Digital nomads searching for accommodations in Stockholm, Oslo, and Copenhagen are experiencing severe sticker shock: Airbnb prices regularly hit €3,000-€6,000 per month for basic apartments.
A frustrated remote worker posted on r/digitalnomad asking whether alternative booking platforms exist for Nordic countries or if these astronomical prices reflect reality. Their search across Malmö, Stockholm, Oslo, Helsinki, and Odense revealed mostly apartments at €3,000 as a minimum, with many reaching €5,000-6,000.
"Who the F pays that?" they asked.
The uncomfortable answer: locals mostly don't. But international visitors often have no choice.
Scandinavian rental markets are notoriously difficult for foreigners. Many long-term rentals require local bank accounts, personal ID numbers, employment contracts, and references that short-term visitors can't provide. This pushes digital nomads toward platforms like Airbnb, where hosts charge premium prices for flexible, no-questions-asked arrangements.
Additionally, Nordic countries have extremely high standards of living and correspondingly high costs. A local one-bedroom apartment in Stockholm might rent for €1,000-1,500 - if you can access the queue-based rental system. Short-term furnished Airbnbs targeting foreigners charge 2-4x that amount.
For digital nomads, this creates a harsh reality: Scandinavia may simply be off-limits for budget-conscious remote workers. While Southeast Asia dominates nomad coverage with $500-800/month costs, Nordic countries operate in a completely different economic universe.
Are there alternatives?
Some nomads find better rates through: Blocket (Sweden's Craigslist equivalent) for local rentals. Facebook groups for expats and international students who sublet. HousingAnywhere or Housinganywhere targeting international students. House-sitting platforms like TrustedHousesitters for free accommodation.
The most realistic approach? Accept that Nordic countries are expensive and plan accordingly. Helsinki and Malmö tend to be slightly cheaper than Oslo and Copenhagen. Some nomads base themselves in nearby cheaper countries (like Estonia or Poland) and visit Scandinavia for short trips.
The lesson for digital nomads: not every destination fits every budget. Scandinavia offers incredible quality of life, safety, and infrastructure - but you pay for it. If €2,500-3,500/month for accommodation isn't in your budget, consider that Southern Europe, Eastern Europe, or Latin America offer better value while you build your remote income.
