Pros and Cons of Moving to Norway

Exploring the pros and cons of living in Norway reveals why this Scandinavian gem remains irresistible to expats worldwide. Even the rainy weather can’t dampen the high quality of life you’ll experience here. The 2024 World Happiness Report ranks Norway 7th globally, confirming what many expats discover – life in Norway offers a remarkable balance despite a few challenges.

We’ve listed a few pros and cons of moving to Norway below.

Accommodation in Norway

+ PRO: Quality housing

Norwegians take a lot of pride in their homes, and the market is full of well-maintained houses and apartments that make for a high standard of living. Many homes are bright and have all the modern-day conveniences you could wish for.

- CON: High real estate prices

Accommodation in Norway hits your wallet hard. Renting and buying property is extremely pricey, gobbling up a massive chunk of your budget if you don’t have company support.

+ PRO: Furnished accommodation is available

Many rental properties come furnished with modern and clean furniture, and they often look like they’re right off the pages of an IKEA catalogue. Landlords are usually willing to replace furniture you aren’t happy with, and should you need to buy your own, there are plenty of options.

Renting Accommodation in Norway

Lifestyle in Norway

+ PRO: Plenty of outdoor activities

If you enjoy the outdoors, Norway is most definitely the place to be. Hiking, camping and fishing are all part of the Norwegian lifestyle, and the opportunities are endless. Walking and cycling paths are abundant throughout Norway, allowing you to maintain an active lifestyle. Sports teams and gyms are easy to find.

- CON: The weather is hard to bear

Rain and wind often go hand in hand in coastal Norway, and the winter temperatures in the interior and northern parts of the country are enough to give even the hardiest arrivals the shivers.

+ PRO: Clean environment

The lifestyle in Norway includes living in some of the cleanest cities you’ll ever see. Norwegians take serious pride in keeping their surroundings pristine. Recycling isn’t just encouraged – it’s woven into daily life. The country earned the world’s number two spot for green policies in 2024, and they’re dead set on cutting carbon emissions by 55 percent before 2030.

+ PRO: Norway is picturesque

Norway’s jaw-dropping natural landscapes leave visitors speechless. From fjords cutting into dramatic coastlines to snow-capped mountain peaks, the scenery alone is worth braving the weather for. You’ll find yourself constantly reaching for your camera.

Weather in Norway

Eating out in Norway

+ PRO: Good selection and quality

While there isn’t the massive amount of cuisines and diversity of eateries you may be used to in North America, for instance, it’s generally possible to find just about everything you might want or need. Norwegian restaurants pride themselves on using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, making dining out a genuinely enjoyable experience.

- CON: Dining out is expensive

Save restaurant outings for special occasions – your wallet will thank you. A dinner for two can break the bank thanks to pricey ingredients, high wages, steep rents, and Norway’s hefty 25 percent VAT on food and drinks.

+ PRO: Growing food culture

Norway’s food scene is evolving, with food halls like Oslo’s Mathallen offering diverse culinary experiences in one location. Major cities increasingly feature international cuisines alongside traditional Norwegian fare.

Safety in Norway

+ PRO: Security is not an issue

Norway is a very safe country with a consistently low crime rate. Kids walk themselves to and from school, and people often leave their doors unlocked. While it’s always good to take standard precautions, you typically won’t worry about safety issues. Cities like Bergen maintain exceptionally low crime rates, and Norway ranks among the top 25 safest countries globally. The country has seen a decrease in criminal offences over the past decade.

Working and doing business in Norway

+ PRO: Family first

Working in Norway means that the family takes the front seat. Nobody bats an eye when you duck out early to fetch the kids from football practice. The parental leave would make most countries blush – new parents can choose between 49 weeks at full pay or a whopping 61 weeks at 80 percent. Both options now offer identical total payouts. The system sets aside specific time for mums and dads alike, encouraging hands-on parenting from both.

+ PRO: Short working hours

Norwegians work 7.5 hours per day and generally no more. You are not expected to answer emails or work in the evenings or on weekends.

+ PRO: Holidays

If on a local working contract, you’ll enjoy five weeks of leave per year, in addition to the national holidays throughout the year. These generous holiday allowances are part of Norway’s strong emphasis on work-life balance, which consistently ranks among the best in Europe.

+ PRO: Big company perks

A lot of large companies offer many perks to their employees, including company cabins, discounted fees to athletic clubs and golf courses and subsidised cafeterias at the workplace.

- CON: Working pace

Adjusting to the slower Norwegian pace of work can be a bit of a challenge for expats coming from a culture with an emphasis on work.

Working in Norway

Local culture in Norway

+ PRO: Little culture shock

The Norwegian culture is relatively easy to integrate into, and the fact that many Norwegians speak excellent English makes it even easier. In fact, you can often work in Norway speaking only English, especially in larger cities and international companies.

- CON: Locals can be misunderstood

Some complain that they find the Norwegian people a little cold and perhaps even unfriendly, but it just takes a bit of time for them to warm up to new people. Norwegians are known for their reserved nature and adherence to social norms, which can initially seem distant to newcomers from more outgoing cultures.

+ PRO: Strong values of equality and fairness

Norway puts fairness and human rights front and centre. The country walks the talk on diversity and inclusion, making it easier for expats to fit in once they crack the cultural code.

Norwegian Culture

Cost of living in Norway

- CON: Life in Norway is expensive

The cost of living in Norway stings. Almost everything comes with an eye-watering price tag. Norway runs about 27 percent pricier than neighbouring Sweden, which is why locals still flock across the border for shopping hauls. Food costs drive most of this border-hopping, especially for meat and dairy.

Cost of Living in Norway

Healthcare in Norway

+ PRO: Exceptional healthcare for all

Norwegian healthcare stands out for its high quality. Your general doctor visits are covered under the national system, although dentists still cost extra. Norwegians live long, healthy lives thanks to top-notch medical care and smart public health policies. Children under 18 get free dental care, while adults pay privately.

- CON: Bureaucracy and waiting times in the healthcare system

The Norwegian healthcare system is run by the book. You’ll need a referral from your family doctor to see any specialist, and the wait can drag on. Many locals either go private or head abroad when they need non-critical treatment quickly.

Healthcare and Medical Insurance in Norway

Education and schools in Norway

+ PRO: Free post-secondary education for EU/EEA students

Norway offers all EU/EEA and Swiss students free college and university education. As of 2023, non-EU/EEA international students must pay tuition fees, although these remain significantly lower than in countries like the UK, the USA, or Canada. Students typically only take loans for living expenses and boarding costs.

+ PRO: Quality public education

Norway places great importance on education, and the public system reflects this, with exceptional student results and an emphasis on inclusion in the public education system.

Education and Schools in Norway