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

Living in Norway

Last updated on Feb 06, 2024

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:

"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.

"Absolutely take this opportunity... what a beautiful country and great experience. You make what you want out of it... Take advantage of a country that offers incredible outdoor activities/sports. I was never into skiing, hiking, cycling, but I am a convert...at 45 years old and ejoying what the outdoors has to offer here and have yet to see anywhere else like it in the world," said one expat in Oslo.

Answer Question & View More Answers

Allianz Care
Get Quote

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.

Allianz Care

How do I meet people in Norway?

Please login to continue reading this article.

Not a member? Join Today (it's free).

About the Author

Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.