Smart Commuting: 5 Best Places Outside Stockholm with Lowest Rent in 2026
Dreaming of living more spaciously and affordably, yet still having access to Stockholm's vibrant city life? You're not alone! Many are looking outside the city limits to find a more economical and pleasant lifestyle. This article is your guide to the five best commuter towns outside Stockholm in 2026, where you can combine low rents with a reasonable commute time. We have reviewed data and analyzed various factors to give you a clear picture of your options. Let us help you find your dream home without breaking the budget! We at Bofrid want to help you make the right decision.
Why Commute from Towns Outside Stockholm?
Commuting to Stockholm from nearby towns can be an attractive option for many. It's not just about lower housing costs, but also about getting more space and perhaps a quieter living environment. But what are the main advantages, and what should you consider before taking the plunge?
Lower Housing Costs and Larger Homes
One of the most obvious advantages is the significantly lower rent compared to the inner city of Stockholm. For the same money, you can often get a much larger home, perhaps even with your own garden. This is especially appealing to families or those who need more space for work or hobbies.
Improved Quality of Life and Quieter Environment
Many people who move from Stockholm to commuter towns experience an improvement in their quality of life. Less congestion, more greenery, and a calmer atmosphere can contribute to reduced stress and increased well-being. It's a chance to get closer to nature and enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle in Sweden.
Potential Challenges with Commuting
It is important to be aware that commuting can also present challenges. Longer travel times can affect your free time and energy. It is therefore important to carefully consider the travel time, the costs of transport and the availability of services and amenities in the chosen location.
How We Chose the 5 Best Commuter Towns
To find the best commuter towns outside Stockholm, we used a data-driven method. We analyzed a variety of factors, including average rent, travel time to Stockholm, access to public transport, and proximity to services and recreational activities. Our goal is to give you an objective and well-founded picture of the best options for living near Stockholm.
Data Sources and Analysis Methods
Our analysis is based on data from several sources, including SCB (Statistics Sweden), Hemnet (a Swedish real estate site), and SL (Stockholm Public Transport). We have used statistical methods to compare different locations and rank them based on our criteria. We have also taken into account future development plans and investments in infrastructure in Sweden.
Criteria for Defining a "Good" Commuter Town
A good commuter town is defined by a combination of factors. In addition to low rent and reasonable travel time, we have also valued access to good schools, healthcare, shopping and recreational activities. An important factor is also the feeling of safety and community in the town. We want to find places where you can thrive and build a good life, not just save money on housing in Sweden.
Top 5 Commuter Towns Outside Stockholm 2026
Here we present our top list of the five best commuter towns outside Stockholm for 2026. Each location is presented with a brief description, information on average rent and travel time, and a summary of advantages and disadvantages. Remember that this is an overview, and it is important that you do your own deeper research before making a decision about where to live near Stockholm.
1. Uppsala: Student City with Fast Train Connections
Uppsala is a popular commuter town with a wide range of culture, entertainment and education. Average rent is slightly higher than in other locations on the list, but the travel time to Stockholm is short, especially with the high-speed train. Uppsala offers a good balance between city life and proximity to nature in Sweden.
2. Västerås: Industrial History and Lake Mälaren Living
Västerås attracts with relatively low rents and a growing labor market. The travel time to Stockholm is slightly longer than from Uppsala, but there are good train and bus connections. Västerås has a rich cultural life and a beautiful promenade along Lake Mälaren, one of Sweden's largest lakes.
3. Eskilstuna: Affordable Housing and Scenic Surroundings
Eskilstuna offers the most affordable housing on our list. The travel time to Stockholm is longer, but the prices compensate for this. Eskilstuna is a city with a rich industrial history and beautiful parks and green areas. There is also a wide range of activities for children and families in this Swedish town.
4. Södertälje: Big City Proximity with Lower Prices
Södertälje is a city with a mixed population and an interesting history. Rents are lower than in Stockholm, and the travel time is relatively short, especially with the commuter train (pendeltåg). Södertälje has a good range of shopping and services, and it is close to both forest and sea in Sweden.
5. Nyköping: Charming Small Town with Airport
Nyköping is a charming small town with a beautiful harbor and a rich cultural life. Rents are relatively low, and there are good communications to Stockholm, both by train and bus. Nyköping also has its own airport, which can be an advantage for those who travel a lot in Sweden.
Things to Consider Before Moving: Checklist for Commuters
Before taking the plunge and moving to a commuter town, it is important that you do your research and plan carefully. Here is a checklist of important points to consider when moving outside of Stockholm:
Budget and Finances: Calculate All Costs
It is important to make a realistic budget that includes all costs, not just the rent. Include costs for transport, food, recreational activities and any increased costs for childcare or school in Sweden.
Transport and Travel Times: Choose the Right Commuting Option
Investigate which commuting options are available and choose the one that suits you best. Keep in mind that travel time may vary depending on the time of day and any delays. Try commuting during rush hour to get a realistic picture of what it will be like in Sweden.
Service and Amenities: What is Important to You?
Consider what services and amenities are important to you in your everyday life. Are there good schools, healthcare, shopping and recreational activities in the town? Is it easy to get to and from work and other important places in Sweden?
The Future for Commuter Towns Around Stockholm
The future for commuter towns around Stockholm looks bright. With rising housing prices in Stockholm and improved communications, it is becoming increasingly attractive to live outside the city. Many municipalities in Sweden are investing in developing their commuter towns with new housing, services and infrastructure.
Infrastructure Projects and Development Plans
There are several major infrastructure projects underway that will improve communications to and from Stockholm. These include new train connections, expanded subway and improved roads. These investments will make it even more attractive to live in a commuter town in Sweden.
How the Pandemic Has Affected the View of Commuting
The pandemic has changed the view of commuting for many. With increased telecommuting, the need to commute every day has decreased. At the same time, many have discovered the benefits of living more spaciously and closer to nature. This may lead to an increased demand for housing in commuter towns around Stockholm.
Common questions
Here we answer some frequently asked questions about commuting to Stockholm from nearby towns.
Which is the cheapest commuter town outside Stockholm?
According to our analysis, Eskilstuna is the cheapest commuter town outside Stockholm in 2026.
How long does it take to commute from Uppsala to Stockholm?
By high-speed train, it takes about 40 minutes to commute from Uppsala to Stockholm.
What are the advantages of living in Södertälje?
Södertälje offers lower housing costs than Stockholm, while being close to both city and nature in Sweden.
How does telecommuting affect the choice of commuter town?
With increased telecommuting, you can choose a commuter town that is further away, because you do not need to commute every day. This gives you the opportunity to live more affordably and spaciously in Sweden.
Where can I find more information about housing in commuter towns?
You can find more information about housing in commuter towns on websites such as Hemnet, Booli and local real estate agent sites in Sweden.
