 |
Let’s go over these expenses in more detail.
Living Accommodation
There are several types of living accommodations available for international students in Helsingborg, such as student dorms at uni, shared and studio apartments. You can consider these options to reduce your cost of living in Helsingborg Sweden:
| Type of Accommodation | Monthly Rent |
| Student dorms | 2,500 – 4,000 SEK/month |
| Shared apartments | 3,000 – 6,000 SEK/month |
| Studio apartments | 5,000 – 7,000 SEK/month |
Food/Restaurants
This cost of living in Helsingborg comes to around SEK 4,000 – 5,000 per month, sometimes even higher. Given below is the list of groceries and their prices available
| Grocery Item | Price |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | 16.00 kr |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 24.50 kr |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 22.67 kr |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 33.00 kr |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 102.50 kr |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 126.33 kr |
| Apples (1kg) | 23.71 kr |
| Banana (1kg) | 25.00 kr |
| Oranges (1kg) | 28.33 kr |
| Tomato (1kg) | 39.00 kr |
| Potato (1kg) | 14.00 kr |
| Onion (1kg) | 12.50 kr |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 21.50 kr |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 16.80 kr |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 89.00 kr |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre bottle) | 14.00 kr |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | 15.75 kr |
Though usually expensive, here’s how much eating out costs in Helsingborg, Sweden:
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | SEK 111 |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | SEK 95 |
Entertainment
Here’s how much some modes of entertainment cost in Helsingborg for international students:
| Mode of Entertainment | Monthly Cost |
| Basic dinner out for 2 people in neighborhood pub | SEK 395 |
| 2 tickets to the movies | SEK 273 |
| Dinner for 2 at an Italian restaurant in the expat area (with appetisers, main course, wine and dessert) | SEK 768 |
| 1 Cocktail drink in downtown club | SEK 118 |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | SEK 41 |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml) | SEK 63 |
Utilities
While this cost of living in Helsingborg varies with a student’s lifestyle, here’s how much the basic utilities will cost you in general:
| Utility | Monthly Cost |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas, and so on) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | SEK 607 |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | SEK 726 |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | SEK 273 |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (Bosch, Panasonic, LG, sharp, or equivalent brands) | SEK 1,226 |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | SEK 304 |
Transportation
The cost of transportation in Helsingborg is approximately SEK 400-500 per month. There are several public and private transports available to international students for their daily commute, and here’s how much they cost:
| Mode of Transport | Cost |
| Monthly ticket public transport | SEK 884 |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | SEK 332 |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | SEK 16 |
| Bicycle (a popular choice in Helsingborg) | SEK 2,000 – 5,000 (one-time purchase) |
Average Tuition Fees in Helsingborg
Apart from the cost of living in Helsingborg, students also need to factor in their cost of studying in the city as well. The average tuition fees in Helsingborg varies with the university and course you choose. Some estimates for different course levels are as follows:
| Course Level | Average Tuition |
| Bachelor’s Degree | SEK 150,000 per year |
| Master’s Degree | SEK 200,000 per year |
Programs within the same level can have significantly different costs. For example, engineering programs at Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering in Helsingborg can be more expensive than humanities programs at Helsingborg University. So it’s advisable to check the specific university and program websites for accurate fee information.
Also Read: Study in Sweden for Indian Students
Things to Consider/Keep in Mind Before Moving to Helsingborg
- Depending on your nationality and program duration, you may need a student visa or residence permit. Start the application process well in advance to avoid delays.
- Be prepared to provide documentation like proof of financial support, acceptance into a program, and health insurance.
- Finding suitable accommodation can be competitive, especially during peak semesters. Start searching early and consider temporary options if needed.
- While generally lower than Stockholm or Gothenburg, Helsingborg still requires careful budgeting. Research average costs for different essential expenses ahead of time.
- Prepare financially for the anticipated costs and explore scholarship opportunities.
- Open a Swedish bank account. This will simplify financial transactions and receiving student loans or grants.
- While English is widely spoken, some basic Swedish knowledge will go a long way in integrating with the local community and navigating daily life.
- Be prepared for cultural adjustments, from social etiquette to dietary customs. Openness and curiosity will help you adapt and appreciate the Swedish way of life.
- Universities and student organizations often have resources and events to help you connect with fellow international students, building a support network and easing loneliness.
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FAQs
Ans: Helsingborg generally offers a more affordable cost of living compared to Stockholm. You can expect to spend roughly 20-30% less on accommodation, groceries, and transportation. For example, average monthly rent for a studio apartment can be around 5,000 SEK in Helsingborg compared to 8,000 SEK or more in Stockholm.
Ans: While Helsingborg is generally affordable, there are a few potential hidden costs to consider:
1. Seasonal variations: Costs, especially for accommodation and utilities, can increase during peak tourist season (summer).
2. Unexpected expenses: Healthcare costs, while subsidized in Sweden, may still have out-of-pocket expenses for certain services. Unexpected events like travel disruptions or needing repairs can also affect your budget.
Ans: Helsingborg offers plenty of opportunities to save! Here are some tips:
1. Take advantage of student discounts.
2. Cycling is a popular and affordable way to get around Helsingborg. Invest in a good bike or utilize the city’s bike-sharing program.
3. Eating out can be expensive. Take advantage of well-equipped kitchens in student dorms or shared apartments to prepare your own meals.
4. Helsingborg has beautiful parks, beaches, and historical sites to enjoy for free. Check out local events and festivals for budget-friendly entertainment options.
5. Don’t hesitate to compare prices at different grocery stores, restaurants, and shops before making purchases.
We hope that this blog provided you a complete overview of the cost of living in Helsingborg for international students in 2024. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu to get regular updates on student life abroad. Thank you for reading!
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