How expensive Oslo really is? 

Norway is in the top 3 of the most expensive countries in the world. I’m well aware our perception of expensive differs and it depends on the exchange rate, how much we earn and what country we came from. But let’s all forget it and just check the actual prices. It’s you who needs to decide whether visiting Oslo is within your budget or not.  

ACCOMMODATION 

Let’s not forget Norway is known for allowing free places for caravans and free wild sleepovers everywhere around the country, but of course, it’s hard to find a spot to put up a tent in Oslo. The room prices in a hotel start from 100 EUR per night for 2 people, but it’s further from the city. In the city center, the prices start from 180 EUR. The average price though is 220 EUR, often with breakfast included. Just take a look here to see the variety of accommodations in Oslo.  

FLIGHT 

Make sure to land at an international airport Gardermoen, instead of Torp Sandefjord Airport. Gardermoen is located around 40 km from the center, meaning it’s easy and fast to get to the center of Oslo. The second one is about 110km south of Oslo and sometimes you may pay more for train ticket to get to Oslo, than the plane ticket itself.  

It often happens that the low-cost airline ticket prices are extremely cheap, starting from around 14 EUR, but of course, it all depends on where you start and the dates of your journey.  

TRANSPORT 

First, you need to get from the Oslo airport to the city center. From Gardermoen, there’re two options. Either the FLY TO GET express train, which is in 19 minutes to Oslo Central Station for 20 EUR (210 NOK). But there’s also a cheaper alternative. The regional train VY, for half the price: 10 EUR (114 NOK), but it takes 37 minutes to get to Central Station Oslo.  

Second, for transport around the city use #ruter, which includes all public transport available in the city: metro, train, bus, tram, and even ferry. Basically, the whole of Oslo is in zone 1 and if you plan to ride a lot, I recommend buying a 24-hour pass for around 10 EUR(117 NOK). Remember children below the age of 6 travel free. The single ticket costs around 4 EUR (39 NOK). See the whole offer of routes and ticket prices here.

GROCERIES 

There’re several branches of grocery shops or supermarkets in Oslo and in Norway in general. Among others, it’s Coop, KIWI, REMA 1000, or Meny. KIWI is said to be the cheapest one. I compared just a few products and in fact, they were a few crowns cheaper. But let’s get to the prices now. Everyone visiting wants to try smoked salmon. For a 100g pack, you need to pay around 3-4 EUR (30-40 NOK). Freia chocolate is also a hit. The big one 200 g costs around 5 EUR (50 NOK). For a loaf of bread, you need to count 3 EUR (30 NOK), and for a liter of milk 2 EUR (20 NOK). Bottled water is very expensive in Oslo. For a small bottle of 500 ml, it’s 3 EUR (30 NOK). It’s good you can return the bottles in the shop and get a voucher in return. It’s 2 or 5 NOK for each plastic bottle. Let’s look at other products as well. Bottled beer 0,5 l costs 3 EUR (32 NOK), 500 grams of cheese costs 6 EUR (60 NOK) and 12 large eggs cost 5 EUR (50 NOK). I hope you get the picture.  

GOING OUT 

The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Oslo is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices. The average price of a whole meal in Oslo Street Food for example costs around 10 EUR (100 NOK), and separate french fries are 4 EUR (40 NOK). If you wish to go for a coffee, count around 5 EUR (50 NOK) for a cappucino. Beer costs 9 EUR (90 NOK), while for a cocktail you’ll need to pay 14 EUR (140 NOK) 

ENTRANCE TO MUSEUM  

Oslo host some exquisite museums and galleries. If you know you’ll never come back to Oslo you would want to see the famous “Scream” by Munch, see the Vikings boats or learn about the history of the Nobel Prize. Adults for the Munch museum need to pay 16 EUR (160 NOK). The entrance to the Kon-Tiki museum, about the Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, cost 14 EUR (140 NOK). Entrance to the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology also cost around 14 EUR (145 NOK). If you want to get a guided tour around the Oslo Opera House, you need to book it first, it costs 12 EUR (120 NOK) 

SIGHTSEEING

Walking around the city is fortunately free. I’ve created a list of 12 places in different districts for you to see, completely free. Check out the guide here.

MIXED FEELINGS

What do you think? Have you ever been to a more expensive country? Or do you feel like the prices are just fine? I think I can compare Oslo to Zurich in terms of prices, but I’m rather a thrifty person. I’d rather buy some groceries and cook something if possible, than waste money on restaurants. I know it’s trip time, but anyway. I’d rather save for another one!!