Norway continues to be an attractive country for those seeking a high standard of living, a stable economy and amazing natural landscapes. In 2024-2025, despite high prices, the country remains one of the most comfortable places to live in Europe. For Ukrainian refugees who find themselves in this northern country, it is important to understand the main aspects of everyday life, including living expenses, rent, food prices and other costs associated with living in Norway. The FACT news agency has collected detailed information to help Ukrainians plan their life in this country.
How much does it cost to live in Norway in 2024-2025?
The standard of living in Norway is one of the highest in the world, and this applies not only to the quality of medical, social and educational services, but also to the overall cost of living. In major cities such as Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim, the cost of living is well above the European average.
According to estimates for 2024, a single person needs a budget of between €2,200 and €2,800 per month to live comfortably. For a family of two, the minimum monthly budget will be between €3,200 and €3,800. This includes the cost of rent, groceries, transport and other basic services. A family with two children may need a budget of €4,500-5,000 per month, especially in large cities.
Important! The amount of living expenses depends on the region in which you live. In smaller towns or rural areas, these costs can be significantly lower.
Renting a house in Norway: average costs per apartment
Renting an apartment in Norway is one of the biggest expenses for Ukrainian refugees. In 2024-2025, the cost of rent remains high, especially in metropolitan areas. For example, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the centre of Oslo will cost approximately €1,300 to €1,600 per month. However, in the suburbs or smaller cities, prices may be slightly lower. In Bergen or Trondheim, the price for a one-bedroom apartment starts at €950 and €1050 respectively.
For those looking for more budget-friendly options, you should consider renting in smaller towns or suburbs. In rural areas, rents can start from 800 euros per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Buying a property in Norway
If you are planning to stay in Norway for a long time and are considering buying your own home, you should take into account the high property prices. For example, the cost of an apartment in Oslo or Bergen can exceed 400,000 euros depending on the location. Houses in mountainous areas, especially those with panoramic views of the fjords, can be even more expensive, as such properties are considered prestigious.
Food prices in Norway
Norway is known for its high food prices, due to high taxes and import costs. For a family of two, the monthly food budget can range from 550 to 600 euros. Meat, dairy products and vegetables are significantly more expensive than in neighbouring countries. However, fish, in particular salmon, remains more affordable, as it is one of the main products of the national cuisine.
For example, the cost of basic products in Norway looks like this:
- Bread: 2.5-3 euros per loaf;
- Litre of milk: 1.6-2 euros;
- Eggs (12 pieces): 3-4 euros;
- Kilogram of chicken fillet: 9-12 euros;
- A kilogram of salmon: 13-16 euros.
Transport costs in Norway
Public transport in Norway is very efficient, but not cheap. In large cities such as Oslo and Bergen, a monthly pass will cost around 80-100 euros. However, there are support programmes for Ukrainian refugees, which may include discounts on transport or even free tickets for certain categories of people.
It is important to note that the cost of owning a car in Norway is also very high due to significant fuel taxes and road tolls. Many locals prefer to use public transport or bicycles, especially in summer.
Healthcare and social services
Ukrainian refugees can benefit from the healthcare system in Norway. For those who have the right to residence or temporary protection, medical services are provided at a high level. However, it should be borne in mind that many services may be paid or partially paid for, so it is important to be prepared for certain expenses related to medical examinations and treatment.
Education in Norway
Norway offers excellent educational opportunities. Children of Ukrainian refugees have access to free secondary education, as well as higher education. The country’s universities and colleges offer a wide range of programmes in English, making them attractive to international students. In addition, there are special Norwegian language courses for those who need language support.
Norway is an attractive country for Ukrainian refugees due to its high standard of living, stable economy and wide range of social services. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cost of living in the country is quite high, especially when compared to other European countries.
When planning your life in Norway, you should carefully analyse the costs of rent, food, transport and other daily needs.
For those who decide to stay in Norway for a long time, the country offers reliable social protection, access to quality healthcare and education. However, you should be prepared for the fact that the financial component of life in Norway requires detailed planning and adaptation.
