Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, but salaries are high too. The useful question is not “is it expensive?” but “what will my month look like?” This guide gives you the official numbers we could verify, city by city, so you can build your own budget.
Prices change every year. Figures below were checked in October 2026 against Statistics Norway (SSB), NTNU, AtB and Ruter. Always confirm on the official site before you decide.
In this article
Rent: the biggest cost
Housing is where cities differ most. These are the average monthly rents from Statistics Norway’s rental survey for 2025 (published December 2025):
| Area | 1-room flat | 2-room flat |
|---|---|---|
| Oslo and Bærum | NOK 10,090 | NOK 15,260 |
| Bergen | NOK 7,510 | NOK 11,870 |
| Trondheim | not listed | NOK 11,850 |
| Stavanger | not listed | NOK 11,400 |
| Norway (average) | NOK 8,770 | NOK 11,790 |
Most rentals are listed on finn.no and hybel.no. The law caps the deposit at six months’ rent, and it goes into a separate deposit account. Electricity is often paid on top and costs more in winter. See our guide to finding a long-term rental in Norway.
A student budget
NTNU, the university in Trondheim, publishes its own planning figures for students: a single room with shared bath and kitchen costs NOK 4,500 to 6,500 a month plus utilities, food at least NOK 3,600 a month, and public transport at least NOK 500 a month. Add the NOK 700 semester fee to SiT each term. Together, rent, food and transport come to roughly NOK 8,600 to 10,600 a month before utilities, phone and leisure.
Students up to age 34 get 40% off the AtB 30-day pass in Trondheim. Read the full Living in Trondheim guide for the details.
Transport and family costs
- Oslo: a 30-day adult ticket for zone 1 with Ruter costs NOK 655 in October 2026.
- Kindergarten: the national maximum price is NOK 1,200 a month for a full-time place in 2026.
Pay and tax: the other side of the budget
The average monthly salary for a full-time job was NOK 62,070 in 2025 according to Statistics Norway. See average salary in Norway for the sector breakdown. For 2026 the main tax rates are 22% on ordinary income and 7.6% national insurance, plus bracket tax from NOK 226,100 of gross income. Without a tax card your employer must withhold 50%, so order your skattekort early.
How to keep costs down
- Cook at home and bring a packed lunch (matpakke), as most Norwegians do.
- Use the student discount on transport if you qualify.
- Choose a smaller city or a room in a shared flat: the table above shows Bergen and Trondheim are cheaper than Oslo.
- Sort your data plan before you land. See our comparison of the best eSIMs for travelers (affiliate links, disclosed on that page).
- Learn Norwegian: it widens the jobs you can apply for. Start with the free Norwegian course.
Watch: what life costs in Norway
Two expat videos give a personal view of the same question. Prices change every year, so use them for the picture, and use the official figures above for the numbers.
Video: “COST OF LIVING IN NORWAY – how expensive it really is”, on YouTube.
Video: “Will Your Salary be Enough to Live in Norway?”, on YouTube.
FAQ
Is Norway the most expensive country in Europe?
It is one of the most expensive. Prices are high, but so are average salaries, so compare both before you decide.
Which Norwegian city is cheapest to rent in?
In the 2025 Statistics Norway figures above, Oslo and Bærum are the most expensive. Bergen, Trondheim and Stavanger are lower for a 2-room flat. Smaller towns are cheaper still, so check SSB’s regional tables.
How much money do I need before I move?
Plan for the rental deposit plus two to three months of living costs, and remember that your first salary may be taxed at 50% if your tax card is not ready.
Plan your move the smart way
Mondosol is an education company: we teach you to do this on your own. Read the complete guide to moving to Norway, the city guides for Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim, or visit the Live in Norway hub and the Travel hub. Get every course with Mondosol+, browse the Norway guides, or book a relocation call with Elio.
Sources: Statistics Norway (SSB) rental survey 2025 and earnings statistics 2025; NTNU practical information for students; AtB student tickets; Ruter; Skatteetaten. Checked October 2026.
