Finance

Cost of living in Norway: Food, transport, and more

We tell you what the cost of living in Norway will be in 2025. Find out the prices of accommodation, food, transport and medical insurance.

Is the cost of living in Norway really as high as people say? Everyone who considers moving or staying in this beautiful Nordic country asks the same question. And yes, it is high. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive places to live. But how expensive? What are the monthly expenses for one person?

To help you get a clear picture and decide if this destination suits you, we bring real price examples today. These include exact figures you’d pay for housing, food, or transport. Also for other essentials like healthcare or internet services. Join us and find out if it matches your budget.

In this article

1. Average cost of accommodation in Norway

Let’s get to it and start with the expense that will take most of your monthly budget: housing. If we said Norway ranks among the priciest countries to live in, a quick search on hotel or rental platforms proves it. Prices are considerably higher than in many European countries. Moreover, official figures show steady increases in recent years.

As in any destination, prices vary widely depending on where you live. You won’t pay the same in Oslo as in smaller cities like Stavanger or Trondheim. Nor if you choose suburban areas rather than staying in the heart of the capital.

1.1. Furnished apartment rentals

As mentioned, rental prices in Norway depend greatly on the city you choose. Still, they’re high everywhere. Oslo is the most expensive city, where monthly rents in exclusive areas can easily exceed €2,000 ($2,180). To give you a realistic idea, here are some examples from platforms like Finn.no or Hybel.no:

Oslo (centre and popular districts like Frogner or Majorstuen): from $2,200 (€2,030) per month.
Bergen and Stavanger: between $1,600 and $2,000 (€1,470 – 1,850) per month.
Trondheim and Tromsø: from $1,400 (€1,290) per month.
Small towns and suburban areas: from $1,200 (€1,100) per month.

1.2. Co-living spaces

We’ve already discussed in detail what coliving is and its advantages. However, in Norway it’s still less popular than in other European countries. There are some interesting choices for digital nomads and expats in Oslo or Bergen. They aren’t cheap either, but most services are included. Examples from LifeX, Cohabs or similar platforms:

Oslo and Bergen: between $1,500 and $2,200 (€1,380 – 2,030) per month.
Medium cities like Stavanger or Trondheim: from $1,300 (€1,200) per month.
Coliving in smaller towns: from $1,000 (€920) per month.

1.3. Airbnb

Thinking of something more temporary? Airbnb could be a solution. However, as in other European countries, rates rose sharply in recent years. Especially in peak seasons or big cities. Approximate prices you’ll find when searching:

Oslo and Bergen: from $120 to $200 (€110 – 185) per night.
Smaller cities: between $80 and $130 (€75 – 120) per night.
Estimated monthly rate in Oslo: between $3,500 and $5,500 (€3,230 – 5,070) per month.

1.4. Hotels

A quick look at Booking.com or other platforms shows that staying in a hotel isn’t cheap either. Even mid-range hotels charge high nightly rates. Here are some examples:

3-star hotels: from $150 to $220 (€140 – 200) per night in Oslo and Bergen.
4-star hotels: between $250 and $400 (€230 – 370) per night.
Hotels in smaller towns: from $120 (€110) per night.

2. Cost of living in Norway: food

That’s the biggest monthly expense. Now let’s check another essential category that takes a large part of your budget: food. It doesn’t matter if you plan to cook at home or enjoy meals out, you’ll find high prices everywhere. Higher than in almost any other European country. In fact, food prices increased by 5.90% recently.

Cost of living in Norway: food. Source: Shutterstock

2.1. Supermarket prices in Norway

If you want to reduce food costs, your best choice is shopping in supermarkets. These are some prices you’ll find in Rema 1000, Coop, Kiwi, or Meny, Norway’s most popular chains:

Milk (1 litre): 25 NOK ($2.27 / €2.17)
Eggs (dozen): 61 NOK ($5.54 / €5.29)
Chicken breast (1 kg): 84 NOK ($7.63 / €7.29)
Beef (1 kg): 293 NOK ($26.70 / €25.48)
Tomatoes (1 kg): 48 NOK ($4.36 / €4.24)
Local cheese (500 g): 100 NOK ($9.09 / €8.83)
Pasta (500 g): 32 NOK ($2.97 / €2.83)
Rice (1 kg): 32 NOK ($2.97 / €2.83)
Local beer (0.5 l): 40 NOK ($3.63 / €3.53)
Ground coffee (250 g): 43 NOK ($3.92 / €3.81)
Chocolate (100 g): 20 NOK ($1.81 / €1.77)

If you read our post about the cost of living in Spain in 2025, you’ll notice a significant difference in basic basket prices. To save, some Norwegians buy in bulk or shop at budget stores like Europris and Biltema.

2.2. Eating out costs

Would you like to enjoy local cuisine in restaurants or bars occasionally? Get your wallet ready, menus are pricey. Here are some examples:

Breakfast: coffee with a croissant or toast costs 50–80 NOK ($4.54 – 7.27 / €4.33 – €6.93). With eggs, juice, and coffee, expect 120–150 NOK ($10.90 – 13.63 / €10.40 – 12.99).
Lunch: in a restaurant with a daily menu, you’ll pay 213–250 NOK ($19.36 – 22.72 / €18.47 – 21.15) per person. Fast food? A burger menu with fries costs about 138 NOK ($12.54 / €11.97).
Dinner: in a mid-range restaurant with table service, prices range 350–500 NOK ($31.81 – 45.45 / €30.35 – 43.32) per person. Upscale places? Dinner can exceed 700 NOK ($63.63 / €60.64) per guest.

3. Transport prices in Norway

Another good indicator of Norway’s cost of living is transport. The country has excellent infrastructure. However, when comparing fares with other European nations, prices are noticeably higher.

3.1. Public transport

You won’t struggle to reach almost any corner of the country by public transport. Moving within cities is also simple. Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim run well-organised bus, tram, and metro systems. Although not cheap, fares remain reasonable. Some examples:

Single ticket: 40 NOK ($3.63 / €3.47), valid for 60 minutes in urban areas.
Monthly pass: 730 NOK ($66.36 / €63.30), unlimited travel within one specific zone.

3.2. Taxis and Uber in Norway

Prefer private transport? Prices are also high compared to other countries:

Taxi base fare: 95 NOK ($8.63 / €8.24).
Cost per extra kilometre: 14 NOK ($1.27 / €1.21).
10 km taxi ride: Around 235 NOK ($21.36 / €20.37).
Private transfer from Oslo Airport to city centre: from $150 (€137).

3.3. Fuel and EV charging

Norway enforces strict environmental policies, so petrol ranks among Europe’s most expensive. However, you’ll find an extensive EV charging network nationwide (over 400 public stations), with very affordable rates.

Petrol (95 octane): 22 NOK ($2.00 / €1.91).
Diesel: 20 NOK ($1.81 / €1.73).
Cost per kWh for EV charging: 1.5 NOK ($0.14 / €0.13).

3.4. Bike rentals

Many locals cycle in cities like Oslo and Bergen. It’s a cheap and eco-friendly option, although weather can be tricky. Rental prices vary depending on service and duration:

24-hour rental: 69 NOK ($6.27 / €6.00).
Monthly pass: 199 NOK ($18.09 / €17.25).
Annual pass: 499 NOK ($45.36 / €43.30).

3.5. Buying a car and insurance

Before closing this section, let’s check private vehicle prices. If you plan to buy a car, note they aren’t cheap. A Toyota Corolla costs around 360,000–450,000 NOK ($32,727 – $40,909 / €31,225 – 38,564).

You’ll also need insurance, usually between 6,000–15,000 NOK ($545 – $1,363 / €510 – €1,300) yearly.

Cost of living in Norway: transport. Source: Shutterstock

4. Healthcare costs in Norway

Doctors in Norway aren’t free for everyone. Although Norway’s public healthcare system is among the world’s best, both foreigners and locals must cover part of medical consultations and treatments. The system uses co-payments: patients cover expenses up to an annual limit. After that, they receive an exemption card covering further healthcare costs.

It’s wise to get health insurance for foreigners in Europe. Prices vary depending on coverage and services. A basic plan costs around 400–700 NOK (€35 – 60) monthly. A premium one reaches about 2,000 NOK (€170) per month. Consultations usually cost 300–400 NOK (€25 – 35).

A hospital stay per day may cost 4,000–8,000 NOK (€340 – 680). It’s best not to risk it, so take insurance.

5. Internet and mobile plan prices in Norway

This Scandinavian country offers one of the world’s best telecom infrastructures, with widespread 5G and fibre-optic coverage. But you must pay for quality. Let’s see how much you’d spend on internet and mobile services in Norway in 2025:

5.1. Fixed internet: prices and speeds

If you want home internet, Norway’s main providers offer fibre-optic and fixed 5G plans. Popular options include:

Telenor (fibre, up to 1 Gbps): from 599 NOK (€51) per month.
Altibox (fibre, up to 1 Gbps): from 649 NOK (€55) per month.
NextGenTel (5G home, no fibre installation): from 499 NOK (€42) per month.

5.2. Mobile plans: calls and data

Norwegian mobile plans often include unlimited data. Here are some options from the main providers:

Telenor FriData (unlimited data, calls and SMS in the EU): 599 NOK (€51) per month.
Telia X (100 GB, unlimited calls and SMS): 499 NOK (€42) per month.
Ice Mobil (40 GB, unlimited calls in Norway and the EU): 399 NOK (€34) per month.

5.3. Global internet plans

Planning to travel across Europe while staying in Norway? In that case, you might be more interested in a global internet plan. It will be more convenient for you than getting a local SIM. The monthly plans from Holafly are a great option, offering unlimited data for €64.90 ($67.90) in more than 170 countries.

All plans can be activated or cancelled anytime, with no contract. Plus, you’ll get 24/7 support in English.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Discover Holafly’s international unlimited eSIM & its benefits.

Buy Global eSIM

6. Cost of living in Norway: Leisure

Let’s finish this review by checking leisure prices in Norway. Entertainment isn’t cheap either. For instance, a theatre ticket at Oslo Opera costs 300–1,000 NOK (€25 – 85). A cinema ticket? Around 150–180 NOK (€13 – 15).

If you want a family day at an amusement park, expect to pay 499 NOK (€42) per general ticket. Visiting Kristiansand Zoo costs 460 NOK (€39) per adult.

You won’t want to leave Norway without visiting its top attractions. A fjord cruise, a must-do, costs around 600 NOK (€50). A guided Northern Lights tour in Tromsø ranges between 1,500–2,000 NOK (€130 – 170).

If you prefer subscribing to popular streaming platforms, you’ll find similar prices to other countries:

Netflix (standard plan without ads): 139 NOK (€12) per month.
Disney+: 99 NOK (€8.50) per month.
Spotify Premium: 129 NOK (€11) per month.
Amazon Prime Video: 89 NOK (€7.60) per month.
HBO Max: 129 NOK (€11) per month.

And that wraps up our 2025 review of Norway’s cost of living. With these examples, you can now picture how much you’d spend monthly in this amazing —and expensive— Nordic country. Still, its high prices come with outstanding quality of life. Before moving for good, don’t forget to check our post about taxes in Norway.