The economic integration in the region continues to grow, and now News Øresund reports it has reached new heights. They report that according to the latest data from Statistics Sweden (SCB), Malmö residents earned nearly € 830 million (8.9 billion SEK) from Denmark in 2024, double the amount from just three years ago. This means that 9% of all income for Malmö’s population now originates from across the Øresund, highlighting the region’s deepening cross-border labor market.
The average income Malmö residents earn from Denmark has increased by a third in just three years, rising from €42,500 (480,000 SEK) to €56,000 (630,000 SEK) in 2024. The number of Malmö residents with Danish wages has also grown by over 50%, from 9,300 to 14,100 people.
Karl McShane, an analyst at Malmö City, points out that while currency fluctuations (a stronger Danish krone) have played a role, the trend is driven by more than just exchange rates:
“The average income rose by 10% in 2024 alone—a year when the Swedish krona actually strengthened. This suggests that Malmö residents are not only earning more but also securing better-paying jobs in Denmark.”
Karl told News Øresund
Several factors are fueling this rapid growth. Danish salaries have historically been higher than Swedish ones, particularly in sectors like tech, healthcare, and finance. Also post-Pandemic remote work has led to more relaxed rules on home office work have made it easier for Malmö residents to commute less frequently while still working for Danish employers. Denmark’s tight labor market and high demand for skilled workers have also created opportunities for Skånes workforce.
The total income Malmö residents earned from Denmark in 2024 makes Malmö the top Swedish municipality for cross-border income, though Strömstad (near the Norwegian border) leads in per-capita earnings.
Taxation and Compensation
Income earned in Denmark is taxed by the Danish state. In return, Denmark pays a lump-sum compensation to Sweden, and border municipalities like Malmö receive additional support through Sweden’s equalization system.
The Øresund Region continues to serve as a testbed for European integration, and these new figures underscore the growing economic interdependence between Malmö and Copenhagen. For startups, businesses, and policymakers, the data signals a unique opportunity to leverage a binational talent pool, foster innovation, and strengthen the region’s competitive edge.
