This study investigates the relationship between income and life expectancy in Sweden from 1960 to 2021, revealing a widening gap in life expectancy between different income levels. The disparity increased significantly, with men’s life expectancy gap growing from 3.5 years in the 1960s to 10.9 years by the 2010s, and women’s from 3.8 years in the 1970s to 8.6 years by the 2010s. Despite a decrease in income inequality and increased social spending, health inequalities continued to rise. The findings challenge the “absolute income hypothesis,” suggesting that factors beyond economic resources influence health outcomes. Notably, higher-income individuals appear to adopt healthier lifestyles more rapidly. Circulatory diseases emerged as the primary contributor to increased longevity, while cancer was a significant factor for the widening life expectancy gap.