Cost of Living in Oslo vs. Other Norwegian Cities: A Comprehensive Comparison

12 February، 2025

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Oslo, Norway’s capital and largest city, is known for its high cost of living, which often ranks among the most expensive cities in the world. However, other Norwegian cities like Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, and Tromsø offer a more affordable lifestyle while still providing access to excellent amenities and quality of life. Below, we break down the cost of living in Oslo compared to other major Norwegian cities.

1. Housing Costs

Housing is typically the largest expense for most people, and this is where Oslo stands out as the most expensive city in Norway.

Oslo

Rent:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: NOK 15,000–20,000/month (€1,400–€1,900).
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: NOK 12,000–16,000/month (€1,100–€1,500).
Buying Property:
- Average price per square meter: NOK 80,000–120,000 (€7,500–€11,300).

Bergen

Rent:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: NOK 12,000–16,000/month (€1,100–€1,500).
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: NOK 9,000–12,000/month (€850–€1,100).
Buying Property:
- Average price per square meter: NOK 60,000–90,000 (€5,600–€8,500).

Trondheim

Rent:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: NOK 10,000–13,000/month (€950–€1,200).
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: NOK 7,000–10,000/month (€650–€950).
Buying Property:
- Average price per square meter: NOK 45,000–70,000 (€4,200–€6,600).

Stavanger

Rent:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: NOK 11,000–15,000/month (€1,000–€1,400).
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: NOK 8,000–11,000/month (€750–€1,000).
Buying Property:
- Average price per square meter: NOK 50,000–80,000 (€4,700–€7,500).

Tromsø

Rent:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: NOK 10,000–14,000/month (€950–€1,300).
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: NOK 8,000–11,000/month (€750–€1,000).
Buying Property:
- Average price per square meter: NOK 40,000–60,000 (€3,800–€5,600).

2. Utilities

Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) are relatively consistent across Norway, though they may vary slightly depending on the size of your home and energy usage.

Monthly Utility Costs for an 85m² Apartment:
- Oslo: NOK 1,500–2,500 (€140–€230).
- Bergen: NOK 1,400–2,300 (€130–€220).
- Trondheim: NOK 1,300–2,200 (€120–€210).
- Stavanger: NOK 1,400–2,300 (€130–€220).
- Tromsø: NOK 1,600–2,600 (€150–€240). (Higher due to colder climate and heating costs.)

3. Groceries and Dining Out

Grocery prices are fairly similar across Norway, but dining out tends to be more expensive in Oslo due to its cosmopolitan nature.

Groceries (Monthly for One Person):

Oslo: NOK 4,000–5,000 (€380–€470).
Bergen: NOK 3,800–4,800 (€360–€450).
Trondheim: NOK 3,500–4,500 (€330–€420).
Stavanger: NOK 3,700–4,700 (€350–€440).
Tromsø: NOK 4,200–5,200 (€400–€490). (Higher due to transportation costs to northern Norway.)

Dining Out:

Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant:
- Oslo: NOK 180–250 (€17–€24).
- Bergen: NOK 160–230 (€15–€22).
- Trondheim: NOK 150–220 (€14–€21).
- Stavanger: NOK 160–230 (€15–€22).
- Tromsø: NOK 200–270 (€19–€25).
Three-Course Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant:
- Oslo: NOK 800–1,200 (€75–€110).
- Bergen: NOK 700–1,100 (€65–€100).
- Trondheim: NOK 650–1,000 (€60–€95).
- Stavanger: NOK 700–1,100 (€65–€100).
- Tromsø: NOK 850–1,300 (€80–€120).

4. Transportation

Public transportation in Norway is efficient and affordable, with slight variations in pricing between cities.

Monthly Public Transport Pass:

Oslo: NOK 880 (€83).
Bergen: NOK 850 (€80).
Trondheim: NOK 800 (€75).
Stavanger: NOK 820 (€77).
Tromsø: NOK 850 (€80).

Taxi Fares:

Starting Fare:
- Oslo: NOK 30–40 (€2.80–€3.80).
- Bergen: NOK 25–35 (€2.30–€3.30).
- Trondheim: NOK 25–35 (€2.30–€3.30).
- Stavanger: NOK 25–35 (€2.30–€3.30).
- Tromsø: NOK 30–40 (€2.80–€3.80).
1 km Ride:
- Oslo: NOK 20–25 (€1.90–€2.40).
- Bergen: NOK 18–23 (€1.70–€2.20).
- Trondheim: NOK 18–23 (€1.70–€2.20).
- Stavanger: NOK 18–23 (€1.70–€2.20).
- Tromsø: NOK 20–25 (€1.90–€2.40).

5. Healthcare

Norway has a universal healthcare system, and costs are generally low for residents who contribute to the social security system. Private health insurance is optional but can reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Monthly Health Insurance Contribution (Employed Individuals):
- Oslo: NOK 500–1,000 (€47–€95).
- Bergen: NOK 500–1,000 (€47–€95).
- Trondheim: NOK 500–1,000 (€47–€95).
- Stavanger: NOK 500–1,000 (€47–€95).
- Tromsø: NOK 500–1,000 (€47–€95).

6. Education

Education costs depend on whether you choose public or private schools. Public education in Norway is free or low-cost, but international schools (common in Oslo) can be very expensive.

International School Fees (Annual):
- Oslo: NOK 150,000–300,000 (€14,000–€28,000).
- Bergen: NOK 140,000–280,000 (€13,000–€26,000).
- Trondheim: NOK 130,000–270,000 (€12,000–€25,000).
- Stavanger: NOK 140,000–280,000 (€13,000–€26,000).
- Tromsø: NOK 150,000–300,000 (€14,000–€28,000).

7. Leisure and Entertainment

Entertainment costs are slightly higher in Oslo due to its cosmopolitan vibe, but other cities offer plenty of affordable options.

Fitness Club Membership (Monthly):

Oslo: NOK 300–500 (€28–€47).
Bergen: NOK 250–450 (€23–€42).
Trondheim: NOK 200–400 (€19–€38).
Stavanger: NOK 250–450 (€23–€42).
Tromsø: NOK 300–500 (€28–€47).

Cinema Ticket:

Oslo: NOK 130–160 (€12–€15).
Bergen: NOK 120–150 (€11–€14).
Trondheim: NOK 110–140 (€10–€13).
Stavanger: NOK 120–150 (€11–€14).
Tromsø: NOK 130–160 (€12–€15).

8. Overall Cost of Living Comparison

Here’s a summary of the estimated monthly cost of living for a single person (excluding rent):

City	Monthly Cost (Excluding Rent)
Oslo	NOK 10,000–13,000(€950–€1,200)
Bergen	NOK 9,000–12,000(€850–€1,100)
Trondheim	NOK 8,500–11,000(€800–€1,000)
Stavanger	NOK 9,000–12,000(€850–€1,100)
Tromsø	NOK 9,500–12,500(€900–€1,200)