A new report from SCB reveals that young men living in metropolitan areas are leaving their parental homes later than their female counterparts and those living in smaller towns. The average age at which women move out is just under 22 years, while men typically leave their family homes just before turning 23. This trend is particularly pronounced among urban residents and those in suburban areas, who tend to remain longer with their parents compared to their peers elsewhere in Sweden.

One contributing factor to this delay is the difference in life choices between genders; women are reportedly moving in with partners at a younger age and starting their studies earlier than men do. The data indicates that young men are more likely to stay in their family homes for an extended period, which can be connected to the availability of housing in urban areas and their proximity to educational institutions. As noted by SCB's demographer Filip Dabergott, urban residents often have easier access to universities and colleges compared to those in less populated municipalities.

The findings of this report, which analyzes data from 2014 to 2024, underscore the changing dynamics of urban living and the implications for young adults as they navigate independence. The trend also reflects broader societal shifts regarding housing, education, and gender roles, raising questions about the long-term impacts on family structures and living arrangements in Sweden's urban environments.