Living in Norway: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Norway

Summary: People often describe life in Norway as peaceful, safe, and beautiful. Expats love the stunning natural scenery, the high quality of life, and the friendly people. The average cost of living for an expat is around $2,500 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. The population of Norway is approximately 5.4 million people, and the largest cities are Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, and Drammen. The cons of living in Norway include the high cost of living, the cold weather, and the language barrier. Additionally, the country is quite isolated, so it can be difficult to make friends and build a social network.

What do I need to know about living in Norway?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Norway, they said:

"1. Expats should be prepared to learn Norwegian to easily navigate life in Norway, as it is the official language. 2. Obtaining a residence permit may be complicated so it is important to understand the requirements carefully. 3. Non-Nordic citizens may need to pass a test of language and cultural understanding in order to obtain a residence permit. 4. There are some tax advantages to retiring in Norway such as not having to pay any tax on pensions and certain allowances. 5. Retiring in Norway can be expensive compared to other countries, with higher costs for groceries, restaurants and housing. 6. Although public healthcare is free for anyone living in Norway, medical treatment can still be costly so expats should consider a private insurance policy," said one expat who made the move to Norway.

"I would tell them that they should have to like a closed off culture of people. When you walk down the street people do NOT smile or say hello. A man will push you out of the way to get through the door first. If you are lazy and don't have a good work ethic, then this place will be perfect for you. There are plenty of expats that love this place, however its not for us," explained one expat living in Tromso, Norway.

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How do I meet people in Norway?

When we asked people living in Norway about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Norway can join local clubs and participate in activities such as soccer or tennis. They can join a gym, take a cooking class, or explore museums, restaurants and galleries with other expats. Expats may also attend English language meetings, join an organisation or join a religious or cultural group. Additionally, expats can try meeting people by attending social events or local festivals, or connecting with other internationals via social media platforms," remarked one expat living in Norway.

"I haven't been able to find an organization, club, etc.There are no expat clubs to welcome you or anything of that sort. My child goes to an International school so I have met parents (from other countries) who have become good friends. Norwegians are not easy to befriend if you don't know them through someone else. and from what I have heard northern Norwegians are not as welcoming as southern, so we have that up hill battle as well. Its been really hard to find anything if you don't speak Norwegian," wrote one member in Tromso.

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What is life like in Norway?

When we asked people living in Norway what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Lives revolve around the outdoors and family. People work from 8-4 and after 4pm, the office is cleared out. There is a great emphasis to do something fun every day and it seems like they spend most of their time outdoors, at least in the spring, summer and fall. They hang out by the fjord and bbq and play volleyball and sun tan on the weekends. There is a saying here that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing, which seems to sum up their attitude towards the outdoors! Family is definitely a priority with the one year maternity leave and love of children here," said one expat in Trondheim.

"The people's priorities are money, status and beautiful houses. Daily lives revolve around sports, socializing and family activities. They spend their money on big boats, big houses and keeping up with each other and taking the boat or drive to neighboring countries to buy cheap meat and alcohol. Public drunkness and disordliness is socially acceptable. Where ever you travel in the nordic countries, if there is a drunk staggering the odds are he/she is Norwegian," said one expat who made the move to Kristiansand.

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Is there a lot of crime in Norway?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"Although Norway has a low crime rate relative to other countries, crime still occurs in Norway. In 2018, there was a spike in violence and personal crimes where guns and other types of weapons were involved. The most common crimes reported in Norway are burglary, shoplifting, drug trafficking, and fraud," said one expat who made the move to Norway.

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Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Norway accepting of differences?

"Yes, Norway has a large and diverse population. Norway has sizable minority populations of ethnic Sami, people of African, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American descent, immigrants, and refugees. Norwegians are, on the whole, quite encouraging of cultural diversity and differences. Discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or other attributes is illegal, and most people accept and respect newcomers," wrote one member in Norway.

"It's very diverse, however very prejudice towards Americans and color of skin. We have a saying amongst expats here "Norwegians are the nicest most rudest prejudice people you will ever meet." I feel lucky to have white skin cause I pass as Norwegian sometimes, but my friends tell me stories that has never happened to me, nor would I want to be treated as they have," remarked one expat who made the move to Tromso.

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What are the schools in Norway like?

"ISS is an amazing school environment, provides an excellent all-around education for children, and is highly supportive of parents and families. Visit the school and you'll understand immediately what a wonderful place it is," commented one expat when asked about The International School of Stavanger in Stavanger.

"I would think twice before enrolling my child the buildings are old and unkempt and the curriculm is not up to international standards," explained one expat in Bergen, Norway with kids at International School Bergen.

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Is the cost of living in Norway high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Norway, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Norway is generally high compared to other countries. Housing and transportation costs are especially expensive, while food and other essentials are also costly. Norway is known for having one of the highest standards of living in the world and many imported products are very expensive," remarked one expat who made the move to Norway.

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"The cost of living in Norway is relatively high, due to the low levels of taxation and generous public services like health care and education. In particular, Oslo is the most expensive city in Norway and its cost of living is even higher than in New York City or London. In general, prices in Norway are at least 50% higher than in many other European countries. Rental prices in Norway also vary widely depending on where you live. A nice one bedroom apartment can range from $1,700 to $2,500 per month whereas a nice two bedroom apartment can go as high as $3000-$3500 per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant would cost you around US$50 per person," said an expat in Norway.

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What type of recreational facilities are in Norway?

When we asked people living in Norway about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"Norway is home to a variety of recreational facilities that its residents enjoy. Campsites and cabins are popular options for people who prefer outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing. For those more inclined towards leisure, Norway also has its fair share of tennis courts, gyms, bowling alleys, pools, and golf courses. Rock climbing, ice skating, and beach activities are all great choices for the country's many coastal residents. Theaters, cinema, art galleries, and heritage sites are also popular choices for those interested in cultural pursuits. Additionally, Norway's restaurants, cafés, shopping malls, and pubs offer plenty of entertainment and recreation options," commented one expat living in Norway.

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What is the weather like in Norway?

"The weather in Norway is generally cold and snowy during the winter months, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Summer months tend to be mild, with moderate temperatures and a chance of rain in some parts of the country. The coast of Norway experiences high rainfall and mild temperatures year-round," said an expat in Norway.

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Are there good restaurants in Norway?

"Fuglen is a popular restaurant in Norway, known for its tasty dishes and interesting presentations. Located in Oslo, the restaurant is known for its range of exceptional ingredients, seasonally-inspired menus and stylish environment. The menu includes a variety of traditional and modern Norwegian dishes, as well as some international specialties. Its cozy atmosphere and pleasant service also contribute to its enduring popularity. Rorbua Restaurant is another favorite restaurant in Norway. Situated in the stunning Lofoten Islands, this restaurant is renowned for its delicious seafood dishes and breathtaking views of the mountains. Their menu consists of a combination of traditional Norwegian cuisine, including reindeer, whale, and trout, as well as locally-sourced ingredients.With its rustic and inviting atmosphere, Rorbua Restaurant is a must-visit for food lovers in Norway. Porch, located in Stavanger, has long been one of Norway's most beloved restaurants. Enjoying a stunning location overlooking the harbor, its menu features a combination of contemporary and traditional Norwegian dishes, with everything from lamb, cod and reindeer to pizza and desserts. With its beautiful views, impeccable service, and gastronomic delights, Porch is the ideal spot for a memorable meal," wrote one expat living in Norway.

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Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Norway?

"People living in Norway typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local supermarkets, convenience stores, and corner stores. Online shopping is also quite popular and many merchants and retailers offer home delivery services. For items requiring assembly or technical expertise, many people use specialized stores and services, such as electronics stores, hardware stores, and auto repair shops," remarked one expat living in Norway.

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What are the visa & residency requirements in Norway?

"Visa requirements in Norway depend on a visitor’s country of origin. Generally, those from countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Schengen area do not need to apply for a visa. Those travelling from outside of the EEA and Schengen area, including the USA, need to apply for a visa. The process of applying for a visa includes submitting a valid passport, a printed confirmation page of the application form, and additional documents including proof of sufficient funds and/or a letter of invitation from a Norwegian Citizen. Those wishing to obtain residency in Norway must first apply for a residence permit. Depending on individual circumstances, the application process may include proving one’s identity and economic standing, health insurance coverage, and background checks. Required documents typically vary according to individual circumstances and can include a valid passport, proof of address, health certificate, birth certificate, and a letter of intent. Upon approval, applicants will be invited to attend a registration interview and receive their residence permit," said one expat.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Norway?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Norway are relatively expensive compared to other countries. Public insurance is mandatory, and the government provides subsidised healthcare to its citizens, however many out-of-pocket payments such as dental and vision care, medications, and even hospital services may be required. Private health insurers are available in Norway for those who want to cover any additional care that is not covered by the public system, however these private plans are generally quite expensive," remarked one expat living in Norway.

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