Cost Of Living in Oslo 2025
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Oslo
Whether you're living in Oslo or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: NOK
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: NOK
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: NOK
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: NOK
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: NOK
How do people spend their money in Oslo?
We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.
The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.
Housing Expenditure27%
27% of total expenses on average (16% to 35%)
| LOW | $150 1,600 NOK |
| AVERAGE | $1,500 16,000 NOK |
| HIGH | $23,000 240,000 NOK |
| Per Month |
People living in Oslo typically spend from 16% to 35% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 27% being the average. The average spend on housing is 16,000 NOK with expenditure ranging from 1,600 NOK to 240,000 NOK. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $23 240 NOK |
| AVERAGE | $230 2,400 NOK |
| HIGH | $3,400 36,000 NOK |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Oslo ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 2,400 NOK with 240 NOK and 36,000 NOK being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute8%
8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $49 510 NOK |
| AVERAGE | $490 5,100 NOK |
| HIGH | $7,300 77,000 NOK |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 510 NOK to 77,000 NOK on commuting with 5,100 NOK being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.
Food and Groceries Cost27%
27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)
| LOW | $120 1,300 NOK |
| AVERAGE | $1,200 13,000 NOK |
| HIGH | $18,000 190,000 NOK |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Oslo is 13,000 NOK. The cost of groceries can range between 1,300 NOK to 190,000 NOK. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services9%
9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $29 310 NOK |
| AVERAGE | $290 3,100 NOK |
| HIGH | $4,400 47,000 NOK |
| Per Month |
People in Oslo allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 310 NOK to 47,000 NOK with 3,100 NOK being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $19 200 NOK |
| AVERAGE | $190 2,000 NOK |
| HIGH | $2,800 30,000 NOK |
| Per Month |
This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 200 NOK to 30,000 NOK with 2,000 NOK being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.
Education and Schooling6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $28 300 NOK |
| AVERAGE | $280 3,000 NOK |
| HIGH | $4,300 45,000 NOK |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 3,000 NOK per month with 300 NOK being the minimum spent amount and 45,000 NOK being the maximum.
Other Expenses12%
12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)
| LOW | $65 680 NOK |
| AVERAGE | $650 6,800 NOK |
| HIGH | $9,700 100,000 NOK |
| Per Month |
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Oslo is 50,000 NOK. Expenses can range from 7,100 NOK at the minimum level to 550,000 NOK at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Oslo is 73,000 NOK. Expenditure can range from 11,000 NOK to 680,000 NOK per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Oslo is 87,000 NOK per month. Families spend anywhere from 17,000 NOK to 870,000 NOK.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Oslo is 35,000 NOK. Students spend from 5,400 NOK to 390,000 NOK per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
How much money can you save in Oslo every month?
We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.
What percentage of people in Oslo manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 77% of the surveyed people in Oslo said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 23% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Oslo
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 82% | 18% |
| Couples | 80% | 20% |
| Families | 71% | 29% |
Savings-to-Income Ratio
The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
2,400 NOK
$230 | 24,000 NOK
$2,300 | 360,000 NOK
$34,000 |
For most people, 15% to 39% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 25% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 24,000 NOK on average with savings ranging from 2,400 NOK to 360,000 NOK.
82% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 80% of couples said the same. 71% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Oslo?
The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.
Singles
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
2,300 NOK
$220 | 21,000 NOK
$1,900 | 230,000 NOK
$22,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 29% |
| 10% - 20% | 23% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 16% |
| 40% - 50% | 12% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 19% to 41% of their monthly income to savings, with 29% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 21,000 NOK with 2,300 NOK and 230,000 NOK being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
4,700 NOK
$440 | 30,000 NOK
$2,900 | 280,000 NOK
$27,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 33% |
| 10% - 20% | 25% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 11% |
| 40% - 50% | 9% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 17% to 41% of their monthly income, with 28% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 30,000 NOK with 4,700 NOK and 280,000 NOK being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
7,200 NOK
$680 | 36,000 NOK
$3,400 | 360,000 NOK
$34,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 36% |
| 10% - 20% | 28% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 8% |
| 40% - 50% | 6% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Oslo can save anywhere between 13% to 34% of their monthly income, with 22% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 36,000 NOK with 7,200 NOK and 360,000 NOK being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Oslo
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Oslo
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 6,300 NOK | 9,500 NOK | 25,000 NOK |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 9,700 NOK | 16,000 NOK | 39,000 NOK |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 13,000 NOK | 20,000 NOK | 53,000 NOK |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 16,000 NOK | 27,000 NOK | 74,000 NOK |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 31,000 NOK | 78,000 NOK | 160,000 NOK |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 25,000 NOK | 38,000 NOK | 110,000 NOK |
House monthly rent cost
| 31,000 NOK | 78,000 NOK | 160,000 NOK |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 38,000 NOK | 95,000 NOK | 150,000 NOK |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Oslo ranges between 6,300 NOK and 25,000 NOK, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 9,700 NOK to 39,000 NOK. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 13,000 NOK and 53,000 NOK per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 16,000 NOK to 74,000 NOK. The average rent of a townhouse in Oslo is around 38,000 NOK while house rental costs can be as high as 78,000 NOK per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 38,000 NOK to 150,000 NOK per month.
Apartment and house prices in Oslo
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
| $130,000 | $190,000 | $380,000 |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 1.6M NOK | 2.7M NOK | 10M NOK |
| $150,000 | $260,000 | $970,000 |
2-bedroom apartment price
| 2.5M NOK | 7.6M NOK | 15M NOK |
3-bedroom apartment price
Townhouse price
House price
Villa price
The average price of a studio apartment in Oslo can range from 1.3M NOK to 4M NOK depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 1.6M NOK to 10M NOK. A villa can cost you 91M NOK on average with prices ranging from 16M NOK to 140M NOK.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Oslo will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.
House / apartment prices to income ratio
Property price to income ratio
( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100
| 61 | x183 monthly income | 300 |
Property prices in Oslo can be x183 to x300 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x183 multiples of the average monthly salary in Oslo.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Oslo is around 40%. This means that people pay 40% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 28% to 52% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.
The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.
Housing affordability index
The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.
Housing Affordability Index
31% Property Taxes
Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.
Home Maintenance Costs
Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.
| 110 NOK | 1,100 NOK | 16,000 NOK |
Urban vs. rural living costs
Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.
Affordable living in Oslo
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Oslo?
Around 79% of surveyed residents think that living in Oslo is affordable with proper budgeting while 21% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Oslo
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 25% of the people in Oslo have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 75% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Oslo
Debt to income ratio
27%
17% to 36%
( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100
Interpretation
The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 27% of the people's monthly income in Oslo goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 12% |
| 40% - 50% | 11% |
| 30% - 40% | 13% |
| 20% - 30% | 15% |
| 10% - 20% | 18% |
| 0% - 10% | 28% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Oslo pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 12% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 11% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 13% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 15% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Oslo
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 13% |
| Auto Loan | 22% |
| Student Loan | 3% |
| Credit Card | 25% |
| Personal Loan | 37% |
13% of debtors in Oslo confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 25% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 22% of people and personal loans rose at 37%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Oslo.
About credit score and debt managementManaging debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.
Good debt vs. Bad debt
Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.
Loan Affordability Index in Oslo
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.
Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.
| Frequency | % People |
|---|
| Never | 55% |
| Once a year | 22% |
| Twice a year | 11% |
| Three times a year | 8% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
Saving Challenges in Oslo
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Oslo. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 6% |
| High Expenses | 9% |
| Debt and Loans | 18% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 10% |
| Impulsive Spending | 9% |
| Financial Emergencies | 6% |
| Living the moment | 7% |
| Will do it later | 17% |
| Inflation | 11% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 3% |
Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 18% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 9% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 17% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Typical saving choices for people in Oslo
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 11% |
| Gold | 10% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 11% |
| Cash Savings | 16% |
| Real Estate | 10% |
| Investment | 6% |
| Stocks | 6% |
| Bonds | 6% |
| Mutual Funds | 3% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
A typical and healthy budgeting structure
The 50/30/20 rule
Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle,
location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule,
which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.
50% for needs and financial obligations
This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
30% for wants and discretionary spending
This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.
20% for savings and emergency fund
This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.
About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting
The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Oslo
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one
| 440 NOK | 660 NOK | 2,600 NOK |
Cappuccino or latte
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Pack of beef
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
Average car 1-day rental
Average car price
| 160,000 NOK | 320,000 NOK | 420,000 NOK |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
| 430 NOK | 640 NOK | 1,300 NOK |
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
| 370 NOK | 2,600 NOK | 29,000 NOK |
Utility Bill - Couple
| 380 NOK | 2,800 NOK | 32,000 NOK |
Utility Bill - Family
| 720 NOK | 3,600 NOK | 36,000 NOK |
Internet and cable
Mobile phone charges
| 230 NOK | 380 NOK | 1,100 NOK |
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
| 540 NOK | 680 NOK | 1,400 NOK |
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
Woman dress
| 390 NOK | 540 NOK | 1,800 NOK |
Woman shoes
| 350 NOK | 470 NOK | 1,100 NOK |
Men's shoes
Men suit
| 350 NOK | 430 NOK | 2,300 NOK |
Regular t-shirt
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 6,300 NOK | 9,500 NOK | 25,000 NOK |
1-bedroom apartment
| 9,700 NOK | 16,000 NOK | 39,000 NOK |
2-bedroom apartment
| 13,000 NOK | 20,000 NOK | 53,000 NOK |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| $130,000 | $190,000 | $380,000 |
1-bedroom apartment
| 1.6M NOK | 2.7M NOK | 10M NOK |
| $150,000 | $260,000 | $970,000 |
2-bedroom apartment
| 2.5M NOK | 7.6M NOK | 15M NOK |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 6,500 NOK | 8,200 NOK | 11,000 NOK |
Double Bed
| 4,500 NOK | 6,700 NOK | 8,400 NOK |
Single Bed
| 4,000 NOK | 5,300 NOK | 6,900 NOK |
Living Room
| 7,800 NOK | 10,000 NOK | 35,000 NOK |
Dining Table
| 3,300 NOK | 4,400 NOK | 8,200 NOK |
Sofa or Couch
| 4,500 NOK | 6,100 NOK | 13,000 NOK |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 4,500 NOK | 6,700 NOK | 13,000 NOK |
Fridge or Freezer
| 4,100 NOK | 6,300 NOK | 8,600 NOK |
Washing Machine
| 4,900 NOK | 7,100 NOK | 13,000 NOK |
Stove or Cooker
| 4,700 NOK | 6,000 NOK | 8,200 NOK |
Mobile Phone
| 5,600 NOK | 6,700 NOK | 9,600 NOK |
Laptop or Computer
| 6,300 NOK | 7,700 NOK | 14,000 NOK |
Low-cost alternatives in Oslo
People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:
Plenty of low-cost options62%
Few low-cost options38%
Based on the survey, 62% of the people living in Oslo have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 38% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
Financial Literacy in
Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.
Financial Leteracy74%
We asked residents of whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 26% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 74% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.
Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning
We wanted to understand whether residents of have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 22% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 78% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance22%
Easily manages finances78%
Financial goals of people in Oslo
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Oslo, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.
| Financial Goal | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Fund | 7% |
| Debt Reduction | 33% |
| Retirement Savings | 8% |
| Education Funding | 8% |
| Homeownership | 17% |
| Investing | 9% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 11% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 9% |
| Financial Independence | 8% |
Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 33% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 11% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 9% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Oslo
One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.
Spending to Income Ratio
94%
83% to 100%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 6% |
| 50% - 60% | 11% |
| 60% - 70% | 18% |
| 70% - 80% | 26% |
| 80% - 90% | 16% |
| 90% - 100% | 9% |
| 100% - 110% | 5% |
| 110% - 120% | 3% |
| 120% - 130% | 2% |
| 130% - 140% | 2% |
| > 140% | 1% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Oslo is 94%
This means that on average, people spend around 94% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 18% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.
How can spending be more than income?
A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.
Individual
87%
Spending-Income-Ratio
76%
96%
Couple
94%
Spending-Income-Ratio
82%
100%
Family
96%
Spending-Income-Ratio
85%
110%
Emergency Funds
An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes77%
No23%
Based on the survey, 23% of the people living in Oslo said that they don't have an emergency fund while 77% said that they do.
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Oslo
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Oslo and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.
Retirement planning and savings
There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.
The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Oslo:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 130,000 NOK |
| 30 | 260,000 NOK |
| 35 | 460,000 NOK |
| 40 | 680,000 NOK |
| 45 | 950,000 NOK |
| 50 | 1.4M NOK |
| 55 | 1.7M NOK |
| 60 | 2.1M NOK |
| 65 | 2.3M NOK |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 13% |
| Savings | 22% |
| Investments | 13% |
| Social Security | 8% |
| Annuities | 8% |
| Part-time Job | 10% |
| Real Estate | 17% |
| Dividends and Interest | 8% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Oslo 4,000 NOK
$370 | 36,000 NOK
$3,400 | 400,000 NOK
$37,000 |
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Oslo
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Oslo
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Oslo is approximatly 130 NOK with meal cost ranging from 66 NOK to 220 NOK. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 230 NOK and 690 NOK with 340 NOK being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Oslo.
Fine dining meal for one price
| 440 NOK | 660 NOK | 2,600 NOK |
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 440 NOK to 2,600 NOK with the average cost being 660 NOK for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Oslo.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Oslo is around 90 NOK. Price ranges between 57 NOK and 140 NOK depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Oslo is 55 NOK. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 69 NOK and the minimum being 46 NOK depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
A dozen eggs costs around 44 NOK on average with 33 NOK and 66 NOK being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Oslo is between 79 NOK and 140 NOK depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 100 NOK.
Pack of beef price
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 140 NOK. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
A bag of rice in Oslo costs around 48 NOK on average with prices rangeing between 35 NOK and 67 NOK depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 13 NOK to 33 NOK. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
A bag of apples costs 31 NOK on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio
( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Oslo is around 29%. This means that people spend 29% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 20% to 36% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 7,200 NOK per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 1,000 NOK and 80,000 NOK depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 9,100 NOK per month. That number can be get as low as 1,400 NOK or a high as 84,000 NOK. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 2,700 NOK to 140,000 NOK with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Oslo
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Oslo
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual
| 370 NOK | 2,600 NOK | 29,000 NOK |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
| 380 NOK | 2,800 NOK | 32,000 NOK |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
| 720 NOK | 3,600 NOK | 36,000 NOK |
Internet and cable cost
Mobile phone bill and charges
| 230 NOK | 380 NOK | 1,100 NOK |
Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.
The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Oslo ranges between 370 NOK and 29,000 NOK with average being 2,600 NOK, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 2,800 NOK with 380 NOK and 32,000 NOK being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 3,600 NOK. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 350 NOK to 920 NOK with 690 NOK being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 380 NOK but can range between 230 NOK and 1,100 NOK depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.
Energy / Utility expense to income ratio
( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average utility-to-income ratio in Oslo is around 5.9%. This means that people pay 5.9% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.4% to 11% depending on salary and location.
Cost of living comparison by city
#1 Tromso
The average cost of living in Tromso is 34,000 NOK, which is 37% less than the country average. Tromso is ranked first in Norway in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#2 Stavanger
The average cost of living in Stavanger is 39,000 NOK, which is 28% less than the country average. Stavanger is ranked second in Norway in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#3 Trondheim
The average cost of living in Trondheim is 46,000 NOK, which is 15% less than the country average. Trondheim is ranked third in Norway in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#4 Oslo
The average cost of living in Oslo is 54,000 NOK, which is same as the country average. Oslo is ranked fourth in Norway in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
Published: January 16, 2024 Last Update: April 2, 2025
