Compare countries · Sweden vs United States
Sweden vs United States
Sweden(Europe)·
United States(North America)
Across 13 comparable indicators: Sweden leads on 7, United States on 4, 2 effectively tied. Which trade-offs matter is yours to weigh — the rows below show where each country wins, with sources.
Head to head
Cost of living index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Sweden
68.0
Worse than 88% of countries
United States
68.8
Worse than 90% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Sweden
22.6
Worse than 76% of countries
United States
40.7
Worse than 95% of countries
Sweden: 44% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
Sweden
1.57
Better than 84% of countries
United States
2.39
Worse than 79% of countries
Sweden: more peaceful (1.57 vs 2.39).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
Sweden
52.1
Worse than 58% of countries
United States
50.8
Worse than 63% of countries
Sweden: higher perceived safety (52.1 vs 50.8).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
Sweden
0.952
Better than 97% of countries
United States
0.927
Better than 90% of countries
Sweden: higher human development (0.952 vs 0.927).
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
Sweden
$72,529
Better than 89% of countries
United States
$90,027
Better than 95% of countries
United States: 24% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
Sweden
84.1 yrs
Better than 96% of countries
United States
78.9 yrs
Better than 75% of countries
Sweden: 5.2 years longer on average.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
Sweden
68.3
Better than 63% of countries
United States
67.0
Better than 59% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
Sweden
208 Mbps
Better than 79% of countries
United States
308 Mbps
Better than 96% of countries
United States: 48% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
Sweden
88/100
Better than 97% of countries
United States
63/100
Better than 64% of countries
Sweden: freer press (88 vs 63 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
Sweden
7.25
Better than 97% of countries
United States
6.82
Better than 85% of countries
Sweden: happier on the Cantril ladder (7.25 vs 6.82).
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
Sweden
609
Better than 88% of countries
United States
700
Better than 94% of countries
United States: stronger English proficiency (700 vs 609).
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
Sweden
65.0
Worse than 86% of countries
United States
75.8
Worse than 60% of countries
United States: more pleasant climate rating (75.8 vs 65.0).
Deciding between Sweden and United States for real?
Indexes can't weigh your budget, your timeline or your dealbreakers. The matcher asks, then answers with this same data.
Find your match →Full Sweden profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full United States profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.