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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Sandefjord
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Cost of Living in Sandefjord

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: If you're moving to Sandefjord, understanding the the cost of living in Sandefjord helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living Sandefjord
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 8,000 NOK (approximately $900 USD) per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 12,000 NOK (approximately $1,400 USD) per month.
Apartment Purchases The average price for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 3,000,000 NOK (approximately $340,000 USD). The average price for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 4,500,000 NOK (approximately $510,000 USD).
Transportation A monthly public transport ticket costs around 500 NOK (approximately $60 USD). A one-way ticket costs around 40 NOK (approximately $5 USD). A taxi ride from the airport to the city center costs around 500 NOK (approximately $60 USD).
Groceries A loaf of bread costs around 25 NOK (approximately $3 USD). A liter of milk costs around 15 NOK (approximately $2 USD). A dozen eggs costs around 30 NOK (approximately $3.50 USD). A kilogram of apples costs around 40 NOK (approximately $5 USD).
Restaurants A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around 150 NOK (approximately $17 USD). A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around 500 NOK (approximately $60 USD). A cappuccino costs around 40 NOK (approximately $5 USD).
Utilities Basic utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment costs around 1,500 NOK (approximately $170 USD) per month.
Private School Tuition Preschool tuition costs around 10,000 NOK (approximately $1,150 USD) per month. Elementary school tuition costs around 15,000 NOK (approximately $1,700 USD) per month. Middle school tuition costs around 20,000 NOK (approximately $2,300 USD) per month. High school tuition costs around 25,000 NOK (approximately $2,900 USD) per month.

Can I live in Sandefjord on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Sandefjord for a while now, and I can tell you that it's quite challenging to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, it's not impossible if you're willing to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle.Firstly, you'll need to find affordable housing. Sandefjord is a relatively small town, so there aren't many neighborhoods to choose from. I'd recommend looking for a place in the outskirts of the town, where rent is generally cheaper. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or even consider sharing a place with roommates to cut down on costs. Areas like Bugårdsparken and Haukerød are more affordable compared to the city center or neighborhoods close to the waterfront, like Framnes.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to high taxes and fuel prices. I'd suggest using public transportation, which is reliable and relatively affordable. You can also consider biking or walking to work if you live close enough, as Sandefjord is a small town and quite bike-friendly.Eating out and socializing can be costly in Norway, so you'll have to cut back on that as well. I usually cook at home and invite friends over instead of going out to restaurants or bars. When grocery shopping, I stick to discount stores like Rema 1000 or Kiwi, where you can find reasonably priced food items.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you might have to be more selective and prioritize free or low-cost options. Sandefjord has beautiful nature and outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or visiting the beach, which are all free. You can also take advantage of the local library for books, movies, and other resources.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Sandefjord is challenging, but doable if you're willing to make some sacrifices. You'll need to find affordable housing, rely on public transportation, cook at home, and prioritize low-cost leisure activities. It might take some time to adjust, but it's possible to make it work," commented an expat living in Sandefjord.

Can I live in Sandefjord on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Sandefjord for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. The in Norway is generally high, so you'll need to be mindful of your spending habits.First, you'll want to find an affordable place to live. I'd recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Krokemoa, Pindsle, or Bugården. These areas are more budget-friendly compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Hystad or Framnes. You can expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in these areas.Next, you'll need to be conscious of your grocery spending. Food can be quite expensive in Norway, so I'd recommend shopping at discount grocery stores like Rema 1000, Kiwi, or Extra. You can save a lot by cooking at home and avoiding eating out too often. When you do eat out, look for more affordable options like kebab shops or pizzerias.Transportation costs can also add up, so consider using public transportation or biking instead of owning a car. Sandefjord has a decent bus system, and you can get a monthly pass for around $80. If you do need a car occasionally, consider using a car-sharing service like Nabobil.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Sandefjord. You can enjoy the beautiful nature by hiking, biking, or visiting the nearby beaches. There are also several parks and museums in the area that offer free or discounted admission.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to, like eating out at fancy restaurants or going on expensive vacations. You'll also need to be more conscious of your spending and budgeting, as the cost of living in Norway can be quite high.Overall, it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Sandefjord on $3,000 a month, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, shopping smartly, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can make it work," said one expat living in Sandefjord.

Can I live in Sandefjord on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Sandefjord for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment expenses.First, let's talk about housing. Sandefjord is a relatively small city, so there aren't really any "bad" neighborhoods. However, some areas are more expensive than others. If you want to save on rent, I'd recommend looking for apartments in neighborhoods like Krokemoa, Pindsle, or Bugården. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but they're still nice and have good access to public transportation. On the other hand, if you're willing to spend more on rent, you can look for apartments in more central areas like Hystad, Framnes, or Vesterøya. These neighborhoods are closer to the city center and have more amenities, but they're also more expensive.Now, let's talk about other expenses. Groceries in Norway can be quite expensive, so you might have to adjust your shopping habits a bit. I'd recommend shopping at discount supermarkets like Rema 1000 or Kiwi, and try to cook at home as much as possible. Eating out can be quite pricey, so save that for special occasions.As for transportation, I'd recommend getting a monthly bus pass if you plan on using public transportation frequently. It's more cost-effective than paying for individual rides. If you have a car, keep in mind that gas prices are quite high in Norway, so try to use it sparingly.Finally, entertainment expenses can also add up quickly. Going out for drinks or to the movies can be expensive, so try to find more affordable ways to have fun. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Sandefjord, like hiking, biking, or going to the beach. Plus, there are often free or low-cost events happening around the city.In conclusion, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Sandefjord is definitely doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, shopping smart, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Sandefjord.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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