Cost of Living in Oslo

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The cost of living in Oslo is undeniably high, and it is considered one of Norway’s most expensive cities for expats. Mercer’s Cost of Living Survey for 2024 ranked Oslo as the 52nd most expensive city in the world (out of 226 cities surveyed).

One consolation is that high salaries offset some of these costs. Salaries in Oslo tend to be higher than in other Norwegian cities. You should carefully calculate your budget when planning a move to Oslo.

Cost of groceries in Oslo

As an expat moving to Oslo, you will likely experience ‘sticker shock’ when it comes to grocery shopping in Norway. Grocery prices in Norway can be steep.

Most fruits and vegetables are imported, making fresh produce pricier due to import taxes. Norway does have fish, meat, and dairy produce of its own, though, which makes these products slightly less expensive. Due to the exorbitant prices, many Norwegians drive over the border to Sweden to stock up on food supplies.

Cost of accommodation in Oslo

Accommodation is the most considerable expense in Oslo. Prices are high, but they get cheaper farther from the city centre. Costs vary greatly depending on the neighbourhood.

An apartment in more stylish areas such as Frogner and Majorstuen will be much more expensive than one in more affordable neighbourhoods such as Grønland and Grünerløkka. Electricity bills in the winter months can also significantly increase the cost of housing.

Cost of transport in Oslo

Oslo’s public transport i s expensive but highly efficient. Due to the high gasoline (petrol) prices, public transport is often the preferred mode of transit over driving. Cars are also quite pricey in the country, while maintenance fees can also be steep. That said, car ownership can be useful if you plan to explore the country with your family. Taxi rates aren’t regulated in Oslo, so tariffs per kilometre vary depending on the taxi company.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Oslo

Predictably, going out in Oslo is not a cheap affair. Cinema and theatre tickets are incredibly costly. Eating out frequently can put a significant dent in your budget, but if you are open to doing some research and venturing out to cheaper neighbourhoods, you can certainly find more budget-friendly options.

Though the prices of cocktails, coffee and fast-food meals frequently make foreigners cringe, the high quality of products may persuade you that, ultimately, it’s worth the money.

Cost of healthcare in Oslo

Public healthcare in Oslo is affordable, accessible and of excellent quality. If you are a legal Norwegian resident, you will have access to the country’s highly subsidised healthcare and will only need to pay a nominal fee after each doctor’s visit. Fortunately, Norway caps the amount that residents pay for annual GP visits, and patients who exceed it will receive an exemption card, allowing them to continue accessing basic healthcare at no additional cost.

In most major cities, waiting times for specialist appointments may be long in Oslo. With that in mind, you may consider purchasing a private health insurance policy to supplement the national health insurance. This can be costly if you choose the most comprehensive coverage.

Cost of education in Oslo

Education and schools in Oslo are high-quality and are freely available to local and expat children alike. The main drawback of public schools is that the primary language of instruction is Norwegian, with a compulsory foreign language, usually English. This makes it difficult for older expat children to flourish in public schools; therefore, parents not planning to stay in Oslo long-term typically send their children to international schools.

While these schools offer international curricula and a more comprehensive range of extracurricular activities, parents must be prepared to carefully manage their budgets to pay for the hefty fees associated with these institutions. If possible, we encourage you to negotiate an education allowance with your employers.