Cost of Living in Norway: Updated Prices, Other Countries Comparison

Norway, a Scandinavian country renowned for its stunning natural beauty and high standard of living, is an attractive destination for students, professionals and expatriates alike. However, it is essential to be aware of the cost of living in Norway before considering a move here. While the quality of life is exceptional, Norway is known for its relatively high cost of living.

The cost of living in Norway covers expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation and leisure activities. These expenses can be notably higher than in many other countries. Nevertheless, the country’s efficient public services, strong economy and pristine environment make it a compelling choice for those seeking a unique and enriching experience in Northern Europe. In this blog, we will discuss in detail the updated data on the average cost of living in Norway. Let’s jump straight into the discussion:

Also read: Cost of Living in Sydney: A Comprehensive Guide on Sydney’s Expense

Cost of Living in Norway Overview

The cost of living in Norway can vary according to a person’s preferences, budget and lifestyle he follows. However, on average, monthly the cost of living in Norway for an individual is around NOK 12,849 without rent. However, the rent of a room apartment may cost you around NOK 9000 to NOK 17,500. 

The cost of living in Norway for an individual depends on some paramount factors, such as housing costs, food and grocery prices, public transportation costs, utility bills and a few others. Here is an overview of the cost of living in Norway, with approximate amounts for various expenses:

Cost of Restaurants Food in Norway

Norway offers a mouthwatering taste of food culture at a suitable price. Whether you want a meal at a restaurant or want to taste its street food, Norway has something for every food lover. A few costs related to restaurant food in Norway are given below:

Item/Service	Average Cost
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	NOK 200
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	NOK 1,000
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	NOK 130
Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught)	NOK 100

Cost of Groceries in Norway

If you are a student it is a good idea to prepare meals at home in Norway as eating out or ordering food online can be expensive. This may affect the budget of the cost of living in Norway.

Grocery costs in Norway can vary according to season, availability, quality, and the quantity you purchase. For your convenience, the average cost of groceries in Norway is shown in the table below:

Items	Average Costs
Milk (regular), (1 liter)	NOK 21.83
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	NOK 32.82
Rice (white), (1kg)	NOK 30.3
Eggs (regular) (12)	NOK 41.23
Local Cheese (1kg)	NOK 115.09
Apples (1kg)	NOK 32.1
Banana (1kg)	NOK 23.7
Oranges (1kg)	NOK 30.63
Tomato (1kg)	NOK 44.11
Potato (1kg)	NOK 22.2
Onion (1kg)	NOK 24.09
Lettuce (1 head)	NOK 25.85
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	NOK 21.85

Cost of Transportation in Norway

Transportation costs cover a significant portion of the average cost of living in Norway. For your reference, below we have outlined the average cost of transportation in Norway and it will give you an idea of ​​how much you need to budget for transportation:

Item/Service	Approx Cost
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	NOK 41
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	NOK 800
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	NOK 105
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)	NOK 17
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	NOK 545
Gasoline (1 liter)	NOK 21
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	NOK 360,000
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	NOK 366,555

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Cost of Utilities in Norway

While living in an apartment, basic amenities like electricity, water, heating, garbage disposal etc. are very important for a person in Norway. People in Norway spend about NOK 2,234 per month. In the following table, we have provided some basic utility costs in Norway. Please see and make your budget accordingly:

Item/Service	Approx Cost
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment	NOK 2,234
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	NOK 432
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	NOK 589

Miscellaneous Costs in Norway

Apart from the above categories of cost of living in Norway, there are some miscellaneous costs that you need to know before moving there because, after some time during extra time, you will need them in Norway apart from study and job. Please take a look at the table below and you can also add them to your living expenses budget.

Housing Costs in Norway

Did you know that housing costs cover a large portion of the cost of living in Norway? By looking at the table below, you can get an idea of what the average housing cost is in Norway and how much it contributes to Norway’s total living expense budget:

Type of Apartment	Average Cost
1 bedroom in City Centre	NOK 13,199
1 bedroom Outside of Centre	NOK 9,267
3 bedrooms in City Centre	NOK 19,558
3 bedrooms Outside of Centre	NOK 15,034

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Cost of Living in Norway Compared to Other Countries

In general, the average cost of living in Norway is higher than the other countries. It also offers a fairly affordable cost of living with ample opportunities for higher studies, work, and entertainment. Students need to thoroughly research the cost of living in nearby Countries to determine how affordable it is to accommodate their lifestyle in Norway.

For your reference, we have given a comparison between the cost of living in Norway and other countries like the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, Malaysia, Germany and Sweden. Please have a look and understand the expenses accordingly:

Cost of living city-wise	Approx Costs	Comparison Cost of Living in Norway
Cost of Living in the US	NOK 12261	Lower than Norway
Cost of Living in the UK	NOK 10863	Lower than Norway
Cost of Living in Canada	NOK 11118	Lower than in Norway
Cost of Living in Australia	NOK 11532	Lower than in Norway
Cost of Living in South Africa	NOK 6171	Lower than in Norway
Cost of Living in Ireland	NOK 11229	Lower than Norway
Cost of Living in Malaysia	NOK 5068	Lower than Norway
Cost of Living in Germany	NOK 11147	Lower than Norway
Cost of Living in Sweden	NOK 10061	Lower than Norway

Why Choose Norway?

Along with the high cost of living in Norway, choosing it as a destination comes with a plethora of compelling reasons. The country’s breathtaking natural landscapes, from majestic fjords to picturesque mountains, offer unparalleled outdoor experiences. Moreover, Norway boasts an excellent education system, cutting-edge research opportunities and a high standard of living.

Its robust economy, emphasis on innovation, and progressive social policies create a welcoming and inclusive environment for residents and expatriates. Norway’s strong commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and personal growth.

The data provided highlights the cost of living and financial aspects in Norway. The country offers a range of job opportunities, including high-paying positions such as CEOs and finance directors. However, living expenses, especially in terms of rent and property prices, can be substantial, requiring careful financial planning. Understanding the average salaries and costs in various sectors can help individuals make informed decisions about their careers and lifestyles in Ireland.

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FAQs on Cost of Living in Norway

So, this was all about the cost of living in Norway. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.