Europe · Oslo
Cost of living in Norway
Norway is 14% cheaper than the US, ranking #24 of 203 countries we cover for cost of living.
World Bank data through 2024 · last reviewed 2026-06.
What drives the cost here
Price levels by category, where the world average = 100. Above 100 is pricier than the global norm; below it is cheaper.
In Norway, communication is the priciest category relative to the world (226), while food & groceries is the most affordable (175).
Category price levels: World Bank ICP 2021 (world average = 100) · source
What your money is worth here
A $100,000 US lifestyle would cost roughly $86,500 in Norway.
Quality of life
98/100 · #5 of 198Beyond cost — health, safety, and connectivity. The score is a transparent, equal-weight composite of the verified metrics below (see methodology).
About Norway
Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off after King Olav TRYGGVASON adopted Christianity in 994; conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next several decades. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that lasted more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king.
Read the full background
Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Norway remained neutral in World War I and proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War II, but Nazi Germany nonetheless occupied the country for five years (1940-45). In 1949, Norway abandoned neutrality and became a member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960s boosted Norway's economic fortunes. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU. Key domestic issues include immigration and integration of ethnic minorities, maintaining the country's extensive social safety net with an aging population, and preserving economic competitiveness.
Background from the CIA World Factbook (public domain), archived 2026-06-03.
Frequently asked
Is Norway expensive to live in?
Norway is 14% cheaper than the US, ranking #24 of the 203 countries we track. Its most expensive category relative to the world is communication; food & groceries costs the least.
How much money do you need to live in Norway?
A lifestyle that costs $100,000 in the United States would cost roughly $86,500 in Norway, going by overall price levels. The salary translator turns your own figure into a local equivalent.
Is Norway cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Its overall price level is 86.3, against 100 for the United States.
What is the quality of life in Norway?
Norway scores 98 out of 100 on our quality-of-life index (#5 of 198), a composite of life expectancy, safety, health, and connectivity, with life expectancy around 83 years.
Every number, sourced.
We cite the exact source and year for each figure. Derived values are computed at build time, never hand-entered.
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