Sure, food prices have risen, mainly dairy products (about 30% in one year) and coffee (about 25%). Crops are failing and agricultural inputs, such as diesel and fertilizer, are more expensive due to world politics. But on average, Swedish food prices only increased by 4 % in the year to June 2025 .
High food prices are a myth, we have never eaten so cheaply as now. This also applies to foreign tourists, because Sweden has the lowest food prices in Scandinavia. To some extent also compared to Finland and Germany. Despite the fact that the Swedish krona has increased in value relative to the Euro and the dollar.
So don’t be fooled by the media that says Sweden is expensive to live and travel in. Especially now that political parties are reducing the food budget from 12 to 6%. Sweden’s cost of living is ranked 28th in an international ranking, the cheapest in Western Europe with the exception of Italy and Portugal.
The difference is even more noticeable for tourists who eat at a restaurant. Considerably more expensive in Norway and Denmark. And marginally more in Germany and Finland, but it depends a lot on which eatery you choose. Swedish lunch restaurants are reasonably priced during the day.
For permanent Swedes and long-term foreigners, it is possible to cut food costs by a penny or more. If you make the most of the shopping options in the right way. Tips are given here on how to shop smartly and at the same time healthily.
Food prices 2025
- Sweden: Food prices have increased sharply in the last two years, but are still lower than in the rest of the Nordic countries and are lower than in Denmark and Norway. In June 2025, the annual increase was around 4% according to Matpriskollen. Sweden has historically had relatively low food prices within the Nordic countries, although certain product groups stand out, such as butter and eggs. Info in English .
- Denmark: Food is on average 12–22% more expensive than in Sweden, depending on the product and region. Example: 12 eggs cost about 21% more than in Sweden and milk is about 34% more expensive. However, some goods, such as fresh vegetables, may be cheaper.
- Germany: Food prices in Germany are about 5% higher than in Sweden, but there are large variations between product types. For example, dairy products and bread are often cheaper in Germany, while fresh meat and some branded goods can be more expensive. Restaurant visits are on average only slightly more expensive than in Sweden.
- Norway: Food prices in Norway are by far the highest—about 34% more expensive than in Sweden even after the weakening of the Norwegian krone. For example, basic goods like cheese and chicken can cost more than double compared to Sweden. Therefore, so-called cross-border shopping is still very common among Norwegians looking for cheaper food in Sweden.
Food comparison (2025)
Explanations
- Exchange rates : The weak Norwegian krone has made it less profitable for Norwegians to shop abroad, but the price level remains significantly higher compared to Sweden.
- Taxation and VAT : Norway and Denmark have higher taxes and VAT on most foods, which directly affects the final price.
- Competition and market structure: The Swedish grocery retail sector is less concentrated than Norway and Denmark, which favors lower prices.
- Transport and imports: Norway imports a large part of its food and high transport costs drive up prices compared to Germany and Sweden.
Eat out
Restaurant prices vary greatly between Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Germany, with Norway and Denmark clearly being the most expensive for a restaurant visit, while Sweden and Finland are in the middle and Germany is the lowest.
Sweden: A normal lunch/dinner at a restaurant costs about 124–125 SEK . A night out with a starter, main course, dessert and drink costs about 387–388 SEK per person. Info in English .
- Denmark: Prices are 43% higher than in Sweden . The average price for a simple restaurant meal is about 233 SEK and a three-course dinner is typically around 554 SEK .
- Norway: Norway is the most expensive in the Nordic countries. Restaurant meals generally cost 40–60% more than in Sweden, often around 180–250 NOK (about 175–245 SEK) for a main course and over 600 SEK for the equivalent three-course meal in good restaurants.
- Finland: Prices are close to Swedish, usually between 110–145 SEK for a simple dish and around 350–400 SEK for a three-course meal, so slightly cheaper than Denmark and Norway but a little higher than Sweden.
- Germany: Budget restaurants in Germany are 7% more expensive than in Sweden, but the price level at classic restaurants is lower than in the Nordic countries – around 166 SEK for lunch and between 90–280 SEK for a three-course meal. Beer and drinks are significantly cheaper than in the Nordic countries.
Average price of a simple restaurant meal (2025)
| Country | Simple meal (SEK) | Three-course meal (SEK) |
|---|---|---|
| Sweden | 124–125 | 387–388 |
| Denmark | 233 | 554 |
| Norway | 175–245 | 600+ |
| Finland | 110–145 | 350–400 |
| Germany | 166 | 277 (average) |
Tips for eating cheaply at home
My wife and I checked our grocery shopping in the first half of 2025, an average of 1500 SEK/month from Willys Internetshop and about 1,000 for the local ICA store, that is 1250 SEK per person/month and that includes chemical/technical and Willys payment for picking and home delivery. Without skimping, two homemade meals per day.
The Swedish Consumer Agency gives the benchmark for a person’s food purchases as SEK 3,700 per month. Swedbank estimates that an average single household spends SEK 4,365 per month on food,
With online ordering and home delivery from Willys and other chain stores, you get a good idea of the price and nutritional value. Often root vegetables and grains. Bulk cooks promotional items and freezes.
Sweden is wonderful for those of us who want to live cheaply. Also for tourists.
/ By Ingemar Lindmark
