Cost of Raising Children in Norway

12 February، 2025

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Norway is known for its high quality of life, excellent public services, and strong social welfare system, making it an attractive place to raise children. However, the cost of living in Norway is also among the highest in the world, and raising children here comes with significant expenses. That said, the Norwegian government provides substantial support to families through generous benefits, subsidized childcare, and free education, which can help offset some of the costs. In this article, we’ll break down the key expenses associated with raising children in Norway, from childcare and education to healthcare and extracurricular activities.

1. Childcare Costs

Childcare is one of the most significant expenses for families with young children in Norway, despite government subsidies.

Daycare Centers (Barnehage)

Full-time daycare for infants and toddlers typically costs between NOK 3,000 and NOK 5,000 per month (approximately €280–€470 ), depending on the municipality and the child’s age.
The Norwegian government heavily subsidizes childcare, so parents pay only a portion of the actual cost. Fees are income-based, meaning low-income families pay less.

Nannies and Au Pairs

Hiring a nanny can cost between NOK 200 and NOK 300 per hour (approximately €19–€28 ), making it more expensive than daycare centers.
Au pairs, who live with the family and provide childcare, are a more affordable option, costing around NOK 5,000 to NOK 8,000 per month (approximately €470–€750 ) plus room and board.

Parental Leave

Norway offers generous parental leave policies, allowing parents to take up to 49 weeks at full pay or 59 weeks at 80% pay . This can help reduce childcare expenses during the early years.

2. Education Expenses

Education in Norway is largely free, but there are still some costs associated with schooling.

Preschool (Barnehage)

Preschool is not mandatory but is widely used by Norwegian families. As mentioned earlier, costs are subsidized, ranging from NOK 3,000 to NOK 5,000 per month .

Primary and Secondary School

Public schools in Norway are free, including textbooks and school supplies. However, parents may need to cover additional costs such as:
- School trips: NOK 500–NOK 2,000 annually (approximately €47–€190 ).
- Extracurricular activities: NOK 1,000–NOK 3,000 annually (approximately €94–€280 ).

Private Schools

Private schools charge tuition fees, which can range from NOK 50,000 to NOK 200,000 per year (approximately €4,700–€19,000 ), depending on the institution.

Higher Education

University education is free for Norwegian citizens and residents, even for international students from EU/EEA countries. Non-EU students may have to pay tuition fees, which can range from NOK 80,000 to NOK 200,000 per year (approximately €7,500–€19,000 ).
Additional costs for housing, books, and living expenses apply, especially for students attending universities in major cities like Oslo or Bergen.

3. Healthcare Costs

Norway has a universal healthcare system, and children benefit from free or heavily subsidized medical care.

Health Insurance

All residents in Norway, including children, are automatically covered by the National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygd) . Contributions are deducted from salaries, and children are covered under their parents’ plans at no extra cost.

Medical Visits and Prescriptions

Routine doctor visits cost around NOK 150–NOK 300 (approximately €14–€28 ), but reimbursement rates are high, and most families pay little out-of-pocket.
Prescription medications are also subsidized, with co-pays ranging from NOK 50 to NOK 100 (approximately €5–€9 ) per medication.

Dental Care

Dental care for children under 18 is free in Norway, covering check-ups, cleanings, and basic treatments. Orthodontic care may require supplemental insurance, as coverage varies.

4. Housing and Utilities

Housing is one of the largest expenses for families in Norway, particularly in urban areas like Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger.

Rent

Renting a three-bedroom apartment in a city center costs approximately NOK 15,000 to NOK 25,000 per month (approximately €1,400–€2,350 ), while suburban areas are slightly cheaper (NOK 10,000 to NOK 20,000 per month ).

Utilities

Monthly utility bills (electricity, heating, water, internet) average around NOK 2,000 to NOK 4,000 (approximately €190–€380 ) for a family home.

Homeownership

Buying a house requires a substantial upfront investment. Prices range from NOK 5 million to NOK 10 million (approximately €470,000–€940,000 ) in cities, with lower costs in rural regions.

5. Food and Daily Expenses

Feeding a growing family can be costly, though grocery prices in Norway are moderate compared to other Scandinavian countries.

Groceries

A monthly grocery budget for a family of four might range from NOK 8,000 to NOK 15,000 (approximately €750–€1,400 ), depending on dietary preferences and shopping habits.

School Meals

Many schools offer subsidized lunches for around NOK 20 to NOK 40 per meal (approximately €2–€4 ). Alternatively, packing lunches can save money.

Clothing and Miscellaneous Items

Clothing, shoes, and accessories for children can cost NOK 2,000 to NOK 5,000 annually (approximately €190–€470 ), depending on brand choices and frequency of purchases.

6. Extracurricular Activities

Enrolling children in sports, music lessons, or other extracurricular activities adds to the overall cost of raising them.

Sports Clubs

Membership fees for sports clubs (soccer, skiing, swimming, etc.) range from NOK 1,000 to NOK 3,000 per season (approximately €94–€280 ).

Music Lessons

Private music lessons cost about NOK 300 to NOK 500 per hour (approximately €28–€47 ), while group classes are less expensive.

Camps and Classes

Summer camps and after-school programs can cost between NOK 2,000 and NOK 5,000 per week (approximately €190–€470 ).

7. Transportation

Transportation costs depend on how you choose to get around with your family.

Public Transport

Monthly passes for public transportation (buses, trams, trains) cost around NOK 800 to NOK 1,200 per adult (approximately €75–€115 ). Children under 16 often travel free or at reduced rates.

Cars

Owning a car involves fuel, maintenance, insurance, and parking fees. Monthly car-related expenses can easily exceed NOK 3,000 to NOK 6,000 (approximately €280–€570 ).

8. Financial Support for Families

To ease the financial burden, the Norwegian government provides several allowances and benefits to families:

Child Benefits (Barnetrygd)

Families receive monthly child benefits until the child turns 18. Payments range from NOK 1,350 to NOK 2,450 per child (approximately €125–€230 ), depending on the number of children.

Tax Deductions

Parents can claim tax deductions for childcare expenses, school fees, and other family-related costs.

Subsidized Services

Reduced fees for daycare, sports clubs, and cultural activities are available for eligible families.

9. Total Estimated Annual Cost

The total cost of raising a child in Norway varies widely based on lifestyle, location, and choices regarding education and activities. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Expense Category	Annual Cost (Approx.)
Childcare	NOK 36,000–60,000
Education (Supplies/Fees)	NOK 1,000–3,000
Healthcare	Minimal (Covered by state)
Housing	NOK 120,000–300,000
Food	NOK 96,000–180,000
Extracurricular Activities	NOK 5,000–20,000
Transportation	NOK 10,000–72,000

Total: Approximately NOK 270,000 to NOK 635,000 per year (approximately €25,000 to €60,000 ), depending on individual circumstances.