One app for all your study abroad needs
Oslo is the capital of Norway. It is known for its excellent quality of life, top-notch services, and strong economy. But it’s also one of the most expensive cities in the world. For a single person, the cost of living in Oslo is approximately NOK 12,891 per month, excluding rent, but it can vary depending on the city and lifestyle.
Oslo offers efficient public services, excellent healthcare, and a strong economy. However, the cost of accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment can be high, indicating Norway’s strong economy and high wages. It’s essential to know the costs and plan your budget accordingly. In this blog post, we will show the cost of living in Oslo in various parameters. So, let’s take a look at Oslo expenses.
This Blog Includes:
Overview of Cost of Living in Oslo
You are moving to Oslo and are curious about the cost of living there, as it offers an exceptional quality of life for travellers and residents alike. The cost of living in Oslo for a person is approximately NOK 28,000 per month, including rent, whereas, for a family of 4 members, it is around NOK 69,500 near the city centre.
Here, we have given the general breakdown of the average cost of living in Oslo in different categories. Have a look for estimating your budget:
An average single person in Oslo spends about NOK 14,551 per month excluding rent. The cost of living in Oslo remains among the highest in Europe due to elevated housing, food, and service expenses.
Overall monthly costs, including rent, generally range between NOK 30,000 to NOK 40,000 for a single resident, while families often spend NOK 60,000 to NOK 80,000 depending on lifestyle and location.
The table below outlines the general monthly expenses for residents in Oslo.
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| Single Person (excluding rent) | NOK 14,551 |
| Family of Four (excluding rent) | NOK 51,949 |
| Single Person (including rent) | NOK 30,000 to NOK 40,000+ |
| Family of Four (including rent) | NOK 60,000 to NOK 80,000+ |
Cost of Rent in Oslo
An average person in Oslo pays between NOK 15,260 to NOK 17,759 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. Rent is the largest monthly expense and significantly affects the overall cost of living. Prices vary based on location, apartment size, and amenities.
Below is the estimated monthly rent for different apartment types in Oslo.
| Apartment Location | Approx Monthly Rent (NOK) |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | NOK 15,260 to NOK 17,759 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | NOK 12,000 to NOK 14,664 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | NOK 23,200 to NOK 27,209 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | NOK 17,000 to NOK 21,755 |
Source: Numbeo
Also Read: Cost of Living in Durham: A Comprehensive Guide
Cost of Grocery in Oslo
An average single person in Oslo spends around NOK 4,000 to NOK 6,000 per month on groceries. Grocery expenses form a major share of the monthly budget due to high import costs, local production standards, and taxation on food items. Monthly food costs increase based on dietary choices, cooking habits, and shopping preferences.
The table below presents estimated grocery expenses for individuals and families in Oslo.
Estimated Monthly Grocery Costs
| Category | Average Monthly Cost |
| Single Person (basic grocery budget) | NOK 4,000 to NOK 6,000 |
| Single Person (recommended minimum) | NOK 5,149 |
| Family of Four | NOK 15,000 to NOK 20,000+ |
Average Grocery Prices in Oslo
| Grocery Item | Average Price |
| Milk (1 litre) | NOK 23.85 |
| Fresh White Bread (500g) | NOK 35.20 |
| Rice (1 kg) | ~NOK 35 |
| Eggs (12) | NOK 50.20 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | ~NOK 140 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | ~NOK 156 |
| Beef (1 kg) | ~NOK 324 |
| Apples (1 kg) | ~NOK 35 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | ~NOK 26 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | ~NOK 33 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | ~NOK 52 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | ~NOK 26 |
| Onions (1 kg) | ~NOK 27 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | NOK 27.94 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 litre) | NOK 23.30 |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of Utilities in Oslo
An average household in Oslo spends around NOK 3,224 per month on basic utilities for an 85m² apartment. Utility expenses form a significant part of monthly living costs due to high electricity usage for heating during colder months. Costs vary based on apartment size, insulation, consumption patterns, and seasonal demand.
The table below outlines the estimated monthly utility expenses in Oslo.
Average Monthly Utility Costs in Oslo
| Utility Component | Approximate Monthly Cost (NOK) | Notes / Range (NOK) |
| Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | NOK 3,224 | Average; NOK 1,500 to NOK 6,000 depending on usage and season |
| Electricity (major cost component) | Varies by consumption | Spot price ~57 øre/kWh excl. taxes; fixed price ~40 øre/kWh excl. VAT |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited, 60 Mbps+) | NOK 543 | Range: NOK 350 to NOK 899 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Calls and 10GB+ data) | NOK 307 | Range: NOK 200 to NOK 500 |
Estimated Monthly Utility Spending by Household Type
| Household Type | Estimated Monthly Cost (NOK) |
| Single person or couple (small apartment) | NOK 2,000 to NOK 4,000 |
| Family or larger apartment | NOK 3,500 to NOK 6,000 |
Cost of Transportation in Oslo
An average resident in Oslo spends between NOK 778–1,019 per month on public transportation. Transportation in Oslo is efficient and well-connected through an integrated network of metro, buses, trams, and ferries operated within a zone-based system.
Public transport remains the most cost-effective option for daily commuting, while private vehicle ownership significantly increases monthly expenses due to fuel, tolls, and parking charges.
The table below outlines the estimated transportation costs in Oslo.
Estimated Monthly Transportation Costs
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (NOK) |
| Public Transport Monthly Pass (Zone 1) | NOK 778 to NOK 1,019 |
| Occasional Public Transport Users | NOK 500 to NOK 1,500+ |
| Car Expenses (fuel, parking, tolls) | NOK 2,000 to NOK 4,000+ |
Public Transport Ticket Prices in Oslo (Zone 1)
| Ticket Type | Adult Price (NOK) | Notes |
| Single / One-Way Ticket | NOK 44 | Valid for 60 minutes with transfers |
| 24-Hour Ticket | NOK 135 to NOK 150 | Unlimited rides for 24 hours |
| 7-Day Ticket | NOK 330 to NOK 400 | Unlimited travel for 7 days |
| 30-Day / Monthly Pass | NOK 778 to NOK 1,019 | Standard adult Zone 1 pass |
| Annual Pass (365 days) | ~NOK 10,000+ | Cost-effective long-term option |
| Child / Youth Ticket | NOK 338 | Discounted fares for ages 6 to 19 |
| Student Pass (under 30) | NOK 612 | Reduced monthly fare |
| Senior (67+) | NOK 510 | Concession fare for seniors |
Source: Numbeo
Also Read: Cost of Living in Scotland: A Guide on Expected Expenses
Average Tuition Fees in Oslo
An average international student in Oslo pays between NOK 67,000 to NOK 400,000 per year in tuition fees. Tuition fees vary by institution type, study level, and academic discipline. Public universities charge fees primarily for non-EU/EEA students, while EU/EEA students and certain exempted categories pay only a semester registration fee. Private institutions charge tuition for all students.
The table below outlines the estimated annual tuition fees at major universities in Oslo.
Tuition Fee Overview in Oslo
| Institution Type | Average Annual Tuition Fee (NOK) |
| Public Universities (non-EU/EEA students) | NOK 130,000 to NOK 400,000+ |
| Private Institutions | NOK 100,000 to NOK 150,000+ |
| Semester Registration Fee (all students) | ~NOK 300 to NOK 600 per semester |
| PhD Programs | Usually tuition-free |
Tuition Fees at Major Universities in Oslo
| Institution | Program Examples | Annual Tuition Fee |
| University of Oslo (UiO) | Master’s in Asia/Middle East Studies | NOK 198,000 to NOK 204,000 |
| University of Oslo (UiO) | Science, Engineering, and Other Master’s | NOK 198,000 to NOK 286,000 |
| OsloMet (Oslo Metropolitan University) | International Development, Social Policy | ~NOK 67,000 |
| OsloMet | IT, Engineering, Product Design | ~NOK 95,000 |
| BI Norwegian Business School | Bachelor of Business Administration, Data Science | ~NOK 138,400 |
| BI Norwegian Business School | Various Master’s Programs | Varies by program |
Estimated Annual Tuition by Study Level
| Study Level | Average Annual Tuition Fee (NOK) |
| Bachelor’s Degree | NOK 100,000 to NOK 150,000+ |
| Master’s Degree | NOK 130,000 to NOK 400,000+ |
| MBA / Specialised Programs | NOK 150,000 to NOK 300,000+ |
Things to Consider Before Moving to Oslo
Moving to Oslo requires careful preparation beyond budgeting and accommodation planning. The city offers high academic standards, strong public infrastructure, and a safe living environment for international students. However, understanding healthcare access, climate conditions, quality of life, and employment opportunities helps students adapt smoothly.
The following tables present key considerations for students planning to move to Oslo.
Healthcare System in Oslo
| Category | Important Details |
| EU/EEA/Swiss Students | Access public healthcare using European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with small co-payments |
| Non-EU/EEA Students (less than 1 year stay) | Not automatically covered under National Insurance Scheme; private insurance required |
| Non-EU/EEA Students (degree programs over 1 year) | Eligible for National Insurance Scheme after residency registration |
| Emergency Healthcare | Available to all residents and students |
| Dental Care | Mostly private and expensive; not fully covered |
| Requirement for Study Permit | Proof of private health insurance and financial support required |
Quality of Life and Happiness
| Factor | Details |
| Global Happiness Ranking | Norway consistently ranks among top 10 globally |
| Key Contributing Factors | Social support, equality, safety, work-life balance |
| Urban Living Benefits | Green spaces, clean environment, strong public services |
| Student Experience | Inclusive society, outdoor lifestyle, safe city environment |
Weather in Oslo
| Season | Average Temperature | Important Conditions |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 0°C to -10°C | Snowfall, short daylight hours |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 5°C to 15°C | Melting snow, longer days |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 18°C to 22°C | Mild weather, long daylight hours |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 5°C to 10°C | Rainfall, cooler temperatures |
Part-Time Jobs for Students in Oslo
| Category | Details of Time Jobs for Students in Oslo |
| Work Hours (Non-EU/EEA Students) | Up to 20 hours/week during semester; full-time during holidays |
| Work Hours (EU/EEA Students) | No official hourly limit |
| Average Hourly Pay | NOK 150 to NOK 200+ per hour |
| Common Student Jobs | Retail, cafes, hospitality, campus roles, tutoring |
| Job Search Platforms | NAV job portal, Finn.no, LinkedIn, university career centres |
| Language Requirement | English sufficient for some roles; Norwegian improves opportunities |
Living in Oslo offers international students a secure and academically enriching environment supported by strong public services and a high standard of living. Careful financial planning, understanding healthcare access, and preparing for seasonal weather help students adjust smoothly to daily life in the city. Reliable public transport, part-time work opportunities, and a safe social environment support a balanced academic experience. With proper preparation and awareness of local systems, students can build a comfortable and rewarding life while pursuing education in Oslo.
Relevant Reads:
FAQs
Answer: The cost of living in Oslo, for a family of four, is estimated monthly at approximately NOK 121,202, and this is without rent. Moreover, if we look for a single person, it is estimated monthly at approximately NOK 33,886.
Answer: Oslo is an attractive place for foreigners due to its lower cost of living. The average cost of living in Oslo is 22.5% less expensive than the average cost of living in the United States for expats.
Answer: The basic salary in Oslo is around NOK 44,665 per month. However, the cost of living in Oslo can be relatively affordable compared to other cities, and you can save money after your expenses.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Oslo. 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.
60,000+ students trusted us with their dreams. Take the first step today!