Cost of living in Norway compared to United States
Currency:
Food | + 14% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Norway is 14% more expensive than in United States | ||||
Norway | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | kr 253 ($25) | $22 | + 16% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | kr 154 ($15) | $12 | + 26% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | kr 86 ($9) | $5.96 | + 43% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | kr 25 ($2.50) | $1.10 | + 128% | |
12 eggs, large | kr 60 ($5.92) | $5.73 | + 3% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | kr 47 ($4.63) | $4.85 | - 4% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | kr 94 ($9) | $8 | + 18% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | kr 35 ($3.47) | $4.19 | - 17% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | kr 24 ($2.35) | $2.25 | + 5% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | kr 34 ($3.36) | $3.95 | - 15% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | kr 203 ($20) | $18 | + 11% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | kr 45 ($4.42) | $3.01 | + 47% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | kr 32 ($3.17) | $3.00 | + 6% | |
Housing | - 26% | |||
Housing in Norway is 26% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Norway | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | kr 20,456 ($2,028) | $3,009 | - 33% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | kr 17,702 ($1,755) | $2,326 | - 25% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | kr 2,141 ($212) | $242 | - 12% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | kr 14,879 ($1,475) | $2,215 | - 33% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | kr 13,266 ($1,315) | $1,639 | - 20% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | kr 2,400 ($238) | $170 | + 40% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | kr 221 ($22) | $61 | - 64% | |
40” flat screen tv | kr 5,761 ($571) | $252 | + 127% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | kr 1,834 ($182) | $147 | + 24% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | kr 118 ($12) | $15 | - 23% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | kr 433 ($43) | $34 | + 26% | |
Clothes | + 26% | |||
Clothes in Norway is 26% more expensive than in United States | ||||
Norway | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | kr 1,115 ($111) | $58 | + 91% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | kr 488 ($48) | $49 | - 2% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | kr 1,236 ($123) | $106 | + 15% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | kr 1,507 ($149) | $139 | + 7% | |
Transportation | + 0% | |||
Transportation in Norway is about the same as in United States | ||||
Norway | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | kr 366,308 ($36,317) | $31,214 | + 16% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | kr 22 ($2.16) | $0.94 | + 130% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | kr 732 ($73) | $88 | - 18% | |
Personal Care | - 36% | |||
Personal Care in Norway is 36% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Norway | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | kr 65 ($6) | $10 | - 33% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | kr 107 ($11) | $25 | - 57% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | kr 659 ($65) | $172 | - 62% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | kr 50 ($4.97) | $10 | - 49% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | kr 42 ($4.17) | $5.40 | - 23% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | kr 41 ($4.08) | $7 | - 45% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | kr 52 ($5.16) | $5.21 | - 1% | |
Tube of toothpaste | kr 29 ($2.87) | $2.44 | + 17% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | kr 481 ($48) | $31 | + 51% | |
Entertainment | - 25% | |||
Entertainment in Norway is 25% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Norway | United States | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | kr 481 ($48) | $61 | - 22% | |
2 tickets to the movies | kr 339 ($34) | $31 | + 10% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | kr 800 ($79) | $248 | - 68% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | kr 946 ($94) | $105 | - 10% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | kr 151 ($15) | $15 | - 0% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | kr 59 ($5.81) | $6 | - 4% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | kr 100 ($10) | $8 | + 31% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | kr 6,879 ($682) | $451 | + 51% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | kr 1.11 ($0.11) | $0.52 | - 79% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | kr 572 ($57) | $69 | - 18% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | kr 143 ($14) | $11 | + 25% | |
TOTAL | - 13% |

These prices were last updated on July 09, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.09914
USD
/
NOK
Cost of living in Norway is 13% cheaper than in United States
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