Andrahand apartments in Linköping for expats
Linköping is an engineer's city — pragmatic, well-organised, and quietly excellent at what it does. For expats joining Saab, Mjärdevi's tech cluster, or Linköping University, it offers a genuinely liveable base with low rents, short commutes, and a surprisingly strong international community for a city of its size. The trade-off versus larger Swedish cities is a smaller social and cultural infrastructure, but those who come for the work rarely complain.
Linköping is Sweden's engineering city — compact, practical, and built around two institutions that attract international talent at an unusual rate for a city of its size. Linköping University is one of Sweden's fastest-growing universities, with a strong international research profile in computer science, AI, and engineering. Saab's aerospace and defence division and Mjärdevi Science Park, a cluster of over 300 tech companies, together employ thousands of engineers and researchers, many of whom arrive from abroad. The andrahand rental market in Linköping is notably more accessible than in Sweden's larger cities: rents are lower, competition is lighter, and the relatively small size of the city means neighbourhoods are well-connected. For expats joining Saab, one of Mjärdevi's companies, or Linköping University, finding a second-hand apartment here within a few weeks is a realistic expectation. No personnummer is required to apply.
Why expats choose Linköping
Linköping is an engineer's city — pragmatic, well-organised, and quietly excellent at what it does. For expats joining Saab, Mjärdevi's tech cluster, or Linköping University, it offers a genuinely liveable base with low rents, short commutes, and a surprisingly strong international community for a city of its size. The trade-off versus larger Swedish cities is a smaller social and cultural infrastructure, but those who come for the work rarely complain.
Where expats live in Linköping
The best neighbourhoods for andrahand apartments and expat life.
Centrum
7 000–10 000 kr/moLinköping's walkable city centre, with good access to the main train station, shopping, and central services. Andrahand supply is moderate — smaller flats dominate. Popular with professionals who commute by bike or on foot.
Tannefors
6 000–9 000 kr/moEast of centre, close to Linköping University and some of the city's main research facilities. A practical base for expats working in academia. Quiet, residential, and well-priced relative to the convenience.
Lambohov / Ryd
5 500–8 500 kr/moWestern suburban neighbourhoods adjacent to Linköping University campus and Mjärdevi Science Park. High student and researcher population. Budget-friendly. Common first landing spot for incoming expats before they find something more permanent.
Vasastaden
7 500–11 000 kr/moLinköping's most desirable residential district: 1930s and 1940s housing stock, wide tree-lined streets, and proximity to the city centre. Limited andrahand supply — when listings appear, they move quickly.
Linköping rent prices for andrahand apartments
Typical monthly rents for second-hand sublets in Linköping. All prices in SEK.
| Apartment type | Monthly rent |
|---|---|
| Studio (1 room) | 5 500–8 000 kr/mo |
| 1 bedroom (2 rooms) | 7 000–10 500 kr/mo |
| 2 bedrooms (3 rooms) | 9 000–14 000 kr/mo |
Ranges reflect typical andrahand market prices. Furnished apartments typically add 10–25%. Prices vary by neighbourhood and listing platform.
Tips for finding an expat apartment in Linköping
Practical guidance for expats navigating the Linköping andrahand market.
Mjärdevi Science Park has an active expat network and internal housing resources. If you're joining a company based there, ask HR about expat housing support before you start looking on your own — several companies maintain informal sublet networks for incoming international hires.
Linköping is small enough that cycling and walking are genuinely practical for most daily needs. Unlike Stockholm or Gothenburg, you do not need to think carefully about tram lines or metro coverage — proximity to your workplace is the primary criterion.
Saab employees typically live in Tannefors, Lambohov, or Vasastaden. The Saab campus is not in the city centre — check Google Maps for your specific work building before committing to a neighbourhood.
Linköping University has a housing office with listings specifically for incoming international researchers and visiting academics. If you hold a university appointment, contact them in parallel with your Expatriate alert setup — internal university listings are not on public platforms.
Consider whether Stockholm is relevant to your social life. Linköping is 1h40 from Stockholm by fast train — manageable for occasional trips but not for a regular weekly commute. If you need frequent Stockholm access, factor this into your decision about basing yourself here.
Other Swedish cities for expats
Expatriate monitors andrahand listings across all major Swedish cities.
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View city guideLive listings in Linköping
Active andrahand apartments updated in real time.
Kungsgatan, Linköping
4 638 krÅgatan 25, Linköping
10 662 krDjurgårdsgatan 28, Linköping
14 510 krStiglötsgatan 2, Linköping
5 622 krJohannes Magnus Väg 38B, Linköping
5 535 krKunskapslänken 44, Linköping
11 875 krSkrivaregatan 12, Linköping
7 503 krSörgårdsgatan 13, Linköping
7 874 krFogdegatan 13, Linköping
5 081 krSöderleden, Linköping
7 955 krKristinagatan, Linköping
11 950 krEngelbrektsgatan, Linköping
6 500 krFree plan · No personnummer · Cancel anytime
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from expats searching for andrahand apartments in Linköping.
Is Linköping a good city for expats?
For expats working in engineering, technology, defence, or research, Linköping is an excellent fit. The city is designed around the institutions that attract international talent, and the expat community — while smaller than in Stockholm or Gothenburg — is well-established. For expats whose work does not connect to Saab, Mjärdevi, or the university, the limited broader job market and smaller social scene may make a larger city more suitable.
How competitive is the andrahand market in Linköping?
Significantly less competitive than Stockholm or Gothenburg. A central Linköping andrahand listing might receive 5–15 applications versus 50+ for equivalent Stockholm properties. With Expatriate monitoring running, expats routinely find suitable housing within 2–3 weeks. The market is calmer and more manageable than any of Sweden's larger cities.
What is the typical rent for an andrahand apartment in Linköping?
A one-bedroom andrahand in a central or near-central location runs approximately 7 000–10 500 kr per month. Near the university (Lambohov, Ryd), you can find studios and one-bedrooms starting from 5 500 kr. These prices are among the lowest of any Swedish city with a significant expat presence, making Linköping particularly attractive for early-career researchers and engineers.
Do I need a personnummer to rent in Linköping?
No. Andrahand contracts anywhere in Sweden are private agreements that do not require a personnummer. Provide proof of income or an employment offer letter from Saab, Mjärdevi, or the university, along with a brief personal introduction, and you will be treated like any other applicant. Personnummer applications begin after you register in Sweden — housing comes first.
Are there English-speaking communities in Linköping?
Yes, concentrated around Linköping University and Mjärdevi. The university runs substantial English-medium research programmes, and Mjärdevi hosts multinational companies with English as a working language. The city's overall English proficiency is high for a mid-sized Swedish city, and international expats have established social groups, running clubs, and informal networks that newcomers are typically welcomed into quickly.
How far is Linköping from Stockholm, and is the commute viable?
Linköping is approximately 200 km from Stockholm — around 1 hour 40 minutes by the SJ high-speed train. For weekly commuters (working in Linköping, occasionally visiting Stockholm), this is manageable. For daily commuting it is not practical. If your role requires frequent Stockholm presence, consider whether Uppsala or Stockholm itself would be a better primary base.