Guizo
3/19/2014 09:59 EST
Hi everyone,
I am thinking about applying for a 3-year job in Oslo which -- in case my application is successful -- would pay me 420,000-460,000 NOK per year before taxes. I have read quite a lot about taxes in Norway and have figured out that this should mean approximately 27,000 NOK in my pocket every month after all applicable deductions.
If this works out, I would be taking my girlfriend along. She would be entitled to work legally as well, but of course we do not know whether she would be able to find employment right away. So my question is: would 27,000 NOK a month be enough to provide for a decent, but not extravagant lifestyle for both of us? That would have to include rent, food, internet/water/electricity/heating/transportation and of course some entertainment as well.
I would appreciate if anyone could let me know whether it's feasible and, in case it is, whether this would be a comfortable scenario or whether we would have to be counting every dime. I have been to Norway four times and I know how expensive things can get, but I have no experience providing for a home in the country, so any help is much appreciated.
Since this would be a temporary arrangement, we would be willing to live in a cheap, small apartment in order to save money, but not to share a place with other people. Our best bet would be a not-so-pretty, not-so-big apartment within walking distance to a subway, tram or bus line which could ensure us easy access to public transport.
And, since we're at it, am I right in assuming that any legal job my girlfriend could find would be a very significant contribution to our monthly income?
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jtsveigdalen
3/19/2014 10:46 EST
460 000 will feel like about 65k in the US as far as your buying power goes, in my opinion. That is, however, my opinion and I live outside of Lillehammer.
I am sure your money won't go as far in Oslo, and I could not estimate what your rent would be. If you can estimate based on what you find on FINN, plus the idea of your effective buying power, that should help with the estimations. I have a spreadsheet I can share with you privately if you need to estimate food costs, etc., though I did read you have been here before.
Is your girlfriend EU? Is that why she can work legally? If not I'm curious on what status she would work. A second income would definitely be "gravy" in this case. I'm pretty sure you can live nicely on that salary you listed. Again, though, check FINN for pricing on housing.
Good luck!!
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Guizo
3/19/2014 13:18 EST
Hi again,
Thank you so much for sharing your insight. Unfortunately we are both Brazilians living in Brazil right now, so I cannot quite relate to the buying power of 65k in the US (even though I have been in the US and can therefore have an idea). But I will send you a private message with my email address, and it would be great to receive your spreadsheet.
As far as her working status goes, we have checked that we meet the criteria for "cohabitation" (we're both over 18 and we've lived together for over 2 years), and as far as we could understand cohabitants of legal residents with a legal working permit can get a family immigration residence permit which allows them to work legally. But as I said, we'd rather envisage the worst-case scenario, just in case!
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Tazzbaby
3/19/2014 17:30 EST
Hi Guizo, As Jenn said, if you plan to live comfortably on your income, then stay as far away from Oslo as possible. Oslo will suck your funds up like an absorbent towel in a puddle, seriously. My hubby and I live in Kongsvinger which is basically the lowest cost city in most of Norway, and no it's not bad, it's just a smaller city with a very low crime rate and about an hour and 15 minutes from Oslo...45 minutes to the airport from here.
But there are several cities/steds in between that will cost you less to live than Oslo for sure, and buses and trains go from here round the clock, as well as from most cities here in Norway.
You might find out if your company would be supplying you with a company vehicle as many do that here, and sometimes even supply cell phones, which would save you a small fortune in the long run.
Hubby and I live pretty frugally for the most part and he makes approx. 7,000 less than you after taxes. But we get by pretty well. Your income would go far here in this city for sure. I wish you luck wherever you choose to live.
Terry
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Tazzbaby
3/19/2014 17:33 EST
Oh and I forgot to add, that living here in Kongsvinger has it's bonuses, we are just 30 to 40 minute ride to Sweden to grocery shop which can really save lots of money, especially on meat.
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Ky
3/25/2014 04:19 EST
As previously mentioned, check out finn.no for apartment rentals in and around the Oslo area. I would expect you can save a few thousand by moving outside the city. But, from what I see on Finn.no, the cheapest you will pay is about 7000-8000 (if you are lucky).
On "average" (nothing over the top and considering consumption), your bills per month will look something like this:
1. Mobile phone bill: 300,-
2. Internet/cable: 500,-
3. Electricity: 400,-
4. Bus pass: 500-600,-
5. Food for two: 3000,- (averaging 50 nok per day, which is quiet cheap)
6. Gym membership: 250-500,- Plus
7. Daycare for children: 2500,-
Driving your own car WILL be considerably more expensive; with maintenance, insurance, petrol, tolls, EU checks, etcc..
You can obviously use much less on food if you are willing to eat VERY simple. Its quiet common to have a decent lunch at work, and eat simple at home, especially if you don't have children. Most larger companies cater lunch from 25-50 nok per day.
Entertainment, alcohol and eating out are very expensive. Cinema films will cost around 100-150 per ticket, snacks will run you another 100-200,-. Restaurants range of course. Burger King is about 75-100,- per meal. An exclusive 5 course wine package will cost you around 2000,- per person.
Taxi cabs are insanely expensive.. about 50,- per km (in my experience).
I would advice to talk with your employer. Most firms offer great perks. Ie: Mobile phones, Gym membership discounts, cars, laptops/tablets, language training, eye glasses for computer work, etcc.. JUST ASK! :)
Clothing is also very expensive, but deals can be found. All depending on your expectations. Bring what you can when moving here.
You can find some pretty nice "used" Furniture on Finn.no, along with ANYTHING else you might be looking for. Good place to job search for your girlfriend as well!
Good luck
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deltacwb
6/20/2014 11:08 EST
Hi everyone,
I have a possiblitiy to move to Stavanger this summer with my fammily. We should get approx 40.000 NOK after taxes each month. Can we survive with this monthly income?
We are fammily of three (2 adults and 2 year old son). We don't expect to live luxuriosly, but would like to have gym access, public transport access, we have one car, we don't dine in restaurants. So an average life.
Thx for your feedback.
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