Honest Monthly Expenses Living in a Swedish Cabin in the Forest

[@KalleFlodin]

Curious about living like this yourself? Want to leave the norm and the typical 9 - 5? Let me - and the amazing True North Community - support you along the way: 📕Check out my Brand New eBook: www.kalleflodin.com/ebook/find-your-true-north This eBook is not only an eBook. It's an extensive toolbox, full of my very best tools, challenges and lifehacks, for you to discover and make your own!

[@gurkmeja2021]

Hejsan Kalle! Hoppas du & Christine har det finemang! Tänker ibland att t ex amerikaner och andra nationaliteter kan få en lite skev bild av Sverige (även de som kommenterar på Jintons videos). Undertecknad bor i Skåne och är betydligt äldre än dig. Är man inte frisk är det inte så bra att bo här.... Har "krigat" mot Försäkringskassan i flera ÅR, för s k sjukersättning, då min sjukdom gör att jag inte kan arbeta längre. Jag har MASSOR av intyg från specialister som förordar 100% sjukersättn (har dessutom betalat skatt i alla år). Avslag x upprepat - och dessvärre är jag verkligen inte ensam om det..... Min jurist blev så arg över hur jag och många av hans klienter behandlas av FK, att han gick ut till tidningarna för några år sedan. Oh well, tråkigt ämne, men jag ser ofta i kommentarsfältet att väldigt många ute i världen tror att Sverige är ett Paradis - och jag hoppas de inte kommer hit och känner sig 'lurade'. Jag rekommenderar att man är frisk som en nötkärna - livet ut, om man ska bo här!! Jag har vänner både i Turkiet, England, Polen och Nederländerna och de är helt chockade över att det kan gå till så här i Välfärdslandet Sverige.....

[@justarandomguy2705]

When you think about it, cost alone is not the deciding factor. Why? Because there are so many differences between all our countries, even within Europe. What about income tax? What about VAT and all the other things? If you are self-employed in Germany, for example, you have to pay at least €200 for statutory health insurance, which you have to take out regardless of your income. If you earn more than a certain amount, say 1050 €/m, you will be charged a percentage of your income, which is about 16%. Sure there are private health insurances but they are your ruin in old age and then you can't go back to the statutory one. Also, depending on what area you live in, rents are high. It is not fun to start up in Germany. There are way too many hidden and expensive obstacles to stumble over. That's just one example. There are now so many van-lifers, off-the-grid-lifers and other traveling people telling how high their cost of living is and the audience becomes very active about this info. They start discussing and wondering, but only a minority think about these other reasons for the costs mentioned. So it would be very interesting to hear about those as well and how much is over per month all around. Now, the last point is certainly too private, but you know what I mean. There are thousands of people who watch these videos and say, "Oh, wow, that's expensive," or "Wow, that's cheap," and they start to imagine how they could achieve something similar, because basically that's one of the main reasons why they watch such videos. Deep down, they want to change their lives and are looking for alternatives. So, not only for you, Kalle, but for all of you who are living an alternative life, I think you guys, especially because you have such a huge community, have a bit of a responsibility to enlighten what real life looks like. And by the way, I'm so glad and also a bit proud that you can draw on your amazing creativity and technical skills to do that. I wish you all the best and with a little envy I say keep up the good work! best regards

[@user-uc5xj2li9d]

Bro $2400 is to much spending, I working Over time every week Month, I get less than the money you spending,

[@Motivatedk9]

Your tax rate is extremely high correct? Government takes what? 60 percent? It feels like robbery to me.. 😂

[@cornishhh]

How do you manage to spend €400 per month on petrol? Even at €2 per litre that's a huge amount of driving, especially if you work from home.

[@juliej1375]

You live in the woods and choose to spand on high quality food, because its importance to you. Good for you. I also respect that you feed your dogs high quality ❤

[@southerntexashomestead5028]

Wow, that is a lot to spend for 2 people living in a cabin. I live 100% off grid with rain water, wood stove, composting toliet, growing a food garden, raising chickens and growing medicinal herbs & bees. I have one dog who eats what I eat which is organic food. I don't have electricity from the grid. I do have some solar. I spend about $200.°° a month on food, and about $30.°° on cell service. I'm very careful with trips in my vehicle so I spend $30.°° a month on gas. I have a bike and use it often for trips to town which is 5 miles one way. I cut my own wood and heat my home with it. My 5 acre homestead is my job. My land & home are paid for. I don't have bills to pay. Life is good when you learn how to live outside of the global system that enslaves you.

[@BDamen1984]

100% off grid yet active on KZbin. C'mon, mate.

[@johnsradios484]

@@BDamen1984 off grid not Stone Age!

[@BDamen1984]

@@johnsradios484 🤣

[@ericharold4074]

No bills to pay? What about property tax, home insurance, car insurance, medical insurance...

[@radhavasam]

Europe is very expensive! :)

[@juneturner7964]

I think spending money on good organic food is the smart way to go. If you don’t then in the long run you spend it on trying to get well on the other end.

[@kristianvonstrokirch9574]

Almost 11k SEK on food for 2 people.. wow! you could easily half that and dog food and still eat great! chocked on you expenses (as a swede and living in stockholm with house loans and so on)

[@MousyLeigh]

I love to see how other people live

[@netza6705]

Even as a Swede I am really shocked by that high budget. :O I pay half of your gas budget and I drive to work every day (35km one way)! We pay just a liiittle bit more for our firewood every year and have a LOT bigger house (with hardly any insulation), and we only heat with firewood. That food budget also sounds like a lot for only two people even with all organic stuff. So for anyone that is curious, it usually doesn't cost that much living in Sweden...

[@jfilm7466]

Jag förstår inte alls hans utgifter.

[@rose-marielundholm3597]

I mean, usually not at all but right now we're kinda in an energycricis brought on by the Ukraine-Russia war, so gas, food, electricity, house mortages are very expensive right now.

[@netza6705]

@@rose-marielundholm3597 Well, so am I. 🤷‍♀️

[@Willsvrtv]

lets go that means a good ol german can buy a house aswell in sweden somewhere in the woods to have his own happy place with fiber damnit this is paradies for real!

[@stefanl5939]

Snubben är ju mytoman. Vilken jävla pajas.

[@ragefault]

That food budget is insane. In swedish prices it's the equivalent of eating over 4 kg of avocados per day for the entire month.

[@LeutnantJoker]

The food budget is absolutely ridiculous. I never payed that much in my entire life and I haven't lived in a cheap country either. I could eat for 6 months from that easily.

[@leej-wp9ft]

its probably food + wine

[@Roineoberg]

Waaaaay more then I expected! But you explain why in a good way, and as long as you can afford it, there is nothing bad in spending money on things that makes life easier for you. Great video as always Kalle, keep it up 🙂

[@KalleFlodin]

In my first year here, my budget was around $400 a month, so you can live way cheaper if you really want or need to. Happy you liked the video 😊❤

[@Roineoberg]

@@KalleFlodin Yeah. I think I’m on half your budget on a family of four 😅 But I have done my share of grinding to afford my farm without bank allowance. Also I drive an older car. I want to own everything, and if I can’t afford it, I save up for it. My end game is to work as little as possible, and are currently only working about 50%. The rest of the time I just do stuff on the farm. I actually have plans to start up my KZbin channel, and you and you channel have a big part in me taking that decision 🙂

[@Ankesadventures]

@@Roineoberg your life sounds like something I’d like to watch on KZbin! :)

[@DNA350ppm]

@@KalleFlodin You have not chosen your high quality-life to live it in the most cheap way. You have not promised "cheap"! I'm glad you think about what you eat! It is way cheaper to live in a small town in southern Sweden (south of Stockholm and Gothenburg), a municipality where renting a home is not so expensive, and where there is an array of supermarkets and busses and trains for commuting, and bicycle distance to all that you need. And a few charity thrift or secondhand shops for non-edibles. In Sweden any old car tends to be 300-400 dollars a month in expences! And you cannot hunt and fish enough food to live on, not even in the north. Reindeers are not wildlife, but like cattle, they are owned by somebody, in addition. And perhaps you want to be vegetarian - that's easier and cheaper in the south. Add fair trade and organic and local and freedom from the rat-race and a place that is not crowded and beautiful and clean - it is not doable in combination with cheap and healthy. You have done it excellently, Christine and Kalle and the furry "kids"! Inspirational and hope-giving! Keep it up! You have a lot to teach "newbies"!

[@annemariemoormann996]

Living in paradise is bound to cost you! Everything is so well arranged in your country, for everyone. The moment I find a way to earn that much money living out in the woods is the moment I’m coming up north! No forest fires, no poisonous spiders, no airpollution, no extreme heat, just solidarity, love for nature, innovative technology and modest, friendly people. I’m to old to move to a different country, but I will anyway. I’m saving up for your book. Thanks for your candour!

[@ShikokuFoodForest]

Where do you live now? In Sweden?

[@annemariemoormann996]

@@ShikokuFoodForest I wish :) no, in the Netherlands

[@gloomyJulia]

@@annemariemoormann996 you have poisonous spiders in Netherlands??

[@annemariemoormann996]

@@gloomyJulia One species has recently been spotted. Climate change. It even attacks! It’s called the ‘valse wolfsspin’.

[@paulinebrus7580]

@@gloomyJulia no we do not ;) haha

[@brigitteshantieaglemeare4350]

A lot more than expected! Especially food and gas seems incredibly high.

[@zachflynn6195]

My wife and I prioritize the best food that we can get as well, and we usually spend about $800-$1000/month as well. We only buy organic, and as locally as we can for as much of the year as we can. We also do it as frugally as possible. We do also grow quite a bit of our food. I just wanted to tell you that what you spend on groceries is not that crazy when you really care about what you put in your body. The most surprising thing to me that you shared was the cost of vehicle fuel! But I can imagine that living pretty far from grocery stores and such, and also the higher costs in Europe for fuel, would get it up there. Thanks for sharing. I love to hear about how other people spend their money.

[@thewildmitchell]

Truth be told, your monthly bill is smaller than what I'd thought. It's about the same as it would be for me to move out of my mum's into a small city apartment but I would prefer your home 10 times over. Your fuel bill was the biggest surprise! This is actually really inspiring and I know we all appreciate the openness especially when so many of us subscribed to you are planning to make a similar transition. :)

[@Ankesadventures]

Yes, fuel also surprised me! But I don’t own a car so maybe that’s normal :D

[@Zingoo7]

The fuel prices are high in sweden. 7,07 dollars / gallon of gas here. Diesel is about 9,10 dollars / gallon. (1 gallon~3,78Liters) atleast he is in the north where the electricity is cheaper atm. Although his food bill seemed a bit high, like we are 2 adults, a child and 3 cats and have way less than that but also organic/ecological food costs way more too so.

[@billrisdon1]

It has been a pleasure and a reward to watch you "grow" over the past few years. While your life is unquestionably challenging and physical, it appears to have brought you, for the most part, great peace. I have just purchased your e-book and I look forward to learning much from you. Thank you.

[@MosslandCottage]

Healthy and good quality food is definitely important! Thank you for being so honest!!!

[@LoraStaneva]

Amazing video, Kalle! It was very helpful to see the monthly expenses breakdown! 👏 Suggestion for future video: breakdown on what it costs to run a business, be self-employed (fees on registration, taxes, finances on tech equipment, sftwares and so on) 🤓

[@LoraStaneva]

Btw I also though the expenses would be less. When I think of it, I am not sure what you can cut down from the list but also some things were not included like subscription services and any type of cosmetics (like detergent, soap, lotions, shampoo, etc). Ofc ppl need to have in mind that more money are added to the budget for house and car damages.

[@yvonne6629]

Good idea. Especially if we wanna do like him and Kristina

[@KalleFlodin]

I would love to do a video like that! 😊

[@yvonne6629]

@@KalleFlodin yeahh do it will be so interesting 🥰

[@Ankesadventures]

Yes! Also interesting for me

[@Lazzoboy]

Way more that I expected, but if you love what your are doing and can afford it, what else matters. Great video and well explained.

[@riccardobovetti4141]

Optic fiber in the middle of nowhere is my little dream.. I'm a developer and I would go to live far from the city life, but in Italy there isn't an infrastructure like your optic fiber..so...you are so lucky man! I love your videos keep it up!

[@andersnielsen6044]

It is way more than I would ever pay.. :D I have a farm here in Denmark, we are 2 parents and 2 teen-daughters and our budget is $3750 each month.. That includes cars, mortgages etc on a farm with a value of more than 1 mio euro.. ;)

[@MountainMariner]

I’ve lived solo, remote Alaska for nearly 9 years now. Pricing and budget will be different for everyone to live a similar lifestyle but it was interesting to hear what you spend. In a nut shell living this way is incredible and serene, quite inexpensive if done right. It’s not a life for the lazy or unmotivated though, no matter how much money you have…or don’t have.

[@casus4781]

Would Alaska be generally cheaper or more expensive than Sweden for such a way of live?

[@MountainMariner]

@@casus4781 I’m guessing less expensive from Kalle’s rundown of his expenses. Food is pricey here and the amenities are fewer but living off the road system, remotely is not too expensive. You will work hard though. And you must like the cold.

[@casus4781]

@@MountainMariner Thank you. I love Alaska and Canada but in the end I never considered them because I do not want to deal with immigration / residency stuff. I am an EU citizen and Sweden, Norway or Finland are much easier to move to.

[@DNA350ppm]

@@casus4781 Do come!

[@DNA350ppm]

Ronn! I hope you have the possibility to try two holiday weeks in January, and two holiday weeks in July, with b&b near the polarcircle in Finland, Norway or Sweden. These are the two tuffest seasons, in January because it is cold and dark as in a coal mine, and in summer because of the mosquitoes and notts (mosquitoes stitch and notts are smaller but bite a little bit of the skin off). You can learn to live with both nuisances. I think noise from traffic, and all kinds of city-life, is way worse, but do try it out, if you haven't yet.

[@ionawoodart]

It is a little more than I expected. Especially the food. But not bad! I know food is expensive in Scandinavia; we are in Finland, and it's very similar to Sweden, but 1000€ is very much more. I do understand it if everything you buy is organic. We do also buy organic, but unfortunately we don't have the option of buying all of our food organic. All the other expenses are also pretty similar to our new country lifestyle in Finland. Car, insurance etc. Thank you for sharing! It's a great honest look into your lifestyle! Much appreciated!

[@Ankesadventures]

Thank you for taking the time to put this down so clearly! I appreciate it!

[@TheSimpleGypsy]

This is great info, Kalle. Thank you for your transparency. 🌻🌷

[@purrsephone2904]

Thanks, Kalle. I hope you will always have what you need. 🌸

[@aickoyvesschumann3400]

I am not surprised, but I am also realistic about what expenses you can not reduce, no matter where you live. Still, I think it is absolutely worth it. I cycled 2 months through Sweden and Norway living in a tent a few years ago, and we spent around $1000 per month for 2 just for food and the occasional ferry / entrance fee, cooking on a camping stove and having no heat or dog food or internet or car or ... Still the best trips I had in my life.

[@karenhillblom7131]

Monthly bills in California, USA is $2,900 per month. Food for one is around $600 per month but I too buy organic.

[@ibislife]

Hei Kalle, I live in the woods in Norway, just an hour west of Oslo, we have a bad internet connection, via radio signals. Where is almost no 4G either, you can get 5G just a km from my property. I am waiting for Starlink which will open here next spring. 😊 Your cabin is so cozy. Electricity here in Norway is sky rocketing. Fortunately I signed a set price deal last August, for 3 years, so my bill is not bad at all. I do have running water, from a drilled well, I was not allowed to build here without water an sewage, so I have a private sewage system as well. No public sewage, water or fiber in my area. Thank you for sharing 👍

[@emilg]

Honestly I thought it'll be less but then again I didn't even think about things like firewood and all the other things people in the city don't have to pay. Thanks for the breakdown!

[@X99Zero]

those dogs better be making you coffee and sweeping the floors

[@lifecyclesartanddesign2696]

Wow, food budget is high! Definitely recommend growing a garden for the summer season to save some $$ and have fresh veg close by :)

[@yvonne6629]

They cant they work to much I think

[@LILY-os1vo]

It is too cold in winter there as well

[@DNA350ppm]

If you love pottering in a garden, that can be very nice for simple living where winters are short and mild, but it in the Scandinavian countries it is way cheaper to buy organic food when in season and learn how to keep a nice storage at home. The growing season in northern Sweden starts from snow melt, plus a few weeks, and goes on to the first frost, minus a few weeks, so very few vegetables thrive without huge work. Green kale, which can endure some snow, is cheap anyway. And forget about fresh hone-grown tomatoes! Also better and cosier to learn to forage a little in the wild, for free. Nettles are good for many purposes. But I for one don't like the bitter dandelions. Best veggies to grow at home are sprouts, as the legumes and seeds in bulk are cheap even when organic. Not a very good alternative, though, if potable water is scarce.

[@yvonne6629]

@@DNA350ppm same in Canada you're so writgh 😅

[@DNA350ppm]

@@yvonne6629 If a garden-lover, do try some Honeyberries aka Blåbärstry - they have to be Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica, to be edible. You need two name-sorts that flower simultaneously May/June/or July. Hardy, modest in needs, and we got two cups already the year after planting!

[@leandrarohner4494]

To be honest from a person that lives in Zurich, one of the most expensive cities in the world, I was still surprised at how much you spend. Especially car, dog food and your own food. I personally don’t own a car, instead I have a abonnement that lets me drive public transport around whole Switzerland without having to pay for it except once a year. Normally that would cost 4500 a year, for people under 25, 2600 but since my father already has this abonnement, I only pay 900 and my company pays me 60 every month for transport, which leaves me with 180 swiss francs a year (same as €) for being able to drive trains, busses and ships around the whole country (yes I‘m super lucky) So 650€ per month for transport is INSANE for me. Also I spend 200€ for food (mostly vegetarian and a lot from something called „to good to go“ and I used to have an old cat that didn’t eat a lot, so yes big difference here. On the other hand prices for houses are way higher here, 4000€ per month is normal here for a 4room apartment.

[@Diego_Leon]

Very nice video Kalle, very interesting thank you for sharing it, have a nice day you and your wife , grettings

[@SFlaidlaw101]

I am amazed at the difference between costs in different countries. Where I live, in Canada, the cheapest home you can get is $150,000 on not even an acre. I was definitely surprised at how much it costs you to live your lifestyle. But we all are VERY grateful that you create videos sharing the lifestyle and the affordability factor. How honest you are is greatly appreciated and it's interesting how different the costs are between different areas. 😃

[@cedriceddy205]

In british Columbia is over 1 million for a basic house

[@PhilippeOrlando]

I'm in the US, and frankly thinking about going back to France, North America is a scam. It's a good place to get training, to study, then once you're done, if you're not capable of making 200K, just get out of here.

[@sarah.sojourns6861]

ya I'm from BC and recently moved to Sweden. In Canada the average house cost $800,000... you can buy a home here that's in a nice condition for $75,000. It's mind blowing! In contrast, the average house cost in Sweden is $350,000CAD and you can get some very beautiful houses for that price.

[@yvonne6629]

Depends even where in canada, I was told not to buy at that price i. QUEBEC, its usually come with trouble, so it has to be arou d 350 000$ cheapest, but its going down slowly, hear in Alberta its good and not expensive as much, plus we pay more taxes here to :( but I have faith

[@ShikokuFoodForest]

I challenge you to find a home in Canada for $150K. Certainly not for a single-detached home. Impossible! Even in the Maritimes. I’ve been looking all over the country for about 2 years now.

[@jakobstengard3672]

I think a normal food budget for 2 people in sweden these days are about half of what Kalle is paying. And that is historically high considering inflation is 9% right now. But yeah, that means also, you need to be willing to eat cheap pork or the Irish beef from Willys.

[@tomasviane3844]

Everybody his own life-style, but let me tell you that it's possible to live waaay cheaper than this. Thanks for being so honest!!!!

[@DNA350ppm]

If you move to a middle-big town with apartments in "Miljonprogrammet" in Sweden you can, and some must, live way cheaper in Sweden. That is so true. Add quality food and a dependable car, that hurts! And in Italy you can get a place to live for one euro. And why not try rural Bulgaria, etc. But then in any arrangement come the other costs. Here in Sweden "distances" cost a lot. There is a reason for people to have left rural Norrland (the northern half of Sweden). First the young women left, then the minor industry and difficult agriculture were forsaken. Beautiful huge "mansions" in timber, falun-red and white; now empty and in need of repair. Norrland has meant cold and dark and hard labour.

[@rogerbernard9572]

Your budget is more than I expected, but good food is also a top priority for me. I’m 71-years old and not on any prescription drugs. Food is my medicine. And I am in great health. Really enjoy your videos. You are a lovely couple … you make me yearn but also reflect lovingly on my earlier years. 🤓❤️🌹

[@asimplelivingjournal]

Really enjoyed this. Must admit I thought your expenses would be less, so it was interesting to learn more about that. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@Riverside_Homestead_Off_Grid]

When you cut the food bill, it's a cheap living in Europe. I pay the same to live in a rural area in Portugal. I pay 500 for mortgage but I grow alot of my vegetables myself and we have solar, that's were I pay less.

[@TinyMaths]

The interior of your log cabin is gorgeous. It's the kind of thing you see on those Ambient ASMR KZbin videos, animations of cabins or houses with all wooden interiors, enveloped in peaceful sounds from the surrounding nature. Except that yours is the real deal.

[@Pudding_Pie]

Nice to see that 2 random dogs in Sweden have more money spent on their food than i do

[@silviustanca]

Exactly, I live in Romania and for two people we spend the same amount

[@21earlthepearl]

This was really fun to watch. I'm an accountant and anything related to budgets or personal finance is always interesting to me! I was not at all surprised by your food budget. My household with 2 adults and 1 small child budgets a minimum of $1200 per month for groceries and we only buy about half of our food organic. I was surprised by how little your mortgage payment is though! Housing makes up about half of my family's budget. Thanks for the interesting video!

[@dianamegvelia7689]

I live in Georgia (country) similar lifestyle and my monthly cost is around 700$ and it covers everything ! its so strange . Great video Kalle

[@rosegarcia5069]

Wow that is expensive but, jt

[@chrisgolda]

Georgia is nice, lived in Batumi and tbilisi in the Last years

[@christiankelley4145]

I appreciate this video! Your home looks wonderful

[@KalleFlodin]

Thank you Christian 😊

[@fern.and.forest]

That was so interesting to watch! The amount was much more than I expected, and never would I have thought that you guys are paying more for electricity than we do in Germany. Thanks for honestly sharing this with us! 🌲💚

[@jasminkln]

Germany has one of the highest prices for electricity and water. It's insane if compared to the north. I lived in Finland for a year and was shocked that they pay 4-10 times less than we do in Germany 🥲

[@beorlingo]

I can't understand how he pays that much. I live in sthlm and I pay $30 for electricity.

[@hape9179]

@@beorlingo He states that he uses a heat pump. I assume that he uses that for hot water and heating whenever the fire does not heat up the last corner of the cabin.

[@beorlingo]

@@hape9179ok, thanks. I figured he had some sort of device that devours electricity.

[@maltepettersson3083]

electricity prices right now in sweden are way up, there are warnings coming out to the swedish people that the grid owners may turn off the electricity in winter when demands peak because of not enough electricity

[@Cindy000]

Kudos to you on taking a leap of faith and doing what you love and dreamed of! 🙂

[@Budgetmeright]

So different compared to my country, Greece.. so interesting to see different cultures and countries. Thanks for your transparency

[@hungryclub1]

What is it like in Greece?

[@marcello4933]

use an old tire to cut all wood or a chain saving to pick it up and fly all directions. tie chain around the log

[@rachelmelissa3637]

Thank you for this excellent and candid video. I was not surprised by your food budget given the quality you prioritize, with which I totally agree. I am the most jealous of the health care system you enjoy in Sweden. Health insurance in the US is astronomical, and it doesn’t even come close to covering all medical expenses. Employer-provided health insurance helps but it shackles people in this country to their full-time jobs, and many jobs do not offer this benefit anyway. I hold out hope that someday the US will provide health care for all its citizens, but sadly that is a distant dream!

[@Melanie-lb4od]

My goodness, I would have never ever thought that living in your place is so expensive😳😳😳 I am a bit shocked😅 Thank you very much for being so open about your expenses and sharing those informations🤗🥰

[@Astronautin]

Just wanna say that you spend more money on dog food than I'm able to spend for myself 😂😂😂😭. Thanks for the insight! Love your content :)

[@menjavlafitta]

Heheheh i love your osthyvel as stekspade, (at 12:27), my man. Looks very cozy. You're living my dream life! :D Thanks for sharing Kalle!

[@tracylf5409]

The food costs were def shocking to me. I live in "rip-off world" Australia and even I don't spend that much and I'm feeding myself + two adult children (and their friends, off & on each week)! However, I shop differently than most: I go in to buy only mark-downs and I form our menu's around those. Example/mark-down prices: 500gms chicken livers (made pate)- $1AUD, 500gms beef cheeks, $1.57, 5 large broccoli heads for $4, fresh herbs 10 cents, 2 ltr whole milk 38 cents, etc. I can drive to all local shops within 5kms of each other and pick up deals. Last shop, I had 5, large FULL bags and the total was $41. Each time, I wonder why these are still there and not already purchased. I love your cabin though. There are always trade-offs. I lived in the far north US for 15 years. I now live in Western AU and love it near the beach. I grow a lot of veg in the back garden, year-round, AND no more SHOVELING SNOW!!!! ;)

[@gabrielxispa7807]

I live in Portugal similar lifestyle and my monthly cost is around 600 eur , my home 80m2 and ground in smal village pay 200 eur , energy and water 55 eur , tv+internet 35 eur , gas 100 eur , food and other expenses 210 eur .

[@Riverside_Homestead_Off_Grid]

It's much less than I expected because owning a house, even if it's a cabin in the woods, is usually expensive. Only 200 for the mortgage is very affordable. I thought this would be the most expensive monthly payment, but I never thought it would be food. Lol

[@John-Is-My-Name]

Yeah food is really expensive in sweden, very high quality tho. I would say 600 dollars is a more reasonable and normal price for food for two people in sweden.

[@Riverside_Homestead_Off_Grid]

600 a month sounds normal. I grow a lot of my own food and spend maybe 400 a month on everything we need, including dog food, soaps, and other necessities.

[@scottysscandinavia5793]

@@John-Is-My-Name "very high quality tho" 🤣🤣🤣

[@dakuran3378]

This is precisely what I've been searching for, particularly regarding Sweden. I've been interested in relocating to a small cabin in Sweden, but I wasn't sure where to find information on this specific topic. Thank you a lot, Kalle Flodin, or as we say, ''Tack så mycket för denna informationen!''

[@thepursuitofecstasy1546]

That's almost exactly what it costs to live in a tiny studio apartment where I am, in a US city. I am so glad there are other options in the rest of the world, and I hope to get there one day.

[@DjD5]

I really admire you two…blessings.✌🏼

[@envt]

I don't know anyone who spends 1000 a month on food without going to restaurants. amazing! Great video!

[@karenhutchison12]

Loved this video, me and my husband also prioritise food, we grow as much as we can but still spend around £750-£800 per month. I live on the Isle of Skye,Scotland

[@fyren-xu6ot]

Very interesting! Tack så mycket! I guess swedish supermarkets - especially those far away from the areas with way more infrastructure - of course are more expensive so that will automatically increase your spendings on food. It's definitely much, but so nice that you value good food so much. And what might first seem like higher spendings; those numbers are shared by two people + two dogs, so it actually divides down to a very humble number!

[@criswinter4680]

Man for someone is broke your living a luxury that's way too expensive for monthly cost! Respect though you got a beautiful place.

[@samuelc6246]

I live in a cabin in my own little forest in Belgium, no running water or gas, but I have a water well, collect rain water from the roof, and I have electricity and internet obviously. Much closer to the city, as Belgium (definitely Flanders) is mostly urban jungle, some rural area, and almost no forest left (yet they keep cutting it down for profit, power, and "progress"). I do have access to discarded food, and can together with my pack of rescue dogs, live an entirely vegan lifestyle, mostly for free. I cannot harm a tree, so I only burn dead wood I collect throughout the year when it is dry, and then saw it by hand and let it dry further in the heat of the stove while it's burning the previously dried wood. I use as little electricity as I can, just to charge my laptop, cell phone my mother and ex-partner got me to stay in touch, and my nintendo switch because I do like to play a videogame. And to cook every day for the dogs. Occasionally, because the days in winter are really short, for a couple of hours extra light. I've bought a second home in the mountains in Spain, completely off grid, and if all goes well, I hope to go there when spring returns, with my old camper, and start a fruit forest so that in the future, I can just live there harmlessly and sober, eat fruit, walk and run and travel with the dogs, and be left in peace, especially by the state and it's corrupt slave systems (even after I ended my physical slavery to it). Without going into specifics, I thinks that, my small loan from the bank included that I needed to buy this forest back in the day but I'm almost done with that, we four (3 big dogs and me) live of an average of 400€ a month. Before I rescued those dogs, when I was considered "successful" with a "job", appartment, luxury, lots of friends, and an eternal void, conflict, and depression inside, I could barely save any money with an income of just below 2000€/month, producing and consuming every day (night, as I worked mostly night shifts). Now I'm "poor" and "invalid", I never felt richer or valued mine or any life higher.

[@alysssabeth22]

So, I just discovered your channel with this video and I had to paused at fiber optics. As someone in the US, I spend more than double what you do. I know many people who live about 16km away who can't get any service. I'm in a more rural town but close to a large city... And, goodness, my Mbps top at 400 on a good day... Wow. I'm so impressed.

[@DNA350ppm]

A simple living is not about other people's rules! Well done for a family of four!

[@TechnikMeister2]

Hi Kalle, Here in Australia I live in a very quiet part of the coast in a large two bedroom place 100m from a long deserted beach. I am 350 kms from Sydney and the closest town is 20kms away. I get a state Pension which everyone can get and its means tested. Its about A$31,000k pa. These are my monthly expenses by comparison: Electricity $90 Internet. $70 Car $80 Petrol. $50 (Govt pays the first $200 each year) Rent. $1100 (After $70pm rent assistance from govt.) Road fee. - ((Free) Petfood $25. (One cat) Clothing. - Health Ins. - Free, Everything, including dental. Garbage. - (Free) Firewood. - (never gets below 10C in winter) Food. $350. (Just one person.) Total. $1740pm. or $20880pa. Interesting comparison.

[@InsideMen-n5q]

Most people don't know whats available around the world, some of the most unlikely places are the cheapest.Having lived all over the world over the past forty years. I currently live in a 3bd brand new house with a pool in Cancun, Mexico and our families monthly living expenses is USD$600 per month. for everything you stated in your list.(No mortgage)

[@stilianifakidaraki3724]

wooooahh! ok i`m moving to mexico! :D but honestly, which other (cheap and beautiful) places can you recommend? I`ll start my world travel this summer and the goal is to find my for ever place to stay somewhere in the world... so would really appreciate ideas from someone who`s been around... :)

[@cezargheorghiu2606]

It is more than I would expect. I was guessing around 1200-1500$

[@GiuliAngel]

That’s a lot more than I would expect. I have had the tiny house dream for a long time and I have been afraid to make any moves because I own a condominium and I would have to sell it and then find a tiny house and think about where I’m going to live. Not having friends and family to support you during that transition makes it challenging for those of us who would like to transition to a different style of living that is simpler but sometimes you need help getting there and I can’t imagine doing it all on my own. I find the simple life charming I grew up in the country on a farm. The life would fit me. It’s just I’m not sure how I would get there if it’s meant to be, I suppose it will.

[@LeutnantJoker]

Don't be discouraged by his budget. I love him and his gf but this budget is INSANE. I also live in Europe, have lived in fact in 3 different countries and worked for customers in several more. His budget is unrealistically high, he could easily live off of a third or less of this. His budget for his new A-Frame is also insane. For the price he's paying I can buy an entire huge farm with a big 6 room house in the same area, I recently checked. I love them to bits, but they are extremely irresponsible with their money. This life is possible a lot cheaper, as several other people here, living in Sweden in similar circumstances, have pointed out. This kind of life isn't even remotely as expensive as he listed here. Especially their food and gas budgets are absolutely off the charts and about 2-3 times higher than normal. I've lived in some pretty expensive cities in Europe and had a VERY comfortable apartment and life and certainly didn't buy cheap food, and my car is older and is a fuel guzzler. But I have never, not even in my military time, where I drove every day 45mins to and from my base, had even remotely this fuel or food budget. When I heard his list I was absolutely shocked.

[@juliezola1091]

I permit myself to assume you may be from Italy. I've been curious about the tiny living as well, and checking the trend in Italy, but it's not even making its entrance. This makes it a bit "risky" from the legal point of view. What really trends is reconstructing abandoned stone houses, which is I'm also interested in!

[@couragefish]

Swede living in a small town in Canada, family of 4 +one dog and our total expenses match yours! Our mortgage is higher (duh) but we spend less on groceries and gas as the most glaring differences. The dry dog food here varies from $30-$90 per 25ish kg bag depending on what you get. We settled on a mid range option for $50 but only go through about 3 bags or so a year for our medium sized dog. Ingredients wise it was similar to the high end stuff so we're pleased with it.

[@vickym9221]

If you challenge yourself I bet you could get your grocery budget down without sacrificing health! My partner and I used to spend $300 per week on groceries and now we spend $80 per week and eat lots of fresh fruit/veg. It's possible! There are lots of great creators here on KZbin like Frugal Fit Mom who give grocery shopping tips. Some tips might not apply to you since you don't live in the US but I bet you could still learn some things that help!

[@rodimousa9503]

It’s beautiful home ❤️ i wish i had that kind of cabin in the forest alone or with someone you love very calming place

[@mauritzallberg7302]

1000 dollar a months for 2 ppl is to much, even for organic food in sweden

[@p0up0un3]

The food and gas is way more than I would have thought... The rest is actually quite "middle range" bills. The mortgage on the other hand is really cheap. Firewood is also really cheap. I pay about 400€ per year for the fire place, but I also have stoves that burn gasoline and THAT is really expensive 💸

[@federicaottaviano7106]

This was a very interesting video, thank you for that! Here in Italy with my current job my income is a bit lower than your food expenses alone (but here our job system is a bit crooked and unfair) so I was a little shocked to hear your monthly’s budget. Thank you again for the insightful video ❤

[@Ankesadventures]

Yeah it’s so eye opening to see the differences in countries.

[@bakk.]

@@Ankesadventures Most people don't spend that much on food though. I spend 140€ a month on groceries.

[@111-v1m]

I really admired you ! Honestly I do and I'm a carpenter and handyman! Yo gave me the courage to follow my dream!! Than you so much!

[@juusoinnanen4537]

Thanks Kalle, excellent cost breakdown. I think here in Finland it would be quite similar. And in Norway, well I think we don't want to go down that road 😁 Have you gave a thought to start growing vegetables by yourself? The greenhouse would work fine in Northern Sweden I guess and supply good food with a known origin. I've been dreaming years to move some remote location. Mostly been attracted to Finnish archipelago, unfortunately prices went through the roof during the pandemia and there is still so much room on the prices so need to wait and try to make some savings meanwhile. Take care!

[@NL-hu2ud]

I although $35,000 Australian annually. Came to $42,000 - but in saying that had not seen any other videos (just stumbled upon this one). I thought possibly you may grow your own food and didn't realise wood was that much. Love the breakdown of expenses. Gives people a better understanding of what to expect.

[@anetherealpursuit]

Thank you for sharing! I’ve been wondering about this topic for a while! I’ve been going back and forth for a few years now, trying to figure out if I want to move back to Sweden as an adult, live out in the country because houses are so much cheaper there than in New Zealand. It’s interesting but not surprising to find out that expenses are pretty similar between the countries, but houses are still cheaper in Sweden so that’s one financial point very much in its favour! 🇸🇪😂

[@andersnielsen6044]

But the fact that they are so cheaps - means you do have to make your savings elsewhere to equalize the value-raise in your property.. That is the most important factor in our economy as a low scale gardener here in Denmark..

[@SvetlaNikolova-sk3ot]

I live in Bulgaria. I don't want to spend money on firewood so I drag it myself. I control each bill so if I have no money I don't pay nothing. As far as food if I didn't have cars and dogs will run me 250 per month. For 2 people.

[@adamlee3772]

I love Bulgaria, I nearly bought a place just outside Gabrovo. The access was what put me off. But at the house, it could have been in the alps, could have had it for 30,000 Euros. Are there places in Bulgaria I can buy a cabin in the woods like this guy has in Sweden?

[@luvsanimals-nature]

I wish I could live in Sweden, such a beautiful country, as with any country im sure it has its negative points but from what I have read, & videos I've seen, there isn't too much negative stuff. I live in America & its tough (only speaking for myself). But I do find myself dreaming of living either in Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, Norway or Scotland, something about those countries feel like home to me. Thank you for share your beautiful world with us. From Connecticut USA

[@asdasdasdasdasd9795]

Whats wrong with where you live?

[@rovhalt6650]

There's a lot of white people over here in Europe though. And from what I've heard from american schools and news media white people are appearently "racist" and "evil". So it might be best to stay over there in America where that kind of population is shrinking every day.

[@jenniferdaniel6952]

This was fantastic to watch! We want to switch to this lifestyle in 5 years so thank you for the honesty.

[@samukelohlatshwayo3778]

Mr kalle Flodin. My name is Samukelo Hlatshwayo. A 24 year old living in South Africa. I absolutely love your channel. I watch your videos on a daily basis lol I sometimes repeat others. I just wanted to comment tell you that u inspire me a lot, coming across your channel was the best thing I ever did. The honesty and transparency you share with us your viewers is highly appreciated. Absolutely adore your lifestyle. Thank you for showing me this lifestyle is possible. #IamTeamFlodin

[@hyancarr]

I live in Vancouver, Canada. This cabin lifestyle budget is much higher than I expected. The interesting thing is that we spend ~50% of our salary (before taxes) on shelter while food & utilities are much more affordable.

[@LawrenceTimme]

Wow that is an insane amount of monthly outgoings. The food bill alone is massive. I thought living in the woods should be cheaper to get away from huge bills and become more self sufficient.

[@AntKardano]

it is, he's just bad with money

[@mothbreeder641]

He's either eating at restaurants every day or only buying Oxfilé. It's about 3 times as high as it should be, it's just luxury for him I guess.

[@brendabergstrom-graf6729]

You bring so much value to your channel. I’ve been binge watching your videos after work because they remind me of what I really want in life and my purpose. My land and cottage will come. Listening to stories of other peoples leap of faith towards living the life they were suited to brings me courage and builds my faith.

[@jessicagillespie7385]

Healthcare/insurance and education are not free if you are paying taxes…so my question is, “what do you pay in taxes per month/year?” After all, it is an expense. Love your show, btw. You are a brave couple! 😊

[@LeutnantJoker]

Sweden has the highest tax rate in europe so you can expect them to pay around 60% of their income on it.

[@Varganessable]

It depends on how much you make per year but around 30% is the usual tax on your income for us here in Sweden 😊

[@HolyPineCone]

Sweden is heavily taxed and we are not told what we are paying for. It's done automatically and just says income tax. The tax is taken the second our salaries are payed. There are also tons and tons of consumer taxes, which just results in more expensive items in the store. It's all very practical but a freedom loving american might, understandably, feel a bit paranoid about it. The upside is that if you don't work and buy much you don't pay much tax either as the taxes are based on percents of Income and prices. So how much for health insurance and how much for the fat politicians gas bills? No one knows really. Some estimate that upwards of 50% of our money goes to taxes.

[@FloridaGirl-]

Jessica. Great question. The best actually! I say this all the time. Cause right, it’s not free!

[@ivagreen11]

​@@HolyPineCone your country sucks You can get really rich there... Tax slave ship

[@WiLheLmPhoeniX]

Spending money on good food (for myself and my family) is my priority as well. Happy to know that someone else out there shares my sentiments...

[@niklashl]

Your food budget is way higher than I expected. My budget is around $200 a month, and I eat healthy enough and aren’t starving 😅

[@nicklasstahling2716]

I wasn't shocked about the cost of living this way honestly! I myself has had the idea of moving out to a cabin in the woods here in sweden. But like you pointed out, you really can't live a minimalistic lifestyle in this modern era. You really need all of those things you talked about in order to maintain the lifestyle long term. And the food cost is not surprising at all for me. I only eat organic meat,eggs,dairy (including organ food. You should really get liver if you don't already do, i'ts a superfood with everything your body needs). So 90% of everything i eat, comes from animals(Carnivore diet). And by eating grass-fed organic meat, the cost is really high. So i can really relate to the high budget for food when choosing fresh and organic food. Really love the down to earth mentality of this video, where you actually don't try to be something you're not! Keep the video's coming. Just subscribed after seeing this video!

[@perkeles23dobre59]

Growing food ?

[@galenbjorn443]

Min dröm är att leva som er, försöker övertala min flickvän att de är rätt val. Och de börjar röra sig rätt håll. Så förhoppningsvis bor vi som er om några år! Tack ännu en gång Kalle för dina otroliga vidoes och sjukt coola idéer. Ps har ni tänkt på börja odla egen mat? Då sparar man in mer pengar och vet att de blir nyttigt

[@DNA350ppm]

Hej Björnen! Då tycker jag att ni försöker börja öva praktiskt så smått, och hålla dialogen igång. Du får försöka tänka på vad du kan göra för att visa henne att hennes prioriteringar är viktiga i dina drömmar, för det är så viktigt att man har god stämning, annars fungerar det inte. Jag har provat på att leva enkelt både med en dominerande sur gubbe och en hjälpsam kamratlig man. En himmelsvid skillnad. Bara det senare håller! Försök t.ex. med att leva i ett rum (med en lampa) och kök (har ni flera rum så vrid ner elementen i de andra och koppla bort lamporna där, så kan ni ha dem som förråd). Alternativt, prova odla mat på fönsterbräden, grodda, och plocka i naturen (cykla ut, akta er för vägkanter och avstjälpningsplatser, där kan det finnas giftrester). Alternativt, lev på häften av era löner och spara resten till övergångsutgifter (det kostar alltid mycket att börja med ny livsstil). Alternativt, öva på att reparera och att inte köpa nytt. Köp ingen mat som kostar mer än 40 kr/kilot - baka eget bröd, ät gröt till frukost, variera potatis, morot, rödbeta, nässlor, kål. Öva på *bara ett* av alternativen i taget. Låt henne välja och modifiera - du behöver tänka långsiktigt! Tänk på livsglädjen, den är allra viktigast, när två lever smått och enkelt i en stuga på tumanhand. Vilken livskvalitet skulle ni alltid ha tid och råd med, hur ni än lever? Förslag: Vackra promenader hand i hand. Poesi. Handarbete, enkelt hantverk, pyssel. Läsning (akta ögonen). Radio. Yoga. Naturiakttagelser (humlor, fjärilar, fåglar, gräs). Musik. Träning/gymnastik. Börja fylla er gemensamma tid med allt detta och liknande redan nu! Tänk på det som ett äventyr. Skaffa boken "Simple Abundance" (eller "Inre rikedom") av Sarah Ban Breathnach och läs den tillsammans med henne, den kan finnas på bibblan eller som secondhand. Det kan nämligen finnas "hans simple living-dröm" och "hennes simple living-dröm". Var öppen för bägge typen av ingredienser, eller välj hellre att leva med en kille som skulle gilla att bli främlingslegionär. Men jag hoppas att du tycker genuint mycket om kvinnor som har feminina drag, liksom de flesta har i verkligheten. Men gör inte henne till din hushållerska, tänk på att flykten från landsbygden började med att kvinnorna inte stod ut med männen och det hårda livet för dem med allt "kvinnogöra". Håll dialogen igång och uppskatta olikheter och var noga med valfriheten för bägge, det är ju meningen att simple living ska ge mera livskvalitet och äkta glädje. Lycka till, får ni till det, så blir det jättebra! Det är inte självklart, men fullt möjligt!

[@jasminefremdehake2354]

Its More Thanks i expect it

[@mariasophie167]

I love the video! I was wondering if you could also talk about saving money for retirement? Since you're self-employed, do you get a pension in Sweden? Or do you have to save entirely for yourself? Since you will one day fully own the house, I was thinking if you can live there as an elderly person or if it is probably better to then move to a city with some infrastructure (so you would need a little more money because it's probably more expensive) Do elderly people live near you?

[@Hansen710]

dont take financial advice from this guy.. 200 doolars on dog food.. no joke he got it all wrong he dont own the house he lives in its a very expensive house to live in, he just told you.. he have nothing that is energy saving or money saving.. don´t listen to this dude, being able to sell stuff online is not the same as being able to save up money. just listen to his budget, that should tell you everything. nothing makes sense, its all insane.. i did not get my money from throwing them away like this dude does... and you might as well play the lottery then take advice about saving money for your retirerment from him money makes money, and this guy does not get it.. better to talk to someone like his bank that is making alot of money him, if you can´t come up with any ways to make money from money yourself

[@mariasophie167]

@@Hansen710 What do you mean he doesn't own the house? Paying off the loan is a standard procedure on the way of becoming the owner. Regarding the dog food, I don't know anything about dogs, but everyone can have luxurious expenses as long as they can afford it. So if it makes him and the dog happy, why not?

[@ivagreen11]

​@@mariasophie167 no one in Sweden fully owns a home. Here's in this socialist, overrated hell hole no one owns a home! It's just for the *right* of living in the place.

[@leonfields1876]

Thanks for sharing, I really thought it would be wayyy less than that...great breakdown!!

[@MrTacklebury]

Definitely more than I would have expected. Perhaps in time, you might be able to find better food sources that are less expensive. Your food budget is about double me and my wife's. lol

[@caropi1368]

Thank you for your transparency about your expenses. Ultimately it's the same for everyone... whether you live in a small town or in the middle of the forets. I compare with our expenses here, in France, in a small town, and it's about the same thing. Expect for the food, we take organic food too and we have the same budget than yours for 5 people in the house! Maybe it's cheaper here in France.

[@VrajaVilasini]

I am with everyone else in being shocked at your living expenses. I can very comfortably live on less than $3000 a month and in my mind, I thought you would live very cheaply. Thank you for sharing.

[@neringao8121]

Very interesting to hear your breakdown of costs, we also live in sweden just more south i would say very similar in the sense that we are far away from towns and mostly eat all of our meals at home and two dogs. Our costs are a lot less eventhough our heating is with electricity and we invested in our own water supply. Perhaps you already use it but tibber has been good for us for saving money on electricity.

[@zrbitax]

For US and other foreign viewers planning to live in Sweden. Get to befriend some hunters, you can purchase moose meat for like under 5 USD per lbs. Fishing is cheap in Sweden. The bag limit is usually three per day and fisherman in lakes that hold trouts or similar. The five biggest lakes and the coast are free of charge. I know a few guys who have hens for egg production also. Not common in Sweden and if you live in the city, you are usually not allowed to have more than six hens and not a rooster. The healthcare in Sweden is NOT free. But it is cheap. It costs 300 SEK (under 30 USD) to see a doctor but it is way cheaper than i the US I suspect... you also get to pay for the medics but there is a high cost protection, after you pay a certain sum, the pills are free. An overnight stay in the hospital usually costs 10 USD per night. Certain things are free, however, but for an healthy adult person, it will cost you to visit a doctor. Note that dental care is NOT free either, it will usually run you about 100 USD for a dental exam and 200 USD for fixing things like caries, per tooth. After a certain sum, your dental bill is reduced, high cost protection that kicks in. The biggest drawback is that the queue to do a dental exam is very long in Sweden, if you are new to the system you can be put on a seven year long waiting list for a regular dental exam! Unfortunately, there is a company called ICA that has the biggest market share in the food sector in Sweden (over 50 %). For some reason, many Swedes prefer to do the grocery shopping there although better price can be had in other stores, like Lidl. Meat lovers do good in making friends with hunters, local farmers and such. Gas prices are very high in Sweden. Choose a location that is pretty near a city (or where you will be working) but in a somewhat private, remote, location. In the Västernorrland and Västerbotten such places can be had for pretty cheap, where I live, you can get a nice house with 1000-2000 sqm lawn outside the town for like 50-60 000 USD. Heating will probably become your biggest expense if living in the north, like Västernorrland or Västerbotten. Avoid homes heated with electricity only or a simple firewood stove only. I suggest having a heating system that has a watertank that is heated by wood or electricity and then the warm water is heating the house by radiators. Geothermal pumps or air-water heating pumps can be added to such a system, it will cost about 20-25 000 USD for a geothermal heating pump including installation. My choice in my future house will probably be solar heating panels combined with an efficient wood stove (both connected to the warm water tank) and an electrical heater as a last resort.

[@kirsimatikainen6527]

Just questions, can't you use your own forest heating your house? You have some ☀️ panels? Pic up grand Berry's or mushrooms?

[@sharonbennett9953]

AMSURPRISED YOU DONT GROW YOUR FRUIT AND VEGETABLES AND HAVE CHICKENS

[@Jarlthorbjorn]

Respect that you walked 7 hours to the next town. I can relate to that because I also have no car yet. It's very taff without a vehicle and to live so far out. But It's always possible anyway and often times you are more thankful for just having food and the basic things in Life. It's the question what you value and for what you are thankful for. Thank you for your videos by the way!