Norway Expat Forum

Guizo
Joined 2014
Posts: 2

10 years ago

Salary enough for two? (Oslo)

10 years ago

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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