My real family budget
"I'm showing you exactly what our family of 4 spends each month in Oslo. Total transparency!"
— Ingrid
Our monthly expenses
| Rent (90 m² apartment, Grünerløkka) | 18,000 NOK | ~$1,910 / £1,430 |
| Groceries | 10,000 NOK | ~$1,060 / £790 |
| Nursery (1 child) + activities | 4,500 NOK | ~$475 / £355 |
| Transport (2 Ruter passes) | 1,600 NOK | ~$170 / £125 |
| Phone + Internet | 900 NOK | ~$95 / £71 |
| Insurance | 1,200 NOK | ~$125 / £95 |
| Leisure & outings | 4,000 NOK | ~$425 / £315 |
| Savings | 5,000 NOK | ~$530 / £395 |
| TOTAL | 45,200 NOK | ~$4,790 / £3,580 |
💡 What I wish I had known
Norwegian salaries are higher than in most other countries, but so are prices. Purchasing power is broadly similar, or even better if you work in certain sectors. The important thing is to negotiate your salary properly when you arrive!
— Ingrid
45,200 NOK
Our monthly family budget in Oslo (family of 4)
📊 Putting it in perspective
For the same standard of living, a large Western European or North American city would cost noticeably less. The difference is offset by our two Norwegian salaries, which are well above what we would earn for the same jobs elsewhere.
