Cost of Living in Stavanger

The cost of living in Stavanger is high, but above-average salaries are usually enough to offset costs. Norway also offers a host of social welfare benefits, which contribute to reducing the cost of living and improving the quality of life for residents.

Cost of accommodation in Stavanger

The housing market in Stavanger is competitive and expensive. With that in mind, accommodation will likely be your most significant expense in the city. Price-conscious new arrivals typically search for housing in less centrally located suburbs and areas. You might opt to live in nearby Sandnes to save on costs and get better value for money in terms of property size. If you prefer convenience to affordability, however, you will find a range of accommodation options in the city centre.

It’s worth noting that utility costs in Stavanger can be quite hefty, particularly during the cold Norwegian winters.

Renting Expat Accommodation in Stavanger
Best Areas and Suburbs in Stavanger

Cost of transport in Stavanger

Although public transport in Stavanger is efficient and reliable, it is by no means cheap. Stavanger has an extensive bus network and commuter rail lines that make getting around fairly easy. If you're looking to reduce your monthly travel costs, consider purchasing a monthly pass.

Owning a vehicle in Stavanger isn’t necessary, but can be beneficial if you don’t live near a bus stop or enjoy exploring the surrounding area in your own time. Norway charges road, carbon and sales taxes on fuel, making driving a pricey option.

Getting Around in Stavanger

Cost of groceries and eating out in Stavanger

With two Michelin-starred restaurants and a tantalising range of cuisines on offer, Stavanger is a foodie’s paradise. Enjoying these gourmet pleasures doesn’t come cheap, though, as Norway's food prices are notoriously high. Careful budgeting is essential to appreciate these delights without breaking the bank.

If you're looking to save on fresh produce and dairy products, try visiting local markets and shopping at discount supermarkets. Naturally, imported goods will incur a steeper cost, so stick to local products to get more bang for your buck.

Lifestyle in Stavanger

Cost of education in Stavanger

Education in Stavanger and throughout Norway is either free or heavily subsidised for legal residents and citizens. If you have young children, you can send them to a public school where the language of instruction is Norwegian, with English as a mandatory foreign language. Norway also offers language tuition classes for foreign students, making public schools a viable option.

If you would like your children to study an internationally recognised curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate programme, you can enrol them in the pricey but high-quality international schools available in the city. Thanks to the growing expat population in Stavanger, the selection of international schools in the city continues to expand.

Education and Schools in Stavanger

Cost of healthcare in Stavanger

In Stavanger, as in all of Norway, residents benefit from a robust public healthcare system that covers most medical expenses through the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme (NIS). This system offers access to comprehensive medical care, including primary, specialist, and hospital care. While healthcare is mostly either free or heavily subsidised, you may need to pay for certain services, prescription drugs or dental procedures.

Private healthcare facilities are also available if you're seeking quicker access to specialists or wishing to bypass potential waiting lists. Although competitively priced relative to the US, private healthcare in Norway is still fairly expensive. It’s best to take out health insurance to manage costs effectively.

Healthcare and Hospitals in Stavanger