Cost of Living in Stavanger

The cost of living in Stavanger is high, but you needn’t worry, as salaries are usually high 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 its citizens.

Cost of accommodation in Stavanger

The housing market in Stavanger is competitive and expensive. With that in mind, accommodation will likely be your biggest expense in the city. Price-conscious new arrivals typically search for housing in the areas and suburbs further out of the city centre. 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.

You should note that utility costs in Stavanger are pretty hefty, particularly during the cold Norwegian winters.

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 is unnecessary if you live close to transport links. That said, you would benefit from having a car if you would like to explore the fjords further out or if you don't live near a bus stop. However, this option is quite pricey as petrol costs in the city are steep. Norway charges road, carbon and sales taxes, which make up almost half of the price at the pumps.

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. You should know that enjoying these gourmet pleasures is not cheap, as Norway's food prices are notoriously high. You will have to budget carefully to appreciate these delights without breaking the bank.

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

Cost of education in Stavanger

Education in Stavanger and throughout Norway is either free or heavily subsidised for legal residents and citizens. Expat parents with young children can send their tots to public schools where the language of instruction is Norwegian, with English as a mandatory foreign language. Norway also offers language tuition classes for non-native students, making public schools a viable option for expats.

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

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 most of these services are either free or heavily subsidised, some out-of-pocket costs remain for services like prescription drugs and certain 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 UK and the US, you should consider health insurance to manage costs effectively when opting for private care. The presence of Stavanger University Hospital and various clinics like Aleris Stavanger and Stavanger Medical Centre ensures a wide range of healthcare services are readily accessible.