How Much Money Is Needed Per Month to Live in Norway

The cost of living in Norway can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle, location, and personal circumstances. To give you a clearer idea, we will explore the typical monthly expenses and provide some general estimates. This article will help you understand the essentials you need to consider when planning your budget.

Monthly Living Costs in Norway

Let's break down the typical monthly living costs in Norway:

Housing

Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center:
- NOK 12,000 - 20,000 - Approximately USD 1,100 - 1,800
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center:
- NOK 8,000 - 15,000 - Approximately USD 700 - 1,400

Utilities

Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage:
- NOK 1,500 - 2,500 - Approximately USD 140 - 230

Groceries

Monthly grocery expenses:
- NOK 3,000 - 5,000 - Approximately USD 280 - 460

Transportation

Public transport pass:
- NOK 800 - 1,200 - Approximately USD 70 - 110

Dining Out

Average meal at a restaurant:
- NOK 200 - 400 - Approximately USD 18 - 36

Total Estimated Monthly Costs

Based on the above estimates, here are the total estimated monthly costs:

Low-end estimate:

NOK 25,000 Approximately USD 2,300

High-end estimate:

NOK 40,000 Approximately USD 3,700

Conclusion

For a comfortable lifestyle in Norway, especially in cities like Oslo or Bergen, you can expect to need between NOK 25,000 and NOK 40,000 per month. These are rough estimates, and actual costs can vary based on individual circumstances.

For a more tailored estimate, it is recommended to use cost of living comparison sites. Cost of Living is a reasonable estimate, providing a good indication of the average cost of living in Norway.

Living Costs in Specific Cities

Oslo, being the capital, is generally considered the most expensive city in Norway. Here's a breakdown of monthly average costs for an individual living in Oslo:

Food

By not eating out and not buying takeaway food more than once a week, you can spend around NOK1,500, plus or minus a few hundred. People who eat out often may spend 3x as much.

Alcohol

It’s incredibly expensive, so budget NOK 300 for it per month. If you don’t stick to a plan, you might end up spending thousands without realizing it.

Rent in Shared Apartment in Oslo

NOK 5,000 - 7,000 including bills

Household Items

NOK 100 per month

Clothes

I don't buy any. I get lots through clothes swaps and from moving people.

Public Transport

Average NOK 200 per month goes for tickets, as I use a bike and rarely take public transport.

Entertainment

I spend around NOK 600 a month on alcohol-free drinks in bars or concert tickets and entrance fees to parties.

Gym Membership

NOK 200 - 600 per month based on your preferences.

Mobile Package

Including 100 SMS, 100 minutes call, and 1 GB mobile data, the cheapest option is NOK 100 per month.

Other

Uncategorized items average around NOK 700 per month.

Taken together, these expenses provide a comprehensive picture of the average monthly living costs in Oslo, which is often considered one of the more expensive cities in Norway.