Which country has the better standard of living-USA or Sweden?

Question

I intend on persuing higher education in either the US or Sweden. So I just want to know which will be better for me.

Answer 1

Hej!
I am from Sweden. Sweden has a better standar of living than USA. I obtained my BA from USA and now I am back in Sweden.
In reality, Sweden is as good as USA and USA is as good as Sweden. It it all depends on what are you talking about .
- Everything is really expensive in Sweden, to give you an idea, 2 people buy groceries for one month for $ 1800-3000 SEK. (260-430 USD). Also, housing is really expensive. An avg. apartment will cost you around 3,000- 4000 SEK per month in a small city and as much as 6000-8000 SEK in a big city such as Stockholm or Göteborg.
- In terms of safety, Sweden is better than USA. Swedes are really pacific people
-In terms of weather, Sweden is colder. We have winter temperatures starting in late October and go through mid April. However, this winter was fairly warm
- In terms of education. It really depends which university you go to. Uppsala, Stockholm and Lund are the best universities and all of them have Master´s programs taught in English.
What I liked (and miss) about USA was all the accessibility and the cultural diversity. Life was so easy (and cheaper)!

I hope my answer helps

Heja Sverige!!!!
Gail M.

Answer 2

Both countries have an overall high standard of living, although the rich in the US are richer than the rich in Sweden, and the poor in the US are poorer than the poor in Sweden. In a Quality of Life Index 2006 (see source below) the US rated higher than Sweden in cost of living, economy, infrastructure and climate. Sweden rated higher than the US in leisure and culture, environment, freedom and health. So it's up to you what you prefer. However, if English is your first language, of course studying in the US will make it much easier for you (even if Swedes in general are pretty fluent in English). Sure, learning Swedish could make a nice niche for you. When it comes to prestigious universities, American and British universities rank higher overall - see for example http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14321230/ . Difficult for a small country like Sweden, with another language than English, to edge its way into the top lists. A plus for Sweden is that university tuition is almost always free here.

And hey, Patrick, if someone took $11 for a toothbrush when you were in Sweden, I'm afraid you were cheated! It should cost around $2, and much less each if you buy a packet. I think it was actually 11 Swedish crowns ($2), not dollars, that it cost.

Answer 3

I don't know anything about Swedish universities, nor do I know what field you intend to study. However, the Swedish standard of living (by any measure) far surpasses that of the U.S.


United Nations: Nordic Countries Best Place to Live in the World
The Nordic countries have the best standard of living in the world, as per the Human Development Report published by the United Nations

Best Standard of Living in the World

The Nordic countries are overall the best countries to live in the world, according to the Human Development Report which is published annually by the United Nations. Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland figure among the top countries on the UN index because of their high levels of education, democracy, income and public health.

The Human Development Report (HDR) is an annual independent study commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme and published into more than a dozen languages. The HDR measures the wealth of nations by the standard of living of their population and considers several indexes related to life expectancy, education, economy and environment.

Economists, philosophers and political leaders have long emphasised human wellbeing as the sole purpose of economic development. A successful community is not that which has one wealthy member and nine living in poverty, but that one where all members of the community have succeeded in achieving a high standard of living. The HDR measures whether the national income of a nation is creating an environment for its people to enjoy a life with good health services, political freedoms, security against crime, greater access to education and a satisfying leisure time.

Answer 4

I went to Sweden, when i got to the hotel I realized that I forgot my toothbrush. Went down to the market and purchased one for $11 US. This maybe some food for thought considering that most college students are flat broke.

Answer 5

Sweden from what I've heard. Except that it is really cold there in the winter and that is enough for me to live in the warm part of the US.

Answer 6

Go to Sweden.
It is a lovely country. You can easily visit the neighboring countries. They have a great public transportation system, or you can walk or bicycle .
The language and the people are beautiful.

Answer 7

For the girls I will go to Sweden, but do you know Swedish?
Go to Germany or Switzerland instead, then do a PHD in the US.

Answer 8

USA good for living education and for jobs also

Answer 9

in terms of standard of living, its Sweden. in terms of economic growth, its the US. its not always link, but better standard of living requires $$$. and a stronger econmic growth provide the revenue.

Answer 10

USA, all the way.