Cost of Living in Oslo

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The cost of living in Oslo is undeniably high, making it one of Norway’s most expensive cities for expats. Housing, dining, and everyday expenses can be costly, particularly in central areas.

One consolation is that high salaries help offset some of these costs. Wages in Oslo tend to be higher than in other Norwegian cities, making it possible to maintain a good standard of living. Expats should carefully calculate their budget when planning a move to Oslo to ensure they can manage their expenses comfortably.

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.

Renting Accommodation in Oslo

Cost of transport in Oslo

Oslo’s public transport is 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.

Getting Around in 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 high prices, many Norwegians drive over the border to Sweden to stock up on food supplies.

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.

Cost of healthcare in Oslo

Public healthcare in Oslo is affordable, accessible and of excellent quality. Residents of Norway 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 major cities, waiting times for specialist appointments may be long. With that in mind, you may consider purchasing a private health insurance policy to supplement the national health insurance.

Healthcare and Medical Insurance in Norway
Recommended Hospitals in Oslo

Cost of education in Oslo

Education and schools in Oslo are high quality. The main drawback of public schools is that the primary language of instruction is Norwegian. While younger children may be able to pick up the language, older children tend to have a harder time adjusting. In such cases, or if the family is only in Oslo for a limited time, international schools are often the best option.

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 high fees associated with these institutions.

Education and Schools in Oslo
Recommended International Schools in Oslo