Cost of living in Norway: renting an apartment, groceries, transport and entertainment

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28 Nov. 2022

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Cost of living in Norway: renting an apartment, groceries, transport and entertainment

Cost of living

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Norway

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Housing rent and utilities in Norway
Cost of products in Norway
Prices for entertainment in Norway
Public transport in Norway
Health care

Cost of living in Norway: renting an apartment, groceries, transport and entertainment

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The fabulous scenery and rich culture attract more and more expats to Norway. As in other Scandinavian countries, the quality of life in Norway is at a high level. The state has a well-developed system of healthcare, education and transport. Wages are also higher than in most European countries. The difference between low and high wages is very small. However, the cost of living is much higher than the prices in most countries of the world.

Oslo, the capital of Norway, was ranked 27th out of 227 cities in the world in Mercer's 2022 cost of living survey. Many things in Norway are expensive, but the social benefits in education and healthcare relatively make up for the difference. For a comfortable life in Norway, a family of two needs to have a budget of €3,000 to €3,500 per month.

Housing rent and utilities in Norway

Of course, housing rent will become one of the main items of your expenses. However, real estate prices will be much lower if you move a little further from the capital or to the countryside. For example, the cost of housing in Bergen or Fredrikstad is much lower than in Oslo.

Oslo perfectly combines the advantages of a metropolis and the beauty of unspoiled nature. A one-room apartment in the center of the Norwegian capital costs from €1,200 (NOK 12,500) per month. A room in a shared apartment will cost half as much.

Bergen is a city known as the "heart of the fjords" or the "city between seven mountains", and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Prices for renting a one-room apartment here start at €900 (9,300 kroner) per month.

Trondheim is the oldest city in Norway. Most of the city's population is made up of students. Trondheim is home to the largest number of events and activities in Norway. For those who decide to settle here, renting a one-room apartment will cost at least €1,000 (11,000 kroner).

Also, when moving, you should take into account the fact that most landlords ask for a guarantee payment for housing. The minimum is the rent for one month, but most often the owner asks to pay the rent for 3 months.

The cost of utility services in Norway also exceeds the average prices in EU countries. Basic utilities (heating, electricity and gas) for an apartment of about 85 m2 will cost you about €180 (1,800 kroner) per month.

Home Internet - 45€ (475 kroner) per month.

Cost of products in Norway

The cost of products in Norway exceeds the prices in neighboring countries by almost 100%, because taxes are very high in the country. However, fresh fish and, in particular, salmon are cheaper here than in many other European countries.

You can buy food in Norway in supermarket chains or markets. However, the range of goods is not as large as in the rest of the EU countries. The budget of a family of 2 adults for the purchase of products should be from €500 (5,150 kroner) per month.

Many Norwegians travel across the border to shops in Sweden to stock up on basic food items at a much lower price. In fact, this cross-border industry is so developed that several shopping centers for Norwegian consumers have been built in the border regions of Sweden.

Prices for entertainment in Norway

Due to the high salary of staff in Norwegian restaurants, the cost of food here is also quite high. This rule applies even to fast food restaurants. The cost of lunch for two (two dishes and a drink) in a middle-class restaurant will cost €100 (1,100 kroner). Dishes of Indian, Chinese or Thai cuisine cost from 16 to 22€ (170-225 kroner).

The cost of a subscription to the fitness hall starts from €50 (550 kroner) per month.

A ticket to the cinema from €15 (150 kroner).

Public transport in Norway

Public transport in Norway is very modern and comfortable. Represented by buses, trams and metro. A monthly pass costs €75-80 (750-800 crowns), a one-time ticket costs €4.5 (44 crowns). To save money, you can buy a bicycle, Norway has all the necessary infrastructure for moving around the city by bicycle.

Trains run between the cities, if the trip is long, you can book a plane ticket.

In general, the level of comfort and punctuality of public transport in Norway minimizes the need for your own car, as it is quite expensive. The cost of 1 liter of gasoline is more than €2 (21 crowns), as well as high parking fees and additional taxes for drivers.

Health care

Norway has a very reliable healthcare system. There is no free medical care in the state, but a system of subsidies has been developed: when medical expenses exceed €200 (2,000 kroner) per year, a person is exempted from paying for medical services until the end of the calendar year. A consultation with a general practitioner costs €17 (180 kroner).

Every citizen and resident of Norway who lives in the country for more than a year has the right to medical care. However, to save money during your stay in Norway, we advise you to have health insurance.

In order to better understand the culture and lifestyle of Norwegians, we advise you to familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of life in the Scandinavian countries and the key differences from Ukraine.

Follow the link for information on temporary protection for Ukrainians in Norway: how to get social housing, financial assistance and free courses.