Cost of Living in Oslo, Norway

Oslo is indeed expensive, ranks eleventh in the world in terms of highest cost of living. Also, because of the social system in place, even if you're a super-skilled workforce superhero you'll prob be making barely more money than joe shcmo the plumber. Taxes are astronomical and most food in Norway is imported so there's a 14% VAT included on even you're cheap, disgusting big MAC. Some people even drive over the Swedish border to buy groceries. Without knowing what your huband-to-be does it's hard to say whether you'll need two salaries, but one bit of advice I can give is to try and find accommodation outside of the city centre. Housing is a huge expense and you can certainly save some cash if you move to the periphery of town.

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Hi, I moved to oslo in 2006 and was in the exact same situation as you. I did not have a job and my boyfriend was the only "bread winner". My plan was to 1)learn the language and 2)get a job, so for a while we would live out of 1 income. I started puting money aside 6 months before moving. This -I calculated- would cover the first 3 months (including the language course).  I started doing small jobs (baby sitting, receptionist) within a month and after about 6 months I found my first full-time job. So my answer to your question is: Yes,  Oslo is expensive, but as long as you don't go out every week and stay on a budget, you can live on 1 income for some time.

A piece of advice:
- Definetly focus on the language before you get a full-time job: I didn't, and because of it it took me much longer to become fluent.  The work market in Oslo is very dynamic so you will probably find something fairly quickly when you are ready.
- I recommend you take a part-time job at the begining. It will not only help you economically, but it will also help you to get to know the culture.
- If you can justify that you have lived with your husband for 2years+, you might be able to attend norwegian classes for free (ask for more information at the language school "Rosenhof")
- Depending on your fiance's income, you can decide whether to live in the city or in the outskirts. However, everything is easier when you live near the city center: going out, shopping, making friends & finding your way around in general. The east side is cheaper.
- Paperwork: you will need a temporary "social security number" or what is called in Norway "personummer". Without it, you practically don't exist here, and you will need it to get a bank account.

I wish you the best of luck in your Norwegian adventure! My blog is about my experience here, you might find it useful: www.expatsnorway.com 
Gisèle

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Hi!
I am working in Stock Markets here in India. I've 6yrs experience here & am working with one of the retail based stock broking house as a Regional Manager.
I am applying for Norway open permit, Can you suggest me whether I would have opportunities in my current profession?

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Hi! I am not very familiar with stock market positions in NOrway, but I woudl suggest you start by looking at job adds in the local websites of Monster and LinkedIn. These sites (usually ".no" for the norwegian version) will probably give you a feel for the work market in that sector in norway. Otherwise, I would suggest you contact someone already working in that field and in Norway. You can probably find someone through LinkedIn or Internations (Another expat network). I hope this helps!

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hi i was planing to move norway and i use to work for mcdonalds in uk can i get the same job with that experience without knowing the norwegian language. plz inform me

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Hi, it depends on what kind of position you want to occupy. If it's a management position with some personel responsibility, you might need to speak norwegian. If you will be working at the cashier, it might not be necessary. I am not familiar with the "company culture" of McDonald's franchises in Norway so I can't be reliable for my answers but I know there are many non-norwegian speakers in the Food&Beverages infustry (i.e. waitressing). Good luck!

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