Norway is a beautiful country.
It’s known for its natural beauty and high cost of living.
If you’re considering moving to Norway and are concerned about costs, don’t get discouraged just yet.
Norway still offers plenty of towns that are affordable and can still provide you with rich living experiences.
This guide was put together to help you explore some of these hidden gems where you can live worry-free without breaking your pockets.
12 of the Cheapest Places to Live in Norway
1. Baerum
Baerum is the first town on the list known for offering affordable living in Norway.
It’s located within Viken County and is just west of Oslo, the largest city in Norway.
Nearly 130,000 people call Baerum home.
It’s well-known for offering a high standard of living for residents.
The average cost of living in Baerum is around $1,385 per month.
The town offers the perfect blend of natural and urban landscapes.
You’ll also find many parks, forests, and coastal areas in Baerum.
If you’re looking for things to do in Baerum, you’ll be able to take advantage of various art galleries, museums, shopping centers, and sports venues.
Moreover, there’s a jazz festival that takes place every fall or summer in Baerum.
2. Halden
While Halden is a much smaller town in Norway, it also made the list because it is another cost-effective option.
Halden is situated in the southeastern part of Norway.
Only about 26,000 people are living in Halden.
The average cost of living in Halden is $1,477 per month.
Halden is a town that is infamous for its rich history and the Fredriksten Fortress.
If you’re looking for some outdoor fun in the city, be sure to visit the Iddefjord and Halden Canal.
Moreover, the Fredriksten Fortress is a great historical landmark to explore, where you’ll get to take in some amazing views of the city.
3. Sarpsborg
Next on the list is Sarpsborg.
It’s yet another small, historic town located in Norway.
It’s situated in the heart of Ostfold County and is known as one of the oldest cities in the country.
Close to 59,000 people live in Sarpsborg.
The average cost of living per month in Sarpsborg is $1,503.
If you enjoy nature, you will adore some of the nearby forests, rivers, and parks.
You’ll also get the opportunity to enjoy various cultural events that take place around the town.
Moreover, Sarpsborg has one of the best food scenes around.
4. Horten
Horten is known as a coastal city located in Norway.
It is situated along the west coast of Vestfold of Telemark County.
Just like many of the other cities on this list, Horten is also small, with a population of 27,000.
The average cost of living in Horten is $1,545 per month.
Living here, you’ll quickly find that Horten has various cultural attractions, natural beauty, and a rich history.
There are plenty of things to do in Horten, including amazing beaches, waterfronts, and more.
Things to do in Horten include the Preus Museum, Old City, and the Royal Norwegian Navy Museum.
5. Skien
Consider adding Skein to your list of the cheapest cities in Norway to live in.
Skien has a population of 55,000 and is considered a vibrant town.
There are many rivers, forests, and lakes that surround the town of Skien.
So if you love hiking, fishing, or skiing, you’ll have ample opportunity to enjoy these activities.
The average cost of living in Skien is $1,590 per month.
When people think of Skien, they may think of Henrik Ibsen, the famous playwright who was born here.
Things to do in Skien include the Telemark Canal, Skien Fritidspark, and Teater Ibsen.
6. Kristiansand
Kristiansand is yet another one of the best towns and also provides a cheap cost of living in Norway.
The town of Kristiansand is a coastal town located in Agder County.
It’s the fifth-largest town in Norway, with a population of 90,000.
The average cost of living in Kristiansand is $1,598.
It’s also a town that has a vibrant cultural scene and many beaches to enjoy.
It provides residents with the perfect balance of urban and natural living.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Kristiansand.
If you decide to make this town your home, feel free to check out the Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park.
You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy plenty of parks, shops, and centers.
7. Harstad
Harstad also made the list for offering affordable living in Norway.
It’s a town that is located within Troms og Finnmark.
It’s a small town with roughly 25,000 people living in it.
This may be the perfect explanation for why it’s so cheap to live in.
The average cost of living in Harstad is $1,606 per month.
Many islands, mountains, and fjords surround Harstad.
It’s the perfect location for wildlife spotting and hiking.
In Harstad, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy concerts, festivals, theater performances, and much more.
8. Kongsberg
Kongsberg is also on the list for offering affordable living in Norway.
Kongsberg is considered a historic town, located in Viken County.
Kongsberg has a population of 28,000 people.
It’s a town that is infamous for its mining history.
The average cost of living in Kongsberg is $1,624 per month.
It is truly a town that is worth considering.
Kongsberg is also home to Kongsberg University.
Things to do in Kongsberg include the Norwegian Mining Museum, Lucky Bowl Kongsberg, and the Viking Ship Museum.
Kongsberg is also on the list for offering affordable living in Norway.
Kongsberg is considered a historic town, located in Viken County.
Kongsberg has a population of 28,000 people.
It’s a town that is infamous for its mining history.
The average cost of living in Kongsberg is $1,624 per month.
It is truly a town that is worth considering.
Kongsberg is also home to Kongsberg University.
Things to do in Kongsberg include the Norwegian Mining Museum, Lucky Bowl Kongsberg, and the Viking Ship Museum.
9. Lillehammer
With just over 21,000 residents, Lillehammer is also worth considering as it is another budget-friendly city in Norway.
Lillehammer is located within Innlandet County.
But what is Lillehammer known for?
In 1994, Lillehammer gained worldwide recognition for hosting the Winter Olympics.
So you’re probably wondering just how affordable Lillehammer is.
The average cost of living in the town is $1,634 every month.
You’ll feel confident knowing that there are plenty of budget-friendly housing options available around the city.
Regarding entertainment, feel free to check out the Lillehammer Art Museum, the Norwegian Olympic Museum, or even Lillehammer Olympic Park.
10. Bergen
If you’re looking for other options in Norway that will provide you with affordable living and a good quality of life, consider Bergen.
Bergen is located along the west coast of the country and is infamous for having a bustling music, arts, and cultural scene.
Whether you’re considering renting an apartment or buying a home, Bergen offers plenty of affordable options.
For instance, an apartment in the center of the city will cost you around $842 per month.
You’ll quickly find that Bergen offers a variety of options, including large-family homes and rented basements.
Are you wondering what to do in Bergen?
Consider visiting the Bergenhus Fortress, the Lysverket, or the Bryggen.
11. Trondheim
Trondheim is the third-largest town in Norway.
It’s not as popular as Oslo and Bergen, but it’s a town that has been around since the 11th century.
It’s also a highly affordable town, which is also why it made the list.
The cost of living in Trondheim depends on the type of lifestyle you have.
For instance, renting a one-bedroom apartment can cost you anywhere between $925 and $1,117 per month.
However, this is for an apartment located in the heart of the city.
Apartments located outside the city center can cost anywhere from $745 to $925 a month.
Top attractions to consider in Trondheim include Old Town Bridge, Rockheim, and Ringve Music Museum.
12. Stavanger
Last on the list is Stavanger.
Stavanger is considered a coastal town and is situated in the southwestern part of the country.
In addition, it’s considered to be the fourth-largest city in the country and is extremely affordable.
Stavanger is a beautiful town, offering residents a high quality of life.
Rental costs for a one-bedroom apartment range anywhere from $1,117 to $1,406 per month.
Overall, these numbers are comparable to those of other towns in Norway.
You’ll find plenty of things to do in Stavanger.
So, if you decide to make Stavanger your new home, consider checking out the Stavanger Maritime Museum, Gamle Stavanger, and Ovre Holmegate.
Norway Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Norway Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the cost of living higher in Norway compared to the U.S.?
Yes, Norway does indeed have higher costs of living than in the United States.
Overall, Norway’s living expenses are about 30% higher than in the U.S.
But this still depends on your lifestyle and location.
How much do I need to live comfortably in Norway?
If you’re considering moving to Norway, be sure to have a higher budget, as it is an expensive country to live in.
The amount that you need per month will largely depend on your location, expenses, and lifestyle.
Overall, one person can comfortably live off of anywhere between $1,900 and $2,800 per month.
What area or areas in Norway do the majority of expats live in?
Many expats coming from other countries find Oslo to be one of the most attractive towns, mainly due to its diversity and job opportunities.
In addition, Stavanger, Bergen, and Trondheim are other popular areas for expats.
