Kristiansand, Norway

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Sep 17, 2022

Summary: Expats, digital nomads and retirees discuss what it is like to live in Kristiansand, Norway: Cost of living, Finding a home, Meeting People and more.

How do I meet people in Kristiansand?

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

"American Women's Club is available, but not really functioning. After trying several churches we have found a Church with an American core to be the friendliest place in town! In southern Norway, (we lived in Oslo for 10 years my husband is Norwegian), the culture is tough to break into. It is almost stereotypical small town closed," said another expat in Kristiansand.

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Will I be able to find a job in Kristiansand?

When we asked people about industries and career opportunities in Kristiansand, they reponded:

"I have worked all over Norway from Tromso to Sarpsborg to Kristiansand. Most career opportunities for foreigners are doing the jobs the Norwegians don't want to do, much the same as the UK and many other places. This can make learning the language difficult since a) The Norwegians generally speak good English and b) You are mainly speaking English with non-Norwegians," explained one expat living in Kristiansand.

"Fishing, forestry, factory blue collar work and some technology. There are no real opportunities here. People find jobs because they have personal connections," said another expat in Kristiansand.

What is life like in Kristiansand?

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

"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 another expat in Kristiansand.

What do expats in Kristiansand appreciate most about the local culture?

"I moved here to be with my Norwegian husband. I cannot say I appreciate much about Norway," said another expat in Kristiansand.

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

"Southern Norway is the bible belt of the country. But don't look for this to be evident in daily life. Breaking into this culture if you are Norwegian, as my husband is, is TOUGH. If you have a different color skin forget it - they openly exercise racial and age discrimination in the job and housing markets. The UN may have voted Norway the nicest place to live and it may be one of the richest countries in the world, but in our opinion, that is a farce. The health care is so far below standard that it is dangerous to be ill. You have to ask the doc to take your blood pressure! The schools are destitute of funds, the hospitals are closing for lack of funds, it is a prime example of mismanagement, greed and arrogance. It went from 3rd world poor to first world rich in less than 3 decades. The economy grew but the culture did not. This is the land of Jante Loven, (Jante's Law)which is don't think you are anybody and certainly not any better than me, because if you stand out or excel they will take you down! That is the national curse and it is lived out on every level and area of society. Only the greedy and the arrogant rise to the top where they judge and criticize the rest of the world - especially democratic countries, socialism is the reigning philosophy. Their hatred for Israel and America is fightening. It is openly shown in politics and journalism. Norway is no friend of the USA or Israel," said another person in Kristiansand.

Expat Health Insurance

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Expat Health Insurance

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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