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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:
Cost of Rent in Oslo
An average person in Oslo pays about NOK 15,341 for rent in the city centre. The cost of rent in Oslo varies depending on your budget and lifestyle, and they can influence the cost of living in the city. Here’s what you can expect to pay for renting an apartment, whether it’s in the city centre or outside of it:
| Apartment Location | Approx Monthly Rent |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | NOK 15,341 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | NOK 12,259 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | NOK 23,236 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | NOK 17,769 |
Source: Numbeo
Also Read: Cost of Living in Durham: A Comprehensive Guide
Cost of Grocery in Oslo:
The average cost of groceries in Oslo is around NOK 1300 per month, including various products such as bread, milk, water, vegetables, fruits and other items. The cost of groceries can impact the cost of living in Oslo as it is a daily expense. Below, we have given the list of a few grocery items with their cost in Oslo:
| Grocery Item | Approx cost |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | NOK 22 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | NOK 33 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | NOK 32 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | NOK 46 |
| Apples (1kg) | NOK 32 |
| Banana (1kg) | NOK 22 |
| Oranges (1kg) | NOK 30 |
| Tomato (1kg) | NOK 50 |
| Potato (1kg) | NOK 21 |
| Onion (1kg) | NOK 23 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | NOK 26 |
| Water (1.5 litre bottle) | NOK 20 |
| meat, egg, drinks and Other items | NOK 950 |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of Utilities in Oslo
The typical monthly utility expenses for an expat in Oslo amount to approximately NOK 1,848, representing a relatively modest portion of the overall cost of living in Oslo. These utility costs cover electricity, gas, a mobile subscription, and internet services. For easy reference, a breakdown of the cost of utility in Oslo is provided in the table below:
| Utility Type | Approx Monthly Cost |
| Basic Utility such as Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage (for 85m2 Apartment) | NOK 1,848 |
| Monthly Plan of Mobile Phone (with Calls & 10GB+ Data) | NOK 376 |
| Internet (60+ Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | NOK 490 |
Cost of Transportation in Oslo
If you travel daily for work or studies in Oslo, a monthly ticket is around NOK 853 for a single person. The cost of transportation comes under the overall cost of living in Oslo. It offers a diverse range of local transportation options, including city and regional buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, metro (T-bane), and ferry services. Here are various modes of transportation with their fare costs:
| Mode of Transport | Approx Monthly Cost |
| One-way Ticket(Local Transport) | NOK 40 |
| Monthly Pass(Regular Price) | NOK 853 |
| Taxi Start(Normal Tariff) | NOK 100 |
| Taxi 1km(Normal Tariff) | NOK 15.74 |
| Taxi 1 hour Waiting(Normal Tariff) | NOK 520 |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | NOK 22.24 |
Source: Numbeo
Also Read: Cost of Living in Scotland: A Guide on Expected Expenses
Average Tuition Fees in Oslo
Along with the Average cost of living in Oslo, it is essential to know the average tuition fees for higher education. Earlier, all students could study tuition-free in Oslo, but from autumn 2023, non-European students who study in Norway for their full degree have to pay a fee.
Yearly tuition fees for universities in Oslo start at around NOK 125,000 and go up to around NOK 380,000. Tuition fees in Oslo vary significantly depending on the university, the program of study, and other factors, so it’s crucial to weigh these factors when deciding. Here in the table below, we have given the average tuition fee along with universities names:
| Universities in Oslo | Approx Tuition Fees per year |
| Oslo Metropolitan University | NOK 190,000 to NOK 370,000 |
| University of Oslo | NOK 180,000 to NOK 260,000 |
| BI Norwegian Business School | NOK 125,000 to NOK 164,600 |
Things to Consider Before Moving to Oslo
While figuring out the cost of living in Oslo as a student, there are a few more essential things to consider. Oslo is a great city for international students, offering lots of opportunities to do well in your studies and enjoy living abroad. Here are some of the things you need to consider:
Health care system in Oslo
Healthcare in Norway is universal, meaning everyone is automatically enrolled and has access to medical services after three months of residency. While not free, taxes cover expenses, including copayments for services and prescriptions. For private medical care, you should buy insurance.
Happiest City
Norway ranked fifth happiest globally in the 2020 World Happiness Report. Its two major cities, Oslo and Bergen, are among the world’s top seven happiest cities. This is due to the country’s strong social support system, freedom, generosity, high average income, life expectancy, and welfare programs promoting kindness and equality.
Weather In Oslo
In Norway, each season highlights its unique beauty, from snowy winters to blooming springs and warm summers. Travellers can use tools like Triptile to plan diverse journeys and create unforgettable adventures. Winter is ideal for skiing and enjoying magical Christmas markets, while spring offers melting snow and scenic walks. Summer provides outdoor fun with warm weather and long days, and fall is perfect for sightseeing before winter arrives. It is an amazing place to live apart from the affordable cost of living.
Part-Time Job In Oslo for Students
Oslo has terrific career opportunities. Students can work part-time for only 20 hours a week during college time and full-time during holidays. The basic salary here is around 150–160 NOK/hour.
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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.
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