The Swedish rental market in 2025 has been characterized by an interesting shift. Despite leaving the worst years of inflation behind us, we see a clear divide between the country's major metropolitan areas and the growing smaller cities. For those seeking housing where their budget stretches further, attention has increasingly turned to locations that combine quality of life with industrial progress.
Rental Situation 2025: The Figures You Need to Know
According to recent statistics from Statistics Sweden (SCB), the average rent increase for 2025 landed at 4.6%. This is a slight slowdown compared to 2024, but the differences between municipalities are striking.
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Smaller municipalities (< 75,000 inhabitants): Here, the average rent for a three-room apartment is approximately 8,131 SEK/month, which is significantly lower than the national average of 9,118 SEK.
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Cheapest options: In municipalities like Bjurholm, you can still rent a three-room apartment for just over 5,100 SEK, while the corresponding space in a commuter-friendly small town like Knivsta can cost almost double.
Regional Analysis: The Small Towns Leading the Development
1. The Industrial Boom in the North: Skellefteå & Piteå
The green industrial transition has made Skellefteå one of the country's most talked-about cities. Despite the expansion, rental levels in the older housing stock are still affordable, while new construction in areas like Skelleftehamn is setting a new standard. The neighboring town of Piteå is seeing a similar trend with increasing demand for central apartments.
2. Coastal Attractiveness: Varberg, Kalmar & Halmstad
Cities like Varberg and are consistently ranked highly for their quality of life. Varberg is undergoing massive urban development as the railway is being placed in a tunnel, freeing up land for new rental apartments near the sea. stands out as one of the cities with the lowest rent increases in 2025 (approximately 2%), making the city a winner for students and families with children.
