Living costs in Norway

Here you will find a general overview of typical expenses for students in Norway.
Updated Published

An estimate of an average student budget in Norway is between 12.000-14.000 NOK per month for living expenses including housing, food, study materials, transport and activities.

Living expenses:

  • Housing: 3500–6000 NOK / month
  • Food: 4000–5000 NOK / month
  • Bus card: 500 NOK / month

Examples of other costs:

  • Lunch at the student cafeteria: 40-80 NOK
  • Dinner at a restaurant: 150–250 NOK
  • Gym membership: 230–420 NOK / month
  • Cinema ticket: 150 NOK
  • Cultural events: 200-500 NOK

Tip: how to save money?

  • Buy your groceries at the cheapest grocery stores such as Rema 1000, KIWI, Coop Extra. The international grocery stores (asian, african, middle-eastern) is also a cheap option. Groceries at smaller shops and kiosks are quite expensive.
  • IKEA provides most of the things you need for your apartment. Also Clas Ohlson, Europris, Kid, Rusta can provide you with things you need for your apartment.
  • Finn.no as well as tise.com is popular for cheap second hand items online, such as clothes and furniture. 
  • Second hand shops such as Fretex and NMS is usually in every city in Norway. Try also to research the local local second hand shops in your student-city.