Cost of Living in Oslo

The cost of living in Oslo is undeniably high; it is one of Norway’s most expensive cities for expats. Housing, dining, and everyday expenses can be costly, particularly in central areas.

One consolation is that high salaries help offset some of these costs. Wages in Oslo tend to be higher than in other Norwegian cities, and most expats can maintain a good standard of living. Expats should carefully calculate their budget when planning a move to Oslo to ensure they can comfortably manage their expenses.

Cost of accommodation in Oslo

Accommodation is the most considerable expense in Oslo. Prices are high, but they get lower the farther from the city centre you go. Costs vary greatly depending on the neighbourhood.

An apartment in established, central districts such as Frogner and Majorstuen will be pricier than one further from the city centre or in less sought-after areas. Electricity bills in the winter months can also significantly increase housing costs.

Renting Accommodation in Oslo
Areas and Suburbs in Oslo

Cost of transport in Oslo

Oslo’s public transport is expensive but highly efficient. High taxes on vehicle purchase and ownership make driving an expensive option, and public transport is often the preferred way to get around.

Norway leads the world in electric vehicle adoption, so the car market has shifted dramatically; fuel costs matter less than they once did, but the overall expense of owning a car remains steep. That said, car ownership can be useful if you plan to explore the country with your family.

Getting Around in Oslo

Cost of groceries in Oslo

As an expat moving to Oslo, you will likely experience ‘sticker shock’ when it comes to grocery shopping in Norway. Grocery prices in Norway can be steep.

Most fruits and vegetables are imported, and customs duties and domestic market protections push fresh produce prices higher. Norway does have fish, meat, and dairy products of its own, though, which makes these products slightly less expensive. Due to high prices, many Norwegians drive over the border into Sweden to stock up on food.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Oslo

Predictably, going out in Oslo is not a cheap affair. Cinema and theatre tickets are incredibly costly. Eating out frequently can put a significant dent in your budget, but if you are open to doing some research and venturing out to cheaper neighbourhoods, you can certainly find more budget-friendly options.

Lifestyle in Oslo

Cost of education in Oslo

Education and schools in Oslo are of high quality. The main drawback of public schools is that the primary language of instruction is Norwegian. While younger children may be able to pick up the language, older children tend to have a harder time adjusting to it. In such cases, or if the family is only in Oslo for a limited time, international schools are often the best option.

While these schools offer international curricula and a broad range of extracurricular activities, parents will need to carefully manage their budgets for the high fees associated with these institutions.

Education and Schools in Oslo 
Recommended International Schools in Oslo

Cost of healthcare in Oslo

Public healthcare in Oslo is affordable, accessible, and of excellent quality. Residents of Norway have access to the country’s highly subsidised healthcare and pay only a regulated copayment for each doctor’s visit.

Norway caps the total amount residents pay in approved healthcare copayments each year. Once a patient reaches this ceiling, they receive an exemption card (frikort) and pay no further user fees for approved services for the rest of the calendar year.

In major cities, waiting times for specialist appointments may be long. With that in mind, you may consider purchasing a private health insurance policy to supplement the national health insurance.

Healthcare and Medical Insurance in Norway
Recommended Hospitals in Oslo

Cost of living in Oslo 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.