MigrantoCost of living in Norway
What a month costs, how prices compare with other countries, and where the money goes
Monthly cost in Norway
Spending runs from NOK 13,800 a month in the poorest fifth to NOK 54,100 in the richest
Per person, whole country
NOK 27,000
what a typical person spends in a month
Spending across the population
NOK 13,800richest 20%
NOK 54,100
Where people spend money in Norway
One person's out-of-pocket spending, averaged across the whole country
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Key facts
The cost of living in Norway in numbers
Among the most expensive countries in the world
More expensive than 96% of countries. A basket that costs NOK 9,520 at world-middle prices costs NOK 18,700 here.
Groceries takes an unusual share of the budget
It absorbs 11.7% of spending here, or NOK 3,160 a month, against 19.7% in a typical country, 8 points less.
Typical spending takes 60% of the average wage
A typical person spends NOK 27,000 a month while the average take-home wage is NOK 45,200, so 40% of an average wage sits above what a typical person spends.
How living costs in Norway compare
Neighbours, region and the world on the same monthly figure
What things cost here
How much the same goods and services cost in Norway against other countries
More expensive than 96% of countries
Where Norway sits when every country is lined up from cheapest to most expensive
Pakistanmost expensive
Bermuda
middle
A basket of goods and services that costs NOK 9,520 at world-middle prices costs NOK 18,700 here.
Data source: household consumption 2023 (World Bank), International Comparison Program 2021 (World Bank), category breakdown 2023 (Eurostat), adjusted to 2026 using IMF GDP-per-capita growth
Living-cost calculator
What it costs to live in Norway
Tell us what you earn and spend today — we'll estimate what the same lifestyle would cost in Norway and how much you could have left each month
- What your lifestyle costs
- How much could be left each month
- How it compares with today
Cost of living in Norway
NOK 13,800/mo
vs NOK 7,610 in your country
Take-home
NOK 23,700
vs NOK 11,400 in your country
Potential savings
NOK 9,950
more than in your country
Standard of living
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Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Norway?
A typical person in Norway spends about NOK 27,000 a month — around NOK 324,000 a year — on housing, groceries, transport and other everyday costs. It's a nationwide average across different regions, cities and types of housing.
What is the standard of living in Norway?
By spending, Norway ranks #6 of 185 countries. A typical person spends about NOK 27,000 a month, the poorest 20% about NOK 13,800 and the richest 20% about NOK 54,100. The gap between them shows how unevenly people live.
What is the cost of living in Norway in US dollars?
The cost of living in Norway is about $2,834 a month, or roughly $34,008 a year per person.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Norway?
It all depends on your standard of living. A modest budget runs about NOK 13,800 a month per person, a typical one around NOK 27,000, and a comfortable life around NOK 34,300. In big cities and for a family, costs are usually higher.
What do people spend the most on in Norway?
The biggest expense is housing, at about NOK 6,230 a month (23% of spending). Then come transport (NOK 3,940, 15%) and leisure & culture (NOK 3,240, 12%).
Is the average salary in Norway enough to live on?
Yes, with room to spare. Average spending is about NOK 27,000 a month, while the average take-home pay in Norway is about NOK 45,200. For more on incomes, see salaries in Norway.
Is Norway an expensive country to live in?
Yes. Norway is more expensive than 97% of countries worldwide and ranks 4th of 41 in Europe by cost of living.
What currency is used in Norway?
Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Amounts on this page are shown in it; the currency switcher converts them.
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Living in Norway
See the full country overview