Housing Costs in Norway
Based on where you live in the country, the cost of living in Norway differs significantly.
What You'll Actually Pay:
- Oslo: 12,000 NOK to 18,000 NOK (₹1,24,657.32 - ₹1,86,985.98 approx.)
- Bergen: 10,000 NOK to 12,000 NOK (₹1,03,881.10 - ₹1,24,657.32 approx.)
- Trondheim: 9,500 NOK to 11,500 NOK (₹98,687.05 - ₹1,19,463.27 approx.)
- Stavanger: 10,000 NOK to 12,000 NOK (₹1,03,881.10 - ₹1,24,657.32 approx.)
The Extras Nobody Warns You About:
- Three months' rent is usually paid as a security deposit.
- The first month's rent is usually paid in advance before moving in.
- An extra cost may be required to set up the internet.
- In addition, there are other expenses, such as parking fees.
Utility Bills
If you live with a housemate, splitting the utility bills is a huge benefit.
- Electricity: 1,500 NOK to 2,500 NOK (₹15,582.17 - ₹25,970.28 approx.) per month.
- Internet: 400 NOK to 800 NOK (₹4,155.24 - ₹8,310.49 approx.) per month.
- Water and Garbage: 300 NOK to 600 NOK (₹3,116.43 - ₹6,232.87 approx.) is paid.
Transportation Expenses
Owning a private car is not really necessary in Norway, as there is a vast public transportation system in many cities.
Car Ownership Reality:
- New Mid-Size Car: 412,229.69 NOK (₹42,82,287.36 approx.)
- Fuel: 19 NOK to 21 NOK/l (₹197.37 - ₹218.15 approx.).
- Insurance: Around 8,000 NOK (₹83,104.88 approx.) per year.
- Repairs: 5,000 NOK (₹51,940.55 approx.) annually.
- Taxes and Fees: 1,500 NOK (₹15,582.17 approx.) annually.
Public Transport Option:
- Monthly Pass (Oslo): 850 NOK (₹8,829.89 approx.)
- Monthly Pass (Bergen): 750 NOK (₹7,791.08 approx.)
- Monthly Pass (Trondheim): 750 NOK (₹7,791.08 approx.)
- One Ride: 40 NOK to 60 NOK (₹415.52 - ₹623.29 approx.)
- Taxi: 200 NOK to 300 NOK (₹2,077.62 - ₹3,116.43 approx.) for 5 km.
Food and Groceries to Survive in Norway
Groceries and eating out can be a huge expense in Norway, as food is on the expensive side.
Monthly Grocery Run:
- Single Person: 4,000 NOK to 6,000 NOK (₹41,495.16 - ₹62,242.74 approx.) per month
- Family of Four: 12,000 NOK to 18,000 NOK (₹1,24,485.48 - ₹1,86,728.22 approx.) per month
Restaurant Prices:
- Casual Meal: 180 NOK to 250 NOK (₹1,867.28 - ₹2,593.45 approx.)
- Meal for Two: 700 NOK to 1,100 NOK (₹7,261.65 - ₹11,411.17 approx.)
What Things Cost:
- Chicken Per Kilo: 100 NOK to 150 NOK (₹1,037.38 - ₹1,556.07 approx.)
- White Bread: 25 NOK to 40 NOK (₹259.34 - ₹414.95 approx.)
- Milk Per Litre: 15 NOK to 20 NOK (₹155.61 - ₹207.48 approx.)
- Apple Per Kilo: 30 NOK to 50 NOK (₹311.21 - ₹518.69 approx.)
Education Costs
The international education fees, mainly for Norway, are much higher than in India. Please note that tuition fees for public universities are free for Norwegians and other European countries.
Annual Cost:
- Public University: 130,000 NOK to 390,000 NOK (₹13,48,592.70 - ₹40,45,778.10 approx.) for foreigners.
- Private University: 80,000 NOK to 160,000 NOK (₹8,29,903.20 - ₹16,59,806.40 approx.).
Other Educational Expenses:
- Semester Fee in Public University: 600 NOK to 1,000 NOK (₹6,224.27 - ₹10,373.79 approx.) paid to the campus welfare organization.
- Health Insurance: A registered resident is a part of the national insurance scheme, paid through tax.
Healthcare Expenses
Norway has a universal healthcare system available even for foreigners, but you must be a registered resident to get it.
Insurance Costs:
- Norwegian National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygden): Paid through taxes.
- Private Insurance: 300 NOK to 800 NOK (₹3,112.14 - ₹8,299.03 approx.) per month.
Out-of-Pocket Medical Costs:
Out-of-pocket spending is capped at 3,278 NOK (₹34,005.28 approx.) per year, after which it is free.
- GP Consultation: 179 NOK (₹1,856.91 approx.)
- Evening Consultation: 301 NOK (₹3,122.51 approx.)
- Specialist: 403 NOK (₹4,180.64 approx.)
- Medicine: 520 NOK (₹5,394.37 approx.) capped for three months supply.
Entertainment and Leisure
There are some activities you cannot miss out on while living in Norway.
Activities:
- Cinema Ticket: 50 NOK to 180 NOK (₹518.69 - ₹1,867.28 approx.)
- Fjord cruises: Around 600 NOK (₹6,224.27 approx.)
- Northern Lights Tour:1,500 NOK to 2,000 NOK (₹15,560.69 - ₹20,747.58 approx.)
- Streaming Services: 89 NOK to 139 NOK (₹923.27 - ₹1,441.96 approx.)
- Beer at Bar: 95 NOK to 130 NOK (₹985.51 - ₹1,348.59 approx.)
- Cup of Coffee: 45 NOK to 60 NOK (₹466.82 - ₹622.43 approx.)
Clothing and Personal Care
This is one part of your expense that you can decide to spend less or more on by personal preference.
Clothing:
- Jeans: 1,015.25 NOK (₹10,531.99 approx.)
- Summer Dress: 526.17 NOK (₹5,458.38 approx.)
- Running Shoes: 1,143.50 NOK (₹11,862.43 approx.)
- Formal Shoes: 1,551.60 NOK (₹16,095.97 approx.)
Personal Care:
- Liquid Soap: 13.50 NOK (₹140.05 approx.)
- Toothpaste: 16.50 NOK (₹171.17 approx.)
- 6 Toilet Roll: 30 NOK (₹311.21 approx.)
Childcare Services
The Norwegian government provides subsidies to lower the cost through public providers.
Nursery Fee:
- Public Day Care: 4,000 NOK to 6,000 NOK (₹41,495.16 - ₹62,242.74 approx.) monthly
- Private Day Care: 6,000 NOK to 10,000 NOK (₹62,242.74 - ₹1,03,737.90 approx.).
Domestic Help:
| Type of Help |
Monthly Cost (NOK) |
Approx Cost (INR) |
| Part-time cleaner / domestic help |
4,000 – 10,000 NOK |
₹32,000 – ₹80,000 |
| Full-time live-out nanny |
18,000 – 30,000 NOK |
₹1.45L – ₹2.4L |
| Full-time live-in nanny |
15,000 – 25,000 NOK + accommodation/food |
₹1.2L – ₹2L |
| Babysitter (hourly) |
150 – 300 NOK/hour |
₹1,200 – ₹2,400/hour |
Other Regular Expenses
These are some minute yet important monthly expenses.
Monthly Bits and Pieces:
- Mobile Phone: Plans cost 200 NOK to 500 NOK (₹2,081.93 - ₹5,204.83 approx.).
- Cleaning Help: 363 NOK (₹3,778.70 approx.) per hour.
- Visa fee: Differ with each type.
One-Time Costs:
- Moving Cost: 2,000 NOK to 10,000 NOK (₹20,819.30 - ₹1,04,096.50 approx.).
- Basic Furnishing: 15,000 NOK to 50,000 NOK (₹1,56,144.75 - ₹5,20,482.50 approx.).
Comparison with Other Cities
There are some distinct advantages and disadvantages of living in Norway when compared to other places.
Advantages:
- High wages with a good quality of life.
- The country has a good public healthcare system.
- Access to public transport in many cities.
- Employees receive different perks in many sectors.
Higher Costs Compared to Other Cities:
- Housing deposits may need huge payment.
- Groceries or eating out are expensive.
- Utility bills can rise sharply during winter.
- School fees are higher compared to many other countries.
Money-Saving Strategies for Living in Norway
You can take these small measures to save money while living in Norway.
Practical Cost-Reduction Tips:
- Having a housemate can reduce housing expenses by half.
- Rema 1000 and Kiwi are good places to shop for groceries on a budget.
- Use public transport regularly, as it is cheaper than maintaining your own car.
- To save money, buy second-hand furniture and goods
- Cooking at home is often better since restaurants are far more costly.
- Local products are usually cheaper.
- Creating a budget fitted for your personal needs and following it can help.
Salary Expectations in Norway
Based on your experience, these are the salary ranges you can expect while working in Norway.
Average Yearly Salaries:
- Entry Level: 400,000 NOK to 500,000 NOK (₹41,63,860 - ₹52,04,825 approx.)
- Mid-Level: 600,000 NOK to 800,000 NOK (₹62,45,790 - ₹83,27,720 approx.)
- Senior Level: 900,000 NOK to over 1,500,000 NOK (₹93,68,685 - ₹1,56,14,475 approx.)
Typical Benefits:
- Annual paid leave.
- Pension contribution.
- Performance bonuses
- Healthcare support.
- Paid holiday leaves.
Conclusion
Norway is considered an expensive country, even when compared to other European countries. The cost of living in Norway for one person is around ₹1,39,284.8 per month, while a family of four spends around ₹5,01,509.6 per month, excluding rent. However, this high cost of living is manageable as the wage rate is equally high.
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