Gonna chime in here on Sweden -- it is not as utopian as it might project itself to be. Like many other in countries across Europe there is growing anti-immigration sentiment, and that is certainly true in the South. Malmö has quite a few issues with a growing refugee population, violence, and anti-semitism.
"A government that works" is relative. You can be waiting months on your personnummer (Social security number), which will make it much more difficult to get healthcare, banking, or many other services -- even an apartment. The system works, but it mainly only works for those who were born into it.
Problem is that the Swedish migration board (Immigration) is basically setup only to handle refugees. They are not well-equipped to deal with highly trained professionals.
Also, though most people speak English, your lack of Swedish will be a hinderance to making friends and "integrating." Furthermore, as neither of you are Swedish, there is no one to "on-board" you into a community. That will make this only harder and more isolating.
And a horrible climate in winter. If you're used to California weather, I wouldn't move to Sweden. It's like -20 in winter (celcius), plus it gets dark around 4 if you're lucky.
Move to Spain. Probably the best place on earth life/quality wise. Easy to find a tech job (in e.g. Barcelona). Pay is lower of course.
I've lived and worked in both Spain and Sweden in both Winter and Summer, and hands down I prefer Sweden. I love both seasons in Sweden, and hate the Summer in Spain.
There's every chance I have a better personal cultural fit with the Swedes, but that's very much a personal thing. In my experience English is more widely spoken in Sweden than in Spain, which also makes it easier for me. I think the economy in Sweden is stronger.
Mostly Valencia, with some time in Tarragona, Palma, and Cartagena. Mostly I was working there, but I knew I'd be there for some time, so I integrated as quickly as possible.
