The cost of living in Norway is high compared to most countries, but so are wages. A single person typically spends 20,000–28,000 kronor per month on housing, food, electricity and transport.

This article shows what things cost in practice, so you can plan your budget before or after moving to Norway. At SamfunnPrep we help newcomers with practical knowledge about life in Norway, in addition to practice for the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven.

What does housing and rent cost in Norway?

Housing is the largest expense for most people in Norway. An average flat in Oslo cost almost 20,000 kronor per month in 2025, while Bergen, Stavanger and Sandnes were around 18,000 kronor, according to SSB's rental market survey. In Trondheim the average was just over 15,000 kronor, and in rural areas you could rent for as little as 7,450 kronor per month. The price depends heavily on city, size and standard.

When you rent, you usually have to pay a deposit (often up to three months' rent) into a blocked deposit account, which is protected when you move. If you have low income, you can apply for housing allowance from the municipality. Read more about the scheme in housing allowance in 2026.

Electricity, internet and fixed bills

Electricity is a major expense in winter, but the state covers much of the bill when prices rise. From 2026, households can choose Norgespris, a fixed price of 50 øre per kWh including VAT, regardless of where in the country you live. If you do not choose Norgespris, you automatically get state electricity support when the spot price exceeds approximately 77 øre per kWh (without VAT) — the state then covers 90 percent of the excess, up to 5,000 kWh consumption per month (regjeringen.no).

In addition, there is mobile and internet, which often costs between 500 and 800 kronor combined per month, and contents insurance, which typically runs 100–300 kronor per month. Contents insurance is not legally required, but is strongly recommended — it covers, among other things, fire, water damage and theft. You can change electricity supplier at any time, without binding or fees, and the price comparison portal strompris.no from the Consumer Council shows which agreement is cheapest where you live.

How much do food and groceries cost?

Food is more expensive in Norway than in most neighboring countries, but the price varies a lot between chains. A single adult who cooks at home usually spends between 3,500 and 5,000 kronor per month on groceries, depending on diet and how much you eat out. Discount chains like Kiwi, Rema 1000 and Extra are cheaper than Meny and Coop Obs, and own brands ("first price", "kjekt & billig") often cost 20–30 percent less than well-known brands.

The consumer research institute SIFO at OsloMet has a free calculator where you can see typical household expenses, tailored to age and family size. It is useful when you are setting up a realistic budget before moving. If you eat out, a simple dinner at a restaurant easily costs 200–300 kronor per person, so most people save a lot by cooking at home.

Transport: public or own car?

Public transport is cheaper than owning a car for most people living in cities. A monthly pass in a major city usually costs between 700 and 900 kronor, and many municipalities offer discounts to students, young people and low-income households. If you live in a major city, you can often manage completely without a car.

Owning a car is more expensive: insurance, tolls, parking and depreciation add up on top of the purchase price itself. Most larger cities have toll systems, where you pay a fee automatically each time you drive through, with both electric and fossil fuel cars. Norway has one of the highest shares of electric cars in the world because electric cars have lower taxes and tolls than petrol and diesel cars. If you live in a rural municipality without good public transport, a car is still often necessary.

What is a typical salary in Norway – and what do you have left after tax?

The median salary for a full-time employee in Norway was 55,800 kronor per month before tax in 2025, while the average was 62,070 kronor, according to SSB. The median gives a more realistic picture, since a few high salaries pull the average up.

Tax is deducted automatically through your tax card. In 2026, it consists of ordinary income tax at 22 percent, progressive tax from 1.7 to 17.7 percent depending on income, and social security contribution at 7.6 percent for those between 17 and 69 years old (Skatteetaten). Combined, this gives an effective tax of around 24–27 percent for a typical annual salary of 500,000–600,000 kronor. Remember to file your tax return each year, even though most of it is pre-filled.

Is Norway as expensive as people say?

Norway is expensive compared to most countries, but wages and welfare schemes make up for much of it. School, university and most healthcare services cost little or nothing compared to countries without a strong public safety net. This means household budgets often work out better than you first think. Many newcomers are also surprised at how much is free or heavily subsidized, such as health clinics for children, libraries and introduction programs — topics that SamfunnPrep also covers.

If you are planning family immigration, you should also know that UDI requires future income from the sponsor. The requirement increased to 3.2 times the National Insurance basic amount from 1 February 2026 for applications registered after 1 February 2025 — approximately 65,000 kronor higher than before. For 2025, the requirement for previous income was 345,914 kronor before tax (UDI). Always check the current amount before applying, as it is adjusted every year.

How to keep your expenses down as a newcomer

Some simple habits will save you a lot of money in the first months. Buy furniture and clothes second-hand on Finn.no or at Fretex, compare electricity suppliers before you sign, and avoid unnecessary subscriptions. Open a Norwegian bank account early — it gives you BankID and better interest rates than using foreign cards. Read how in open a bank account in Norway.

It also pays to keep a budget from day one, see personal finance in Norway for a practical introduction. Many of the topics in this article — salary, tax and public schemes — are also part of the curriculum for the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven. Ready to practice? Try SamfunnPrep for free.