Cost of Living in Norway

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The cost of living in Norway is high, but this is offset by high salaries and the extensive public services provided by the country’s welfare state.

Oslo, Norway’s capital city, is one of the more expensive cities in the country. While many everyday expenses can be costly, social benefits such as education and healthcare help to balance these costs.

Cost of accommodation in Norway

Housing is expensive in Norway but gets cheaper the further you travel from the larger cities, and accommodation is undoubtedly more affordable outside the capital. For example, in cities such as Bergen and Fredrikstad, rent is much cheaper than in Oslo.

You will also need to budget for monthly utility bills, which can be exceptionally high during winter. Owning a home provides several tax benefits, so if you can afford it and plan to stay in Norway long-term, this is the way to go.

Renting Accommodation in Norway
Best Neighbourhoods in Oslo

Cost of transport in Norway

Cars and local public transport are expensive. That said, it can be cheap to fly out of Norway on budget airlines and charter trips, which is one of the most popular ways to travel around the country. Norwegians frequently take advantage of this opportunity and can often be found at sunny and warm destinations worldwide, especially during the cold months from October through April.

The cost of car ownership in Norway is steep. In addition to the initial vehicle purchase price, car owners will need to account for fuel, insurance, service, and maintenance fees.

Public Transport and Driving in Norway

Cost of groceries in Norway

There is very little that is considered ‘cheap’ in Norway when compared to other European prices. Fresh seafood is generally reasonably priced, but most food is imported, and food items have a high VAT charge. That is why many Norwegians drive over the border to Sweden on a harrytur – a shopping trip to stock up on food staples at a much lower cost. In fact, this cross-border industry is so big that several shopping centres have been built just over the Swedish border to accommodate Norwegian consumers.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Norway

As is the case with most things in Norway, eating out in the country is expensive, and it is typically a luxury. That said, you can usually find a wide range of cuisines on offer in the major cities, and in more rural areas, the cost of eating out will be slightly lower.

Much of Norway’s entertainment and leisure activities centre around nightlife and outdoor activities. The latter is much more affordable, while visiting Norway’s clubs, bars, and cafés can be fairly pricey. Most locals often offset this cost by doing pre-drinks at home.

Cost of healthcare in Norway

Norway boasts one of the best healthcare systems in the world, and legal residents in the country are entitled to heavily subsidised public care. You will need to pay a small fee following GP visits, but this amount cannot exceed a government-mandated annual limit, after which patients will receive an exemption card.

Some expats may choose to purchase private health insurance to avoid long waiting times and choose their healthcare practitioners.

Healthcare and Health Insurance in Norway

Cost of education in Norway

Like healthcare, public education and schools are free for all residents and citizens of Norway. Schools here offer exceptional teaching standards and facilities. Still, most expats with older children enrol them in private or international schools, as the primary language of instruction is Norwegian in public schools. If you have younger children, you can easily send them to public schools, as they will likely learn the language and assimilate into the local culture faster.

International schools are limited in Norway, meaning parents will contend with limited placements and high costs. Planning ahead for tuition and other educational costs is essential.

Education and Schools in Norway
International Schools in Oslo