How Much Does It Cost to Live in Oslo?
Oslo is the capital and largest city of Norway, and the third largest city of Scandinavia. It is also the demographic, economic and political center of Norway.
The amount of money you spend here depends on your style of life, and there’s virtually no limit to how high you can go spending, but there’s always a limit to how low you can go, and remember that you’ll need about 900$ if you remain on a tight budget.
Oslo has a seriously high standard of living so you should prepared to pay everything with double the prices you’re used to.
Cost of Living Breakdown in Oslo
RESTAURANTS
Usually, people that are not well off do not eat in fancy restaurants, since a meal in an inexpensive restaurant in Oslo would cost you around 20$. Occasional cafeterias are an option for many and many workplaces have subsidized cafeterias where people go for lunch. If you go for a dinner at a mid-range restaurant, a meal for two will be around 100$.
| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $18.63 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $9.93 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.67 |
MARKETS
Going shopping for food will definitely cut your expenses. Spending around 600$ a month is a reasonable range for groceries for a 2-person household, and if spent wisely could cover all your everyday food expenses. The best advice is to ask around for shops that are cheaper and then sticking to them.
| Average Market Prices | |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 Liter) | $2.09 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $3.44 |
| Eggs (12) | $4.54 |
TRANSPORTATION
Keep in mind that using a car for everyday transportation will not cost less than 500$ a month. On the other hand, you can travel as much as you like on the metro, trams and buses for around 85$ a month per person. There are also car pools called «bilkollektiv» and, of course, taxis that are expensive and typically cost around 20$ for a trip within the city center.
| Average Transport Prices | |
|---|---|
| One Way Ticket | $4.09 |
| Monthly Pass | $85.99 |
| Gasoline | $1.85 |
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Like most other things, utilities are expensive too in Oslo, though it does depend on the amount of electricity you use and on the size of your apartment. For example, for a bit larger apartment, of about 85m2, all basic utilities like heating (very important in Norway), cooling, electricity and gas will cost you around 200$.
| Average Utilities Prices | |
|---|---|
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $196.58 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.10 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $51.97 |
SPORTS & LEISURE
When it comes to fitness and sports, maybe it’s best that you go hiking instead! Just kidding, but you should know that practicing sports or going to the gym in Oslo is definitely expensive, though cheaper than the country’s average. A gym or a fitness club membership will cost you around 40$, while going to the cinema and enjoying some movie time has never been more expensive. Prepare to pay a whopping 15$ per ticket.
| Average Leisure Prices | |
|---|---|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $46.89 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $37.00 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $15.77 |
CLOTHING & SHOES
Since some cities are very close to the border with Sweden, a lot of people take the bus to go shopping in the neighboring country, and Oslo could be considered one of those cities. However, if you’re set on shopping in Norway, you should get familiar with the prices right away. Quality jeans will cost you around 100$, and you won’t find any good running sneakers without cashing out close to 110$.
| Average Clothing Prices | |
|---|---|
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $99.16 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $43.73 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $113.11 |
RENT PER MONTH
Cost of apartments varies across the country, but if you intend to rent something in the center of Oslo, you will have to pay around 600$ for a 200–350m2 room in a shared apartment, and from 1400$ and upwards for a small apartment. A spacious apartment or a house will cost you from 2400$ and upwards.
| Average Rent Prices | |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $1397.60 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $1103.83 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $2426.18 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Oslo?
Food is definitely the biggest expense for anyone living in Oslo – though this is the situation in most countries around the world.
Food is an everyday necessity and when it’s not cheap, it amounts to a high monthly expense.
The second highest expense for an average person living in Oslo is rent, with very high prices of apartment in the cities and outside of them alike.
Other significant expenses for Norwegian people are restaurants and transportation, while clothing and shoes draw the least amount of money from them.
Average Costs Breakdown
Oslo: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
It’s widely known around the world that Norway has some of the best salaries and best working conditions in the world.
Though there is no set minimum wage in Oslo, as they differ from sector to sector and there are often different rates to distinguish skilled from unskilled work, the usual minimum wage is around 3300$ which is a decent minimum wage and most people can earn for a normal life.
An average monthly salary in Norway is around 3500$ which is absolutely enough for a comfortable life in this country.
Oslo Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Oslo Safety Review
| OVERALL RISK | LOW |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK | LOW |
| PICKPOCKETS RISK | MEDIUM |
| NATURAL DISASTERS RISK | LOW |
| MUGGING RISK | LOW |
| TERRORISM RISK | MEDIUM |
| SCAMS RISK | LOW |
| WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK | LOW |
| TAP WATER RISK | LOW |
Cost of Living by City in Norway
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
 Bergen |
102.87 |
| Stavanger |
111 |
| Trondheim |
99.73 |
Guess I’ll need to start saving up if I want to enjoy Oslo without living off instant noodles. Who knew experiencing a high standard of living meant blowing your budget like it’s a party in many places?
So, are we just supposed to accept that spending $900 is considered budgeting for a trip to Oslo? Sounds like a steal compared to the rest of the prices you mentioned!
It’s crazy to think about how much more we might have to shell out just to enjoy a day in Oslo! I guess those stunning views really come at a price.
Sounds great, I’ll just whip out my magic wand and make my budget stretch to cover double the prices. Who wouldn’t want to pay $900 just to be on a “tight budget” in a city where everything is a small fortune?
Have you found any budget-friendly spots or tips in Oslo that help manage the high costs, especially for visitors trying to save? Would love to hear about any hidden gems or insider advice!