Cost of living in Norway compared to Japan
Currency:
Food | + 92% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Norway is 92% more expensive than in Japan | ||||
Norway | Japan | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | kr 253 (¥3,624) | ¥1,035 | + 250% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | kr 154 (¥2,201) | ¥820 | + 168% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | kr 86 (¥1,234) | ¥618 | + 100% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | kr 25 (¥361) | ¥237 | + 53% | |
12 eggs, large | kr 60 (¥856) | ¥335 | + 155% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | kr 47 (¥669) | ¥439 | + 52% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | kr 94 (¥1,343) | ¥1,195 | + 12% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | kr 35 (¥501) | ¥822 | - 39% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | kr 24 (¥340) | ¥509 | - 33% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | kr 34 (¥486) | ¥312 | + 56% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | kr 203 (¥2,911) | ¥1,267 | + 130% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | kr 45 (¥638) | ¥276 | + 131% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | kr 32 (¥458) | ¥293 | + 57% | |
Housing | + 22% | |||
Housing in Norway is 22% more expensive than in Japan | ||||
Norway | Japan | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | kr 20,456 (¥292,988) | ¥365,082 | - 20% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | kr 17,702 (¥253,545) | ¥197,811 | + 28% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | kr 2,141 (¥30,667) | ¥19,132 | + 60% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | kr 14,879 (¥213,112) | ¥145,654 | + 46% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | kr 13,266 (¥190,004) | ¥106,059 | + 79% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | kr 2,400 (¥34,380) | ¥8,349 | + 312% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | kr 221 (¥3,164) | ¥4,448 | - 29% | |
40” flat screen tv | kr 5,761 (¥82,507) | ¥74,559 | + 11% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | kr 1,834 (¥26,274) | ¥25,414 | + 3% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | kr 118 (¥1,692) | ¥1,338 | + 26% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | kr 433 (¥6,202) | ¥2,815 | + 120% | |
Clothes | + 58% | |||
Clothes in Norway is 58% more expensive than in Japan | ||||
Norway | Japan | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | kr 1,115 (¥15,965) | ¥9,315 | + 71% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | kr 488 (¥6,994) | ¥5,103 | + 37% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | kr 1,236 (¥17,700) | ¥10,686 | + 66% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | kr 1,507 (¥21,579) | ¥12,189 | + 77% | |
Transportation | + 41% | |||
Transportation in Norway is 41% more expensive than in Japan | ||||
Norway | Japan | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | kr 366,308 (¥5,246,486) | ¥3,060,780 | + 71% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | kr 22 (¥312) | ¥169 | + 84% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | kr 732 (¥10,486) | ¥8,198 | + 28% | |
Personal Care | - 9% | |||
Personal Care in Norway is 9% cheaper than in Japan | ||||
Norway | Japan | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | kr 65 (¥930) | ¥2,133 | - 56% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | kr 107 (¥1,531) | ¥2,551 | - 40% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | kr 659 (¥9,435) | - | - | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | kr 50 (¥718) | ¥1,337 | - 46% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | kr 42 (¥602) | ¥930 | - 35% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | kr 41 (¥589) | ¥622 | - 5% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | kr 52 (¥745) | ¥224 | + 232% | |
Tube of toothpaste | kr 29 (¥415) | ¥188 | + 121% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | kr 481 (¥6,885) | ¥4,604 | + 50% | |
Entertainment | + 18% | |||
Entertainment in Norway is 18% more expensive than in Japan | ||||
Norway | Japan | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | kr 481 (¥6,885) | ¥4,908 | + 40% | |
2 tickets to the movies | kr 339 (¥4,861) | ¥3,881 | + 25% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | kr 800 (¥11,458) | ¥7,212 | + 59% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | kr 946 (¥13,549) | ¥8,269 | + 64% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | kr 151 (¥2,168) | ¥1,244 | + 74% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | kr 59 (¥839) | ¥547 | + 53% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | kr 100 (¥1,432) | ¥674 | + 113% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | kr 6,879 (¥98,525) | ¥51,659 | + 91% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | kr 1.11 (¥16) | ¥52 | - 70% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | kr 572 (¥8,188) | ¥9,530 | - 14% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | kr 143 (¥2,042) | ¥613 | + 233% | |
TOTAL | + 36% |

These prices were last updated on June 25, 2025.
Exchange rate:
14.323
JPY
/
NOK
Cost of living in Norway is 36% more expensive than in Japan
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