Cost of Living in Norway

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 costs.

Cost of accommodation in Norway

The cost of accommodation in Norway is highest in the larger cities and falls the farther you travel from them; anything outside the capital is undoubtedly more affordable. In smaller cities like Bergen and Fredrikstad, for example, rent is generally cheaper than in Oslo.

You will also need to budget for monthly utility bills, which can be exceptionally high during winter. Owning a home may offer tax benefits, so if you can afford it and plan to stay in Norway long term, buying is worth considering.

Renting Accommodation in Norway 
Best Neighbourhoods in Oslo

Cost of transport in Norway

Whether you rely on your own car or on local public transport, the cost of transport in Norway bites. That said, it can be cheap to fly out of Norway on budget airlines and charter trips, which is a popular way to travel abroad. Many Norwegians take advantage of this and can often be found at sunny 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

Very little qualifies as cheap by European standards, and the cost of groceries in Norway is particularly hard to swallow. Fresh seafood is generally reasonably priced, but many food items are imported, and VAT pushes up shelf prices. 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. 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

The cost of entertainment and eating out in Norway pushes most restaurant meals into luxury territory. 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. Many locals offset the cost by having pre-drinks at home.

Cost of healthcare in Norway

Legal residents are entitled to heavily subsidised public care, and one of the world’s most respected systems keeps the cost of healthcare in Norway in check. You will need to pay a small fee after GP visits, but the amount cannot exceed a government-mandated annual limit; after that, 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

Just as healthcare is subsidised, public schooling is free for residents and citizens, which keeps the cost of education in Norway low for most families. Schools here offer high teaching standards and well-resourced facilities. Still, many expats with older children enrol them in private or international schools, as Norwegian is the primary language of instruction 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 in short supply in Norway, so parents face limited placements and high fees. Parents will need to plan ahead for tuition and other educational costs.

Education and Schools in Norway 
International Schools in Oslo

Cost of living in Norway chart

Prices are listed in Norwegian kroner (NOK) and may vary depending on the product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Oslo in April 2026.