120 responses so far ↓

• 1 Diane Scott // Jul 27, 2008 at 9:56 am

  Wow, sort of puts living here in the U.S. in perspective doesn’t it! Yikes!

• 2 RennyBA // Jul 27, 2008 at 5:40 pm

  A very interesting subject and I think you have done quite well so far. Sorry I was late getting back to you but I hope you find my reply mail useful.

  It’s important to state that we are not talking about cost of tourism. The price level might seem very high for people in other parts of the world. Talking about cost of living you have to take income level, tax, and public services like health care - meaning what you can buy for your nett salary into consideration.

  I am not trying to paint a false picture, the prices are definitely high in Norway. But the living standard despite this, and partially because of this, is very high.

  Not to make this another post, let me give some personal examples from public health care and the education system:
  My wife from the US recieved a hip replacement 2 years after she came to Norway, with rehabilitation for 6 months without it costing us anything. Now she is almost finished with her Masters Degree, she has taken her whole college education here, at no cost to us. In fact students here get a scholarship to help pay for their living and book costs. We did take a loan but that has paid for living expenses.

• 3 DianeCA // Jul 27, 2008 at 6:10 pm

  Part of the reason it is difficult to find an answer to your question is that it takes a short economy & political lesson to understand how things fit together. You really have to see the big picture, which took me a few years to find out. What you have to compare is as Renny says what standard of living you get for your earnings. To give an example my 19 year old son took a year ‘free’ before college and worked in a preschool at a relatively low level job. His income for the year was 220,000 kr or just over 40,000 dollars. Much of the inflated prices on luxury goods like cars, alcohol, and eating out go to taxes which pay for services for the entire society, like free higher education, health care, 5 weeks vacation, one year maternity leave - shared by both parents. As well as many other things. If you want a longer answer send me an email and I will do my best. (Mrs Renny)

• 4 Kristie // Jul 28, 2008 at 10:29 pm

  @RennyBA: Of course those types of benifits are wonderful…if you use them. Then there is the person like me who is not going to school, and have not had the need for any medical care at all. And personally with the taxes being so high and the cost of everything so high, I am having a lower standard of living than I did in the US. Anyways, I know if I was to have a baby I would want to be in Norway with the ridiculous amout of maternity leave they get (with such a high percentage of pay) but I am unfortunately unable to use that wonderful service of Norway too :) Of course it is different for everyone!

• 5 Curtis // Jul 30, 2008 at 3:00 pm

  In terms of the cost of food, Norwegians spend just over 10% of their salary on such purchases. That is considerably lower than most of their European counterparts. Another example is that after one hour of work, the average Norwegian can purchase more petrol than the average Spanish, Portuguese or French worker. What I am trying to point out is that cost of living is in-line with salaries. The average Norwegian earns nearly 10′000 USD per year more than the average American, while working about one month less per year! Salaries are high, cost of living is high: it goes hand-in-hand. It is not a perfect system, but in general the cost of living is no problem for those living in Norway, unlike the large numbers of truly poor in my home country, the United States.

• 6 Ole // Jul 31, 2008 at 10:48 pm

  You have to keep in mind that the people making and serving you the world’s most expensive beer probably makes about as much money as you do. $25-30/hour is normal wage for unskilled jobs.

  Gasoline is $10/gallon, but like cars, alcohol and tobacco most of the price is taxes going back to you in terms of free health care, 1 year sick pay, free higher education, pensions etc.

  Overall I would say that the average Norwegian and the average American has about the same standard of living.

• 7 Michael Adebayo // Aug 29, 2008 at 8:12 am

  I need unskilled job in Norway, or with the Norwegian Farmer’s Union or Norwegian Small holders Farmers Union.

  Thank you

• 8 Buchner // Sep 13, 2008 at 8:44 pm

  I am looking for Truck driver job, i have working exprience , 11 years in europe and 3 years in USA. and i have 8 years as fuck lift driver also. age 42, i am a German.contact me if any person have a job for me.

• 9 Esther // Sep 13, 2008 at 8:49 pm

  I am married woman, a German, age 39,we want to move to Norway, to live and work there, if any body have a job for me pls contact me.
  I have work in production,company for over 5 years, and cleaning job for 7 years. I speak perfect English and German.

• 10 fowmy // Sep 24, 2008 at 3:50 am

  i wanna know how much taxes wil i have to pay when i di a unskilled job in norway

• 11 stromme // Sep 28, 2008 at 8:24 am

  woman are beter looking in Norway ,

• 12 AJ // Oct 14, 2008 at 4:56 am

  Speaking as a Norwegian expat (the opposite of Kristie), it’s important to know *why* prices are so high in Norway. Some things like cars, gasoline, and alcohol are primarily due to special taxes above the norm, but mostly prices are dictated by purchasing power. I.e., prices are high in Norway because Norwegians can afford them. Norwegians love to point out the lower prices in continental Europe, especially places like Spain, but they never point out the lower wages and fewer government services there at the same time.

  Rather than translate Norwegian prices into U.S. dollars or whatever else you’re familiar with, I’d rather spend my time figuring out what lifestyle I can afford if relocated to Norway.

  P.S. One interesting side-benefit of this situation is that vacations abroad are generally far more affordable than for other nationalities.

• 13 Kristie // Oct 16, 2008 at 5:13 pm

  @AJ: I agree that its better to spend your time figuring out what lifestyle you can afford in Norway is the best way to think about it. I know all Norwegians say that because of the salaries and government support that you can afford these more expensive prices - so in theory it evens out. But I have to say that I STRONGLY disagree. Even with the higher salaries here and government support, here in Norway I will NEVER be able to get my nails done like I did when I lived in LA. I am unable to go out to eat or for drinks whenever I want here because it is SO expensive it has to be planned. Where in the US I ate out every day and when I wanted to go out for drinks I never had to worry about how many I had (because of how expensive it was). And as far as drinks in Norway, not only are they incomparably expensive in bars and restaurants (to the US) but there is almost NO alcohol in them. You have to have like three or four to even feel a tiny buzz…where as in the US two is more than enough for me usually.
  So I am sorry to say, because I know Norwegians defend it with their lives…. but I do not think that the higher salaries and government support make MY quality of life any better here in Norway than it was in the US.

• 14 AJ // Oct 16, 2008 at 8:34 pm

  Kristie,

  You are, of course, completely correct. Even when you adjust for higher salaries and more government benefits, there are things that are far more expensive in Norway than the U.S. Alcohol and tobacco are heavily taxed. Combined with a relatively much higher salary for low-end jobs, restaurant visits quickly become an expensive affair, as do getting your nails done. The flip side is of course you can make ends meet working in a restaurant, which is much harder to do in the U.S.

  Whether that makes for better living, well that’s a rather subjective topic.

• 15 moni // Oct 17, 2008 at 3:53 am

  Kristie,
  how old are you?? I agree with the nails and restaurants and so forth, but in a long run what is about retirement?? health care>>> if you are fired you don’t get anything, also I already worked 23 years of my life in this country and you can lose everything, there is 5 million people losing their homes. Do you know that??? for young people is fun but for mid 30 and 40 and 50 unless you are getting a retirement from the state or federal govermment, for example i used to work 10 years for the state which i will have a pension now at the present time i work for a private company health care is high and not affordable. also if i am fired i have to start all over again and you only get 250 per week as unemployment working at least 1 year to qualify in Florida state, do you know the cost of university here only on loans, my kids will benefit better education maybe 3 different languages and the cons are horrible weather, no restaurants and no nails no beer but i can live without that because for the last 5 years we couldn’t go anywhere as a family trip because there is recession and we only focus paying a private school for my kids, why because we want a better and achieving careers for our children. Not just that in norway they can benefit with a broad opinion and they are europeans and also americans then we will have to be able to travel as family in europe and not just wait for them to grow up and then be in debt and not be able to travel at least to know what is going on in other part of the world, i have my own experiences in Erurope the weather is horrible but regardless that i am american i am also peruvian born and before i came to US, I lived in Europe in Germany and I have to tell you the proper experience, educated people and their culture was very similar to the spanish tradition, which is called culture, traditions, clothing and relating to your ancestors.

• 16 Tom // Oct 19, 2008 at 7:26 am

  Norwegians are being raped by their own government, yet they can’t see that. The nationalistic brainwash does the job. What fools are they. We have free healthcare and schools, hi, hi, hi, you morons, no you pay with your taxes for your “freebies”. And alcohol? Look at those fools getting hammered on weekends with booze being hauled from Sweden. Pathetic. And in general prices should reflect manufacturing cost plus profit. “we pay because we can afford” …and sun shines because it can too,,, Jesus!

• 17 Kristie // Oct 24, 2008 at 4:25 pm

  @moni: Moni - I totally understand all that you say. And I know its bad now in the US. Maybe it would be better for you here, but no one but you and your family can know that for sure. I know that healthcare costs in the US is a big problem, and that it is better over here for that. So are you saying that you are one of the “5 million people losing their homes”? Just curious because if your family is in a financial crisis that might make the situation different. Do you and your husband have good job offers here in Norway? That also might make the situation different. If I was you I would for sure not move here without good jobs. There is a shortage of jobs here and a lot of people are having financial problems and loosing their apartments/houses here too (the US isnt the only place having money problems). If you and your husband DO have good jobs here, well then…if you are so frightened of all of the possibilities that could happen to you where you are now…then you should think about it.
  When you originally commented you said that your husband thought that the dual nationality would benefit your children. Which I replied to that with what I thought. If there are other huge factors going in to your decision (like money problems/fears) then I dont think someone like me can advise you wisely on this decision. All I know is that it is a HUGE decision (especially when you have two kids involved). And dont forget…the Norwegian culture is not at all like the German or Spanish culture - at least as far as how people treat you on a daily basis. Its not that Norwegians are unfriendly….but they are so unfriendly. I know that doesn’t make sense, but if you move here, dont be surprised if you have a lot of trouble integrating yourself into the community and culture. It is just something to think about! But good luck and please let me know if you do decide to move here! I would love to hear how it goes for you (an who knows…maybe you will have better luck making friends with Norwegians than I have :) )!

• 18 Kristie // Oct 24, 2008 at 4:29 pm

  @AJ: I totally agree :)

• 19 terry // Nov 29, 2008 at 9:13 pm

  it seems quite expensive but what sort of income do they get

• 20 Vibeke // Dec 27, 2008 at 1:03 pm

  Yeah, stuff is more expensive in Norway, but Norwegians earn more. As with most financial concepts, it differs per situation.

  If I chose to live in the US, I could live in a bigger house and eat like I was rich, working in a normal job. However, I would not have 5 weeks of paid holiday, paid sick-days etc.

  In Norway you pay more taxes than the services would require. Our hospitals and schools do not have an especially high standard, our roads are worn out, etc. etc. But internationally recognized statistics do state year after year that Norway is (one of) the country with the highest standard of living in the world.

  The cost of alcohol is a misguided and outdated attempt at controlling the alcohol consumption (since the prohibition, hence Vinmonopolet). This has however lead to Norwegians drinking like idiots whenever possible.

  Rent is another thing which is more expensive than it needs to be. And the 25% VAT on most products sure don’t help.

  In conclusion: Norway is more expensive than it needs to be, but working any job you’ll be able to provide for yourself just fine, and you don’t have to worry about getting sick etc.

• 21 Kristie // Jan 4, 2009 at 10:24 pm

  @Vibeke: I totally agree with your well stated opinion! You put it very well. But the prices of alcohol here really just drive you to drink, dont they! It doesent make sense, but if you lived here you would understand!

• 22 Werner // Jan 14, 2009 at 4:46 am

  I’ve read a few comments here, and I can’t really agree that we norwegians are blind idiots that try to defend the goverments high taxes. When looking into the elections for example, taxes are one of the most discussed topics every time. However, the goverment to “rape” us, they don’t really lower the taxes at all, even though they promise to do so every year. But none of the political parties seem to do something about it when they sit in the big chair.

  When it comes to wage, it is somewhat dependent on where you live in the country as well. I live on the west coast of Norway, and I work on the night shift at a ship yard. I make 336 NOK per hour (47 USD). Of that, the goverment take 36% in tax, so the net income is 214 NOK per hour.

  My 80 sq meter appartment (860 sq ft) costs me about 5000 NOK per month (700 USD). On top of that is electricity, internet, telephone etc. Expensive, yes, but I can easily afford it, and I can still go out every weekend with our riddiculus alcohol prices.

• 23 Ezequiel // Jan 17, 2009 at 11:36 am

  It is true that you can’t compare prices between two countries just like that, you have to take into account salaries and quality of life. For example, I live in Argentina (I found this blog because I’m planning to move to europe while I finish grad school), and a beer (1 lt.) costs 1USD. Cheap? WRONG. It’s not so cheap when minimum wages are 300 USD more or less, and living here it’s rather expensive. For example, right now it’s hot! (it’s summer), with temperatures around 30-38ºC, and my last electrical bill was 200USD (we have energy problems here).

  Yes, Norway could be cheaper, the gonvernment could stop “raping” you, but c’mon, the perks outweigh the cons. Health care, sick days, maternity leave, excellent university education for free (yes, it’s rather great, there are several norwegian universities in europes Top 50 universities).
  It seems that complaining it’s a national sport in Argentina and in northen europe (take no offense please xD)

• 24 Jorge // Feb 10, 2009 at 4:27 am

  Kristine, are you serious? You can’t have your nails done, you can’t go out and eat every day, you can’t even have a few drinks as often as you used to do it here in USA, but do you really think you’ll be happier having those things back? I am a truck driver and I make $67000-$70000 a year. I HAVE to go out every day and eat. My wife gets her nails done whenever she feels like it, and her work doesn’t generate any income, she takes care of my children. Everything seems to be going allright and I am really thankful for the oportunities that this country provides. But, what if I lose my job? Everything will be jeopardize, everything. What if I fall and there is nobody else to blame and I have to take time off to recover? They won’t pay me a dime! My wife is pregnant and she is due this march. Will I be able to be there for her when the time comes? No! I will have to wait untill the baby is born so I could ask for some time off but of course I won’t get paid. I could take a paternity leave for trhee months, but again no pay.

  My younger brother is 24 and he just got out of college. He hasn’t join the work force yet, but his debt is more than $70000 and he will be making only $35000 a year for who knows how long. I’ve been paying over $240 a month for medical ensurence. I still have to cover %20 of any expenses. I own $290000 for my house even tho a can’t sell it for more than $180000 now. It doesn’t make any diference whatsoever if the goverment doesn’t charge us for education and health ensurance with taxes, 95% of the population can’t afort it anyway. Somebody said that if you have a job in Norway you will meet all your needs, no luxuries, but confortable, and with an unemployment rate of only 2.7% the chances that somebody will strugle in Norway are very low. So I am more than willing to sacrifice my wife’s nails, a few beers and some cigarrettes for all the SECURITY Norway offers. Unless you are a VERY shallow person, or an alcoholic you should be for grateful for education, health care and all the benefits you CAN affort and you GET by paying your taxes.

• 25 Kristie // Feb 10, 2009 at 6:28 pm

  Hey Jorge! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, but just so you know the ’security’ you think you would have in Norway might not be all it seems. Everyone seems to be praising Norway for the security they think they would/do have here, but just in case you were wondering, I am finding these basic ’securities’ very hard to come by. Plus, I am not the only one. It seems that a large number of foreigners struggle with alot of these things, and find the promised government support hard to come by (even when they have paid taxes - ridiculous taxes for over ten years). It is awfully easy to judge and call names, but just remember…the grass is always greener on the other continent. You have just touched on a very sensitive subject for me at the moment, which I think I should write about in a post soon. All I know is that in my time here, that the moment I actually need this ’security’ that Norway is supposed to provide (aka healthcare), I am finding it impossible to get. I think that all the benefits and security that you perceive Norway to have only applies to Norwegin nationals and people married to Norwegians. It is a much different story for foreigners in Norway. At least that is my experience. But thanks for sharing you thoughts!

• 26 Jorge // Feb 10, 2009 at 8:42 pm

  Look, I am deeply sorry if I went too far, or if I touched a nerve, I am sorry. But I base my opinion on facts, and the facts only. The facts are impresive to say the least. Unemployment rate: 2.4%. HDI: 0.96 1st place for 6 consecutive years and 2nd place last year. GDI nominal per capita $102.500. GINI Coefficient: 25.8. If you look at it from a neutral point of view, I can’t see how you would have a bad opinion against Norway. Now, I don’t want to base my opinion on something that one of the 0.89% who live in poverty has to say, or one of the non-existent people who live under the line of poverty has to say. All I am saying is that if some immigrants are struggling in Norway you can’t blame the economical system. Discrimination souns more like it.

  And don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t calling you names, it was just the fact that you complained for something sooooo vain (nails, drinks) that just pissed me off. I know I was out of line, I’m sorry.

• 27 Vibeke // Feb 10, 2009 at 10:14 pm

  I don’t know what Kristie is going through at the moment, so this might be completely irrelevant to her situation. Still it’s relevant to most immigrants, so I’ll write it out anyways.

  With certain exceptions for EEA citizens, you’re not automatically a member of the Norwegian Social Insurance Scheme as an immigrant to Norway. This means that as e.g. an American moving to the country, you still need your own health insurance until you’re entitled to membership. Once you are a member, certain cervices require that you have been a member for a set length of time.

  All persons working in Norway are compulsory members of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme from their first day of work. Through the membership you are entitled a.o. to health services in Norway and can earn pension rights according to the regulations of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme (visit http://www.nav.no for more information).

  That Kristie is being left out after 10 years of paying taxes simply sounds wrong to me. It sound like she should be entitled to every benefit, including pension rights. One thing which is absolutely certain, is that she should not be denied any kind of medical treatment if needed.

  Kristie, if you’d like to (globally) explain the problem you’re facing, I’d appreciate it. I’m trying to import my own American, and any issues I’m not aware of could show to be a problem later on.

  Jorge; I think you’re absolutely right. Complaining about drinks and nails should fire up anyone facing any real problems. You also base everything on facts. The Norwegian system is constructed to support you when you need it. The cost of this, is that you have to support the system while you can.

• 28 Kristie // Feb 10, 2009 at 11:02 pm

  HI! Thanks for your thoughts. I would guess by your answer you are Norwegian? I understand everything you so kindly explained (and yes, it is good because it is helpful for all foreigners in Norway). Unfortunately, when push comes to shove it is my expreince that what ’should’ be is often not what happens. Of course I am entiltled, and everyone will say I am. But it is getting anything done that seems to be the problem. I would love to explain the problem extensively but at the moment I dont have the time and am not sure I want to because of its personal nature. The healthcare that I am being denied is a very serious issue and the health problems I am suffering from are severe (to say the least). But you are right, no matter who you talk to at nav or otherwise, everyone says I should be treated. But somehow, dosent happen. And EVERYONE I talk to about this says ‘that is not right’. But no one can seem to fix it.
  If you are Norwegian, yourself, in my experience your ‘imported’ American should not experience any of the problems that I am having. It seems these problems are exclusively for foreigners who are NOT married to a Norwegian.
  And by the way, I’d like to comment on what you said, ‘complaining about drinks and nails should fire up anyone facing any real problems’. Sometimes it is okay to take things a little lighter. Maybe that person (me) is having ‘real problems’ too, but chooses to show ‘lighter’ differences of her life between Norway and California on her blog, While at the same time with a tongue-in-cheek attitude is laughing at her own culture shock.
  If anyone is reading my blog and taking everything SO SERIOUSLY, maybe this isnt for them. I have made it a point to not write anything about Norway that could really ‘fire’ someone up. I have made it a point to laugh at myself, my own reactions to living in a new culture and portray my experience in a light-hearted, humorous light.

• 29 Kristie // Feb 10, 2009 at 11:08 pm

  Hey Jorge, Thanks for the apology. I usually try to take things very lightly on my site, but things have been difficult for me latley here in Norway and it seems as though a lot of people just want to complain, judge and basically bitch about their lives and how it is so much better somewhere else. I do think that you hit the nail on the head with what you said though, it IS discrimination. That is exactly what it is. Anyways, I always welcome anybodys comments and thoughts. I usually dont react! But you caught me at a sensitive time :) I hope you keep reading and commenting! Thanks.

• 30 Vibeke // Feb 10, 2009 at 11:44 pm

  Kristie, it sounds like you’re going through quite a nightmare, and if it’s a result of discrimination, it’s all the more shocking and wrong. Makes me hope that instead it’s the result of the general incompetence that is found throughout the country’s entire public services. Which would still be wrong, but more forgivable.

  Bottom line is that you should get the treatment you need, and you should get it quickly without having to go through hell for it first. I hope it works out for you soon, and that you’re taken care of the way the Norwegian tax payers intend it.

  I also want to make sure you understand that I didn’t say that you talking about “drinks and nails” would in any way mean that you have no real problems or that you’re shallow. I meant to say that I understand how that could provoke, when in a situation such as Jorge’s. This is your blog, and I assume the apparent success of it, must be thanks to your tone and way of writing. It’s good, I read it :)

  My need to comment on what Jorge was saying, is that I thought his reaction was nothing to apologize for, though specifying that he wasn’t calling you personally an alcoholic or very shallow was good.

  Good luck, Kristie!

• 31 Kristie // Feb 10, 2009 at 11:58 pm

  @Vibeke:

  Vibeke, Thanks for that! And maybe it isnt discrimination, but more incompetence as you said. The only reason it feels like discrimination is that I have been told by several people including my primary doctor that the only way to get what I needed is if I ‘knew’ someone. Which makes it feel (to me) like a secretive Norwegian club that I cant get in! It has just been a bad situation. Thanks for your sympathy! And sorry if I am reacting to what you two are commenting about, but as I said, I am experiencing some very stressful situations with all of this right now so my nerves are RAW! Thanks for understanding.
  I am glad you read my blog and are commenting. I try to have a more or less ‘positive’ attitude about everything. Theres so much shit in the world already, I dont think I need to add any! Although, I have been considering writing a little about my bad experiences right now. I am kind of waiting for my ‘happy ending’ and solutions, then I can have a better tone when sharing about it :) And maybe help others going through something similar (God help them!). Anyways, Thanks so much for participating. Its always great to know people are actually reading it! Now one more reader is an actual person to me and not just a ’statistic’ :) And good luck with your ‘import’.

• 32 Stromme // Feb 11, 2009 at 12:04 am

  Americans should learn from us norwegions and stop supporting all the Immigrant Illegal immigrations and stop selling out there country..

• 33 sid // Feb 21, 2009 at 3:09 am

  i am planning to move to trondhiem from CA. the company is offering me NOK 600,000 per year. If you apply the ocnversion rate of USD to NOK it is less than what i make in the US but i am moving to norway for other reasons. would anybody know if the salary i am being offered is good enough to have a decent standard of living

• 34 H // Feb 27, 2009 at 11:45 am

  I have relocated to Oslo four months ago. Let me tell you, I was very optimistic and I understand that for Norwegians it is also frustrating to have all those foreigners around. I signed up for a Norwegian course, extremely expensive for someone that does not have a job (20,000 NOK) for 4 levels which allows you to understand and speak very basic Norwegian. I am not entitled to free classes because I am not a refugee and I am not married to Norwegian citizen. It is very difficult to get a job if you are not fluent in the Norwegian language or if you are not en engineer/IT specialist (these two can get a job with English only). The society is closed and it is VERY difficult to integrate! My partner is Norwegian so I have an opportunity to be introduced but to be quite honest nobody wants to be friends with you. They may make an initial effort to meet for a coffee once, but that is that. I am currently suffering, I cannot believe I have actually moved here and hoped all will be good. Yes, you can go skiing and skating but there is not a lot of other entertainment. Oslo as a capital sucks. And I am being optimistic here…

• 35 Stromme // Mar 1, 2009 at 2:09 am

  Sweden is great , try there

• 36 Vibeke // Mar 1, 2009 at 3:58 am

  @Sid,

  600.000 is a very decent salary. Plenty of Norwegians are making a good living on less than that.

  If you are the only income of the household, I’d recommend that you’d look into buying a house/flat soon, though, as the rent in Trondheim is kinda ridiculous.

  I’m a Norwegian with a degree, and 600.000 is more than I’ll require to take a job to provide for myself AND my partner.

• 37 William // Mar 1, 2009 at 3:39 pm

  @H hey there reading your comment I could relate about how people are here are you american? I ‘am and people seem to be cool with you when they want too but people are just rude in general I notice even with their fellow norwegians, so i guess that s how it goes here where did you come from?

• 38 sid // Mar 1, 2009 at 6:15 pm

  @vibeke. Thanks very much for responding. i was trying to look online to see what the real estate market might be but so far i have come up blank. i have only found listing for one house and at this time i do not have any idea how far this would be from my office. i have a job offer with statoil. although i visited there for an interview i did not get the chance to do any house hunting etc.

  i would greatly appreciate any leads/links to websites

  thanks

• 39 Vibeke // Mar 1, 2009 at 9:36 pm

  @Sid

  My father has worked for Statoil for 25 years now, it’s a good employer. Well done :)

  Finn.no is a good website to look for houses. You can look for rental property and for buying. It requires a bit of understanding of Norwegian, but it’ll give you a good idea of what you can get for how much money in specific areas of the country, or cities.

  Statoil seems to me to be the kind of company that would help you out with housing. I might be wrong, but it’s worth asking them if they can offer you something.

  Good luck with everything!

• 40 sid // Mar 2, 2009 at 4:50 am

  @vibeke

  thanks for responding, i guess i will have to start learning norwegian earlier than expected :-)thanks a lot for the info. statoil is helping with the inital housing but as it is a good time to buy it may be worth looking around.

• 41 Shankari // Mar 4, 2009 at 3:46 pm

  I’m just curious. How did everyone get the jobs in Norway? Is there a job site? Can someone steer me the right direction?

  I’m with Jorge. Things are very rough right now in America. It’s very difficult to get a job even with a Master’s degree. My kid is struggling to get student loans.

  I’ve heard Norwegians are stand-offish. That’s okay. I’m a bit shy myself. I used to live in Thailand where the bureaucracy was insanely slow and disorganized. That would not bother me either. I think the only thing that might bother me is the weather. Ironically, I’m from the Seattle area.

• 42 Stromme // Mar 5, 2009 at 8:33 am

  America is finished , get out while you can…

• 43 Zero Living Cost in Norway // Mar 8, 2009 at 8:32 am

  While I was reading all this I want to tell you that it is zero living cost in Norway.
  Why?
  well you people compare it with US or other capitalist countries that have no social benefits at all. In USA you have to pay for everything.
  I myself lived in Sweden for 8 yrs and shall move to norway perhaps. Why?
  ok. in norway it is free from birth till death. it means you can live in norway without job or working at all. the government has many schemes that support you throughout your life. They give you a good money for paying bills, eating and drinking . you can collect money from benefits like studybidrag,socialbidrag, and many others. If you dont want to work and want state to pay for your bills. Norway is the best country. the only problem is cold and snow.

• 44 Kristie // Mar 8, 2009 at 6:51 pm

  Hey! Thanks for the comment. It would be so great if you could tell me exactly how that works, because I dont know how to live here with the country paying for anything. I must have missed something and it would be so helpful if you could explain in greater detail what you are talking about. Thanks!

• 45 Stromme // Mar 8, 2009 at 11:28 pm

  You must be a pakistani to live free in Norway…

• 46 H // Mar 10, 2009 at 2:19 pm

  Yes, well is not really free for all, is it? If you are a Norwegian, became Norwegian by marrying into the society then I guess you have a chance for all that. I believe you have to work for minimum 3 years to claim health/sickness benefits and live on government cost. I don’t know what I expected. People are cold and look at you like you are a crazy person and they call you an immigrant, an invader - go to London instead.

• 47 sid // Mar 10, 2009 at 9:12 pm

  I see that a lot of people on this website have complaints about the attiude of locals towards the forigners. This really surprises me because when i spent 3 months in norway (Bergen), i can trully say that i found everyone to be very open and welcoming. i had no problems and made wonderful friends. Infact because i was a forgein national i thought that they went out of their to help me

  it is because of the fantastic expereince i had in Bergen i have decided to leave the US and move to norway. maybe i got lucky last time and i hope that good luck continues

• 48 MAR // Mar 10, 2009 at 10:13 pm

  @Kristie…. great blog!

  @Anyone…. If everything goes right, I will be planning to move to Norway very soon and I was looking for some guidance on the expenses.

  According to what Kristie said someone will need about 21.000 NOK (Rent, Groceries, Utilities and Transportation) I didn’t include entertainment because I thing that not everyone will have the same interests when talking about entertainment.

  I will appreciate if someone can tell me what can a couple expect to expend in Norway, like a price list, please tell me the city.

  Kristie’s List (Just for her expenses?)
  City: Oslo
  Rent………………. 12.000
  Groceries………… 5.000
  Utilities ………….. 2.000 (this includes Electricity, gas (cook), water, telephone???)
  Transportation…. 2.000
  Total:……………… 21.000 NOK

  Thanks!!

• 49 Kristie // Mar 10, 2009 at 10:20 pm

  Hey Mar, I hope you get some more specific answers than I provided in this post. If you do, please share it with us. It is a popular topic. I just wanted to clarify that those are not my personal expenses, but some quotes I took from other people on a forum to share what others had said about it. Thanks though, for the nice comment! And as I said, please share with us what you find out! Thank you.

• 50 MAR // Mar 10, 2009 at 10:36 pm

  I hope someone reply, I has been difficult to find that kind of information…I am an expat right now, and in my 8 month of living in a foreign country is when I finally can say that I know how much I am expending each month. I know it took me to much ha ha, but that’s what I’m trying to avoid the next time! Thanks!

• 51 Just Me // May 26, 2009 at 12:47 am

  I see I’m a bit late jumping into the discussion, but I’ve found it very interesting and would like to add my 2 cents as an American who is a very frequent visitor to Norway.

  First, as I mentioned, I am an American citizen. I make about $60K per year and have about 4 months of vacation per year (bingo, I teach!) I have no husband nor children, so my money is mine to spend as I wish, and traveling is how I most like to spend it. My best friend is Norwegian and lives near Oslo. I’ve been visiting Norway since she moved back there after leaving the university here nearly 20 years ago. Thus, when I visit, I (thankfully) don’t have to worry about paying for a hotel since it’s all I can do to afford the day-to-day expenses. Also, I don’t drink (again, thankfully), so that is one less expense I have to worry about.

  My own experiences with Norway and Norwegians run the gamut from absolutely wonderful to completely horrible. My first couple of visits were the worst…total culture shock in every way, shape and form. Norway, 20 years ago, was a very different place than it is now. There were very few foreigners, Norwegians were VERY reserved with strangers, the grocery stores had little in the way of variety, and restaurants — other than high end ones in hotels or little places that served roasted chicken and french fries — were scarce. There was nothing in the way of international cuisine.

  The Norwegians. During my first trip, I was almost certainly labeled as a psycho by the locals. I would greet strangers in passing, and they would just stare at me in shock. On one occasion, I met a Moroccan guy working in a grocery store and was beside myself with joy simply because he was willing to chat with me in the produce section. After just a couple moments, I noticed that my fellow (Norwegian) shoppers and pretty much parked their carts and were staring at us open-mouthed. My Norwegian friend explained to me that chatting up strangers in the grocery store just wasn’t done! I had a veeeery hard time that trip, particularly because Norwegians do a Jekyll/Hyde thing once they start drinking. Sober, they are just that — sober as hell. Once they have a few beers, they come unglued. My first trip to a club almost led to me slapping a guy who introduced him and then promptly asked me (in English) if I wanted to f*&^. My friend again explained to me that this was fairly normal behavior amongst Norwegian drunks. Howeveeeeer, once you get to know the Norwegians, they are wonderful and a lot of fun…it’s just getting to know them that’s hard. Over the years, I’ve found that they are opening up quite a lot to strangers, probably because of the influx of foreigners who have moved there over the last 15 years or so. The younger generation is much more open and much friendlier than their parents (and, I imagine, grandparents are.)

  The Foreigners. That influx of foreigners has changed Norway dramatically, in most aspects in a very good way…at least to those (like me) who appreciate diversity. There is also know much more variety in terms of food. I used to SUFFER gastronomically ever summer I spent there, but now one can find a variety of different foods to eat, though still not quite the variety you’d find in the U.S. or other European countries. The influx of foreigners has also revealed the ugly underbelly of Norway as well, since overt racism and discrimination have become common. I don’t think this speaks badly of the Norwegians as a whole, however, since most countries go through this process of adjustment and xenophobia, and from what I have seen, the young people are much more accepting than their elders. What is a little ironic to me, though, is that Norwegians are extremely generous in helping people from other countries who are in need; it just seems that that kind-heartedness only extends to people beyond their borders.

  The Prices. Norway is expensive, even for Norwegians. There is no way around this and no way to justify it by comparing wages and costs and all that. As Kristie said, very few Norwegians have money left over for the ‘perks’ in life. They live well enough, yes, but for most of them that means having money to eat, pay for transport, buy clothing once in a while, and maybe go to McDonald’s for a $12 meal or to have a kebab once a week. For example, my friend works in daycare and her husband owns a grocery store, so they earn decent money by Norwegian standards and a lot of money by American standards. But when their oven went out and the car broke down, there went the vacation in Spain they had saved for. So, no, going out to get your nails done every couple of weeks is pretty much out of the question. And to some that might seem like a frivilous concern; however, part of the reason so many Norwegians suffer from depression, I suspect, is not because of the long winters but because so few of those ‘perks’ we take for granted in the U.S. are easily available to them. Tomorrow, I’m going for a facial, a pedicure and a full set of nails, and then I’m going out to dinner with a friend. I expect that all of it will cost me about $150, but it will be well worth it because I’ll come home that night feeling relaxed and happy. Most Norwegians don’t have the opportunity for such extravagances. Hence, you have a tough week at work, and you just have to swallow it, maybe drink a couple $10 beers on the weekend, and then back to work you go. It’s not an ideal way of life, I don’t think.

  The Healthcare. Americans are in awe of free healthcare. I was too until I saw how it worked. Yes, it’s basically free in Norway, but it sucks. I have never in my life seen doctors waste so much time in treating a condition as I saw while in Norway. When I arrived in Norway at the end of May about 4 years ago, my friend’s husband had just started suffering from a persistent cough perhaps a few weeks before. By the time I got there, he’d had his first visit to the doctor. They prescribed him some cough syrup which did nothing. A couple weeks later, they prescribed something else. By that time, he was starting to lose weight as well and wasn’t sleeping because the cough was keeping him up all night. Finally, the doctor referred him to someone at the hospital. He went there, and they did a test. (One test.) Negative. He went back and they did another test. (One.) Negative. This went on for WEEKS! One test at a time. Hellooooo!!! By the beginning of August, they decided it was TB and wanted to quarantine him as well as the rest of us living in the house. Hellooooo!!! It wasn’t TB. They kept on with their tests…one at a time. By the time I left at the end of August, they were still testing away, and he was down by about 40 lbs. I mean, thank God it turned out to be something relatively minor because the guy would have been long dead and buried if not! But, my friend pointed out, that’s the price of free healthcare. As long as it’s nothing serious and hard to diagnose, it works. And that isn’t the only instance I’ve observed. Norwegian healthcare, while free, sucks. And let’s not even talk about the dental care there. Ugh. On the other hand, if you’re having a baby or are a drug addict, things are much better than in the U.S.

  All that said, I love Norway. It’s a gorgeous country, and there is nothing I enjoy more than sitting out on someone’s veranda on a summer day, chatting, drinking coffee and eating Norwegian waffles. The water comes out ice cold and clean from the taps. They have great chocolate and ice cream. People are very intelligent and educated, so you can generally have very good conversations. The bread is divine. I think my Norwegian experience is the perfect one…visit every summer and then go home!

  That’s just my take on things…from a frequent visitor’s perspective. A Norwegian would likely have a whole different take, a foreigner residing in Norway a completely different one, and a non-white foreigner forced to seek asylum there a quite distinct one alltogether.

• 52 stromme // Jul 12, 2009 at 2:58 pm

  Please dont compare Norway to the states, America is broke the infrstruckter is falling apart Jobs start at $7.00 hr if you can find one not to mention your poverty and crime rates are sky high ..

• 53 yein // Jul 22, 2009 at 11:59 am

  hello! i really enjoy reading your comments and opinions. im planning to work in norway! what scare me now is the way they will treat foriegners..ohhh man for sure i will have a hard time adjusting.
  anyway any norwegian here who is kind- hearted… pls pls teach me how to speak your language.
  i am planning to work as a nurse there in norway…i must know the language desperately…HELP pls..
  thanks

• 54 Tor Hansen // Oct 1, 2009 at 11:44 pm

  Oli you mention the standard of iving is about the sme i the US as Norway. Well you could not be more wrong my friend. Norway has the world highest standard of living an are rantes the world wealthoiest country as of 2009. Us is # 37 with a debt load of trillions that will NEVER be paid. There is no powerty in Norway. As for the lady that said she need no medical care so those benefits don’t benefit her. You have NO control when you will need health care support and it will be there when you need them at NO cost to you. Unlike US where millions go bank rupt every year just for a minor surgery. I am a Norwegian working and living in the Arctic of Canada for the past 37 years. Pay my taxes as split income to both countries. Norway have done a hell of a job looking after their people.
  You could not pay me enough money to Live and work in the US. Canada is also being very good to me that is why I split my income and pay taxes to both.

• 55 Ana // Nov 21, 2009 at 4:02 pm

  Hi!

  I loved reading the comments as I’ve never been to Norway myself. I’d like to ask about acquiring Master’s degree, it is free in Norway; if not, how much is it?

  If you’re lucky enough and get visa, can you stay as long as you have a job; how does it work?

  I appreciate any info.
  Thanx.
  Ana x

• 56 Jon // Nov 25, 2009 at 7:15 pm

  I got offered a job in Oslo Norway making 750,000.00 kroner a year. They are also offering to pay my rent for 6 months. My partner will be coming along with me as well. I wanted to know if this a good salary for the both of us to live by. My salary will be like 5% less than what I make in the States.

• 57 Tor Hansen // Nov 26, 2009 at 5:16 am

  Dear Jon
  If you will make 750,000 NK in Oslo, that is $134,400 US. From that you will pay approx $53,760.oo in taxes. Almost half, but you do not pay any other fees on top of that like Medical premiums etc. OSLO is now the worlds most expensive city to live in. I don’t know what you do fo living but the only advantage you will have is to experience living in Norway and their way of life. $134,400 living in the US will go alot further but money is not everything. What is the real reasso you want to go there..

• 58 STROMME // Nov 26, 2009 at 3:52 pm

  Just moved back to Norway after 22 years in the states, I dont think i would ever go back to america, Norway is an easy life with a lot of time for freinds and time to relax and enjoy a stress free life…
  america is no longer what is was but the 90sss where good but there long gone..

• 59 Ana // Nov 26, 2009 at 6:52 pm

  Hey :)

  Is there any Norwegian currently living in Norway :) Are postgraduate studies (Masters/PhD) free if you’re a foreigner/ EU citizen? Is it hard to get a job as a foreigner if you speak basic Norwegian, and are willing to start from the bottom?

  Thanx for any comments. I’d like to ask for a realistic account of the situation.

• 60 Jon // Nov 27, 2009 at 1:41 pm

  Tor Hansen

  I am taking this job to experience Oslo. My type of work is communications for a shipping company. I was also told that my partner will be able to work so that will be a great help because we want to enjoy this stay. The good thing is that we are coming from NYC so I may not be as in shock with the cost of living. The company has decided to give us a monthly stipend of 15,000.00 kroners for a year to rent an apartment. My fear is that 750,000.00 Kroners is a low salary to live by.

  Thanks
  Jon

• 61 Vibeke // Nov 29, 2009 at 1:43 pm

  Hey!

  Ana, visit the websites of uio.no, ntnu.no, uib.no, etc. They have plenty of information about studying in Norway.

  Jon, me and my husband are living off 30.000/month. On a yearly basis, that makes 370.000 before taxes. That’s our total income. No help for rent, no second income. We’re doing fine.

  Ok, we live in Bergen which is slightly less expensive than Oslo, but for the 15.000 you should be able to get a really nice apartment. I’m also assuming you’re going to pay taxes in Norway, which will leave you with approx. 375.00 after taxes, plus 180.000 helping for rent (compared to our 200.000).

  You will be fine, well off, well paid and damn lucky. Don’t worry. You’re good.

  With my pay we’re eating well, we go out, we buy things like tredmills and alcohol ;)

  You really are gonna be making quite a bit more than most people.

• 62 Ana // Nov 29, 2009 at 2:30 pm

  Vibeke, thanx a lot. I apprecite it. I’m interested in and have to check Norges Handelshoyskole or the Academy of Arts or Arkitektur :) It would be a life dream come true. I am currently finishing my other studies :)
  Love,
  Ana

• 63 Jon // Nov 29, 2009 at 3:38 pm

  Vibeke,

  Thank you so much for responding back. I feel much better. The 15,000.00 will be net the 750,000.00 will be taxed. My company is flying us December 5th to look at apartments. My worries were that I will be in this great country and wouldn’t be able to enjoy it because of lack of money.

• 64 Vibeke // Nov 29, 2009 at 4:16 pm

  Jon,

  As I said, you’ve got nothing to worry about, and you will be very comfortable.

  Don’t let the cold and dark discourage you when you come here. It’s as dark as it gets right now, in three more weeks it starts getting lighter again.

  The cold in Oslo can be painful, but they have proper summers there too. I’m sure you’ll love it :)

  Good luck with everything!

• 65 Vibeke // Nov 29, 2009 at 4:40 pm

  I see people ask for price lists, here’s mine.
  Household of 2, Bergen per month.

  Rent: 6.000

  Telephone: Free, provided by employer, otherwise approx kr. 150 (cell phone).

  Internet: Free by employer, otherwise kr. 300.

  Public transport: 700 (would be 1240 if both traveled daily).

  Groceries: 6000

  Utilities: 1.000 (water, electricity, garbage etc.)

  Total: about 14.000

  (note that I live about 20-25 minutes by bus from downtown, in order to pay lower rent. I do, however, live in a big apartment).

  Another few interesting prices:
  - Movie ticket kr. 110
  - Large Big Mac Menu kr. 90
  - Cocktail kr. 100 (pub/bar)
  - Beer kr. 75 (pub/bar)
  - 20 cigarettes kr. 70-75
  - Bus fair kr. 24
  - 1lb of ground beef kr. 25-30
  - 1.5 l coke kr. 20 (grocery store)
  - TV license (mandatory if you own a TV) kr. 2335/year.
  - Membership fitness club kr. 450/month
  - 70 grams of chocolate kr. 12-16

  I guess that’s costs people might encounter when coming here, so maybe interesting to some.

• 66 sinope // Nov 29, 2009 at 5:35 pm

  Well following the conversation. I am a danish citizen moving to Norway … It depends upon person to person, The reason of moving from one place to another. Mine is of course, First and foremost the nature, Norway has to offer. A lot lower taxes We pay 50 % to start with and if we are in the higher tax bracket we are forced to pay 69 % in taxes. A good and perhaps better social system than Norway but price is high…

  My int ital idea is that the cost of living would even out the taxed we pay 50 % compared to 36 % in Norway …

  When it comes to people, I found Norwegian sweetest of all the North Europeans …

• 67 Aw // Dec 1, 2009 at 8:30 am

  Ana,

  I’m am in a similar situation to you, hoping to do a Phd in Oslo.

  Masters degrees are free (except for a small admin fee), however, foreigners need to prove they can afford to stay for the duration of their studies. To do this they must deposit around 85000 kr per year into a government bank account which is then used for your living expenses.

  I’ve talked to a number of people about getting work while studying and I think it can be rather difficult unless you speak Norwegian. It sounds like there are jobs available doingt the things that Norwegians don’t want to do (cleaning etc), but better jobs require Norwegian.

  Good luck

• 68 Ana // Dec 1, 2009 at 12:24 pm

  Aw,

  thanx a lot for replying.

  My idea is to learn the language, get a job first, and then move to Norway and start writing the Master’s. I value and respect any decent job, so I’ll thank God if I get any type of work once I graduate.

  Thanx & best wishes x

• 69 Moni // Dec 7, 2009 at 6:52 pm

  Vibeke,
  I will appreciate to hear from you if you can relate to the writing previoulsy, i guess you are in Bergen right>?? or are you in the US?? Just checking?? Let me know. Regards,

• 70 Kristie // Dec 8, 2009 at 11:51 pm

  Hi Moni,

  I am not in Bergen, but Oslo. But just at the moment I am in the US. :) But will be back to Europe soon.

• 71 moni // Dec 10, 2009 at 10:37 pm

  Kristie,
  Thanks for your info. but i was trying to hook up with Vibeke, can you provide me her e-mail knowing the fact that she is Norwegian??? Thanks,

• 72 moni // Dec 10, 2009 at 10:37 pm

  Thanks for your info. but i was trying to hook up with Vibeke, can you provide me her e-mail knowing the fact that she is Norwegian??? Thanks,

• 73 Vibeke // Dec 11, 2009 at 10:13 pm

  Hey Moni,

  Sorry for not getting back to you before now.

  Yes, I’m Norwegian and I live in Bergen. My husband is from the US, and I have lived in Holland for many years, which gives me a few different angles on living in Norway.

  I guess you’re referring to your earlier post, where you, in short, state that in Norway the important things are covered, and you can feel safe and secure, though you might have to sacrifice some luxury. Did I get that right?

  There are both pros and cons to living in Norway, and your personal situation will definitely influence how you experience “the system”.

  Some very clear pros:
  - Work 8 weeks to qualify for social security and benefits (unemployment, etc).
  - Free education, and a grant (from the state) to cover basic living expenses during studies.
  - A lot of paid time off for having children.
  - Solid financial support when sick.
  - A basic pension that will keep you alive and well after retirement (though most choose to supplement this with an additional plan).
  - Free health care (I’ll come back to this later).
  - 5 weeks of paid holiday a year.

  And a few clear cons:
  -Absolutely destructive weather (cold, dark all winter, no real summer).
  -Very expensive groceries (even for Norwegian salaries)
  -Very expensive alcohol
  -Very expensive tobacco
  -Very expensive cars, fuel, insurance and taxes on cars.
  -Really high taxes

  Now, if you happen to fall outside the set plan, meaning you’re born, go to school, go to college/university, get a job and work till you retire, retire, and die, you might encounter some problems.

  For example: I moved back to Norway after 7 years abroad, but had a really hard time getting a job here (financial crisis combined with summer holidays). I managed for quite a while, but I ran out of money and I had no idea what to do. I was registered as unemployed, reported my worked hours every two weeks, and did everything according to the rules. So I went to the NAV-office (work and welfare) and asked them what they could do for me. The results I got were:
  -We can’t help you out financially because you didn’t work for 8 weeks of the first 12 weeks in the country (note that I had managed 6 weeks, but it was just a summer job).
  -We do offer schooling and career development to people, who are involuntary unemployed, but this is all developed for people with no education. You have a degree, so we can’t help you there either.
  -You are registered in our system; you apply for jobs, and that’s all we can do for you.

  Then they sent me on to the Social Office. Now this place is really for people who are incapable of getting a job, and don’t have any medical reason for it. For example: the extremely lazy, the anti social, and your generic white trash.

  They would give me a small amount every month, on certain conditions that basically means you have to surrender all your pride and sense of self worth. I would have to show up to FIA every day from 8:30 to 12:30. My husband and I jokingly referred to this as “retard class”. The point is that it’s supposed to motivate you, help you keep a healthy rhythm, give you a free breakfast, and a 20-year-old girl with high school education was supposed to teach me how to write a resume and apply for jobs. Basically it’s designed for people incapable of taking care of themselves for no apparent reason. I did not at all fit the profile this was developed for, but there’s no room for individual cases in this system.

  The supposed Free health care is another system I doubt. Yes, it’s free, but the coverage is very poor. Things not included are e.g. dental care, birth control, glasses, etc. You also have to pay a large part of the costs yourself, until you reach a certain set amount. And the things you have to pay for yourself are of course very expensive. The doctor coverage is bad and hospitals are rare, especially in rural areas. However, if something serious happens, you will not be financially ruined.

  Other bad things are that our teachers and schools aren’t especially good, our roads lack maintenance, public transport is poorly developed, etc.

  If you compare this to e.g. Holland, I don’t really see how Norway is much better. In Holland you have to pay tuition, but it’s not much and the government will support you if you can’t afford it. Everyone also gets a grant there, though it’s smaller than in Norway. As a bonus, they offer students absolutely free use of all public transportation.

  You have to pay health insurance, but the insurance companies have to accept you, everything is covered, and once again, if you can’t afford it, the government will help you out.

  When I lived in Holland I earned a lot less than here, but I still had plenty of money, and I had a proper dental plan. If I would lose my job, I’d get support. I’d get pension, time off to have children, etc. Their public transport is well developed, roads are properly maintained, doctor coverage and hospitals are good, etc.

  Now I’m back in the Norwegian system, though. So I know that if I get sick, I’ll still get paid. If I have a child, I’ll get a year off with pay. It’s Christmas, so I’m getting 50% off on my taxes this month. In other words, I know that I’m covered if anything bad or unexpected happens, and this is worth a lot.

  My household is living off a single income, which doesn’t give us much to spend. We do, however, always have a box of wine (classy, I know) in the fridge, we eat well, I just went to the dentist to get a little thing fixed, and I recently bought myself a treadmill. Not a crappy existence on a single income. We don’t have a car and we don’t own a house/apartment, though, and we’re desperately trying to save up enough money to visit my husband’s family at some point soon.

  This is turning into a really long post. Sorry about this. I’m just trying to sum up the system in a balanced way.

  In conclusion: I don’t see what would make Norway better than e.g. Holland. To have the same security when something bad happens, though, you would have to pay a fortune on insurances in the US. If you’re in the system, according to their general set of rules, you’re safe and don’t have to worry. And the 5 weeks of paid holiday, free education and time off to have kids, are awesome things that I’m very hesitant to leave behind. Oh, and if your children get sick, you will get paid time off to take care of them too. Norway is VERY social in that way.

  Norway is artificially expensive in some areas, but it does offer you peace of mind that’s worth a lot.

  While I’m writing this long, I might as well mention this:
  You see a lot of people on this forum saying that Norway will throw money at you, without you having to do anything. This isn’t quite true. If you fit a set profile (asylum seeker, permanently physically hurt, etc), or you have no ambition or resources from the get go (e.g. ruined during childhood), yes, Norway will take care plentiful care of you till the day you die. However, that’s not really an existence anyone’s dreaming of.

  Unemployment rates is Norway are really low, but these numbers are misleading because a shocking high number are permanently off sick. Norway rather places people on welfare, than to have them show up in the unemployment statistics. About 10 years ago, it was foretold that in 10 years from now 20% of the Norwegian population will be providing for the remaining 80%.

  I could go on and on. What I’m saying is that it’s not all rosy, but it’s not that bad either ?

  If there’s anything special you wonder about, feel free to ask. If not, I hope this has been to some use to someone out there!

  Thanks for your attention!

  Vibeke

• 74 moni // Dec 16, 2009 at 11:50 pm

  Vibeke,
  Thanks for the info. what does your husband do being american?? I thought that you as norwegian maybe will have a better opportunity than any other foreigner. I do understand, the welfare that there are the ones that are lazy and think that the world owns them!! it is here, in Japan, in any part of the world. I guess it is not a bad idea to have 3 nationalities which i already took care of it legally on having my children to be able to have a chance, if they opt to go overseas and do exchange student for a year, it won’t hurt. I always have in mind wherever i go, and live is a lifetime experience, you learn the language, the culture, you observe and you live it. I heard a lot about the asylum for people from different countries and it is political, and it happens even in United States, globalization to India when you want to take care of business locally, also that US has a trillion dollar in deficit however the doors are still open for those ones with computer skills as major companies as citrix, siemens, etc. barely speak english many from all over the world, and those ones who are asyle and get covered under medicaid and medicare for free, those ones who never contribute a penny in the govermment. Isn’t it funny, i think doors suppose to open to those ones who lives locally and contribute for years, and not to be in deficit and they think that the world owns them everything !!! at this point i can’t complaint but your input is well explained.
  At the same time, the only thing i know is that experience in other country is not rosy but it is a lifetime experience but if you have the chance to have different nationalities why not use it, but it is important how education is run and if it is challenged and also if the curriculum is similar to the american university in upper level, which gives you a great opportunity to have the acceptation in several countries. Thanks for the info. and I would like to hear from you. You can send me your e-mails to my home!!! Take care!!! I experience myself the weather is rainny all the time but i guess there is no paradise anywhere, the time off and the holidays are wonderful!!!!

• 75 Jan // Jan 6, 2010 at 3:51 am

  Standard Budget
  Person 1: Male between 20 and 50 years
  Person 2: Female between 20 and 50 years
  Person 3: Female 2 years
  Person 4: Male aged 6 to 9 years

  You indicated that the household has children in kindergarten, but not given household total gross income. It makes the cost of daycare is not correct.

  Individual-specific expenditure rates. months
  Expenditure on food and drink: 5704
  Expenditure on clothing and shoes: 1376
  Expenditure on health and hygiene: 1336
  Expenses for play and leisure: 2208
  Expenses for travel (collectively): 1375
  Costs of infant gear: 0
  Household-specific expenditure rates. months
  Expenses for other groceries: 490
  Expenditure on household items: 460
  Expenditure on furniture: 450
  Expenses for telephone, media usage, various leisure articles: 1620
  Expenses for car (operation and maintenance): 2000
  Expenses for day care: 777
  Total consumption
  Total consumption rates. months is kroner. 17796
  is $ 3112 for a month.

• 76 Pauli Spencer // Mar 28, 2010 at 1:57 am

  The USA is the best. You can have Norway, and all the blockheads in it. I am glad that they are taxed so havily. They deserve it

• 77 JON // Mar 30, 2010 at 8:30 am

  I have been in Norway for the past two months moved the end of Jan 2010. What I have notice living in Oslo is that people don’t go out as much like to restaurants and they seem to want to spend there money abroad because its very expense in Oslo. My husband works in Oslo, I currently am learning Norwegian to start contributing so that we can have the same life style as in the states. Rent in Oslo run on average about 15,000.00kr which if you came from a major US city its on par. Health ins is not free you pay for it from your taxes 40% going to the dentist you are on your own on that. There is also copays for going to the Doctor just like the US. if you are coming to Norway for work and your company is putting you up make sure that they pay for your rent its the only way that you can enjoy Oslo. Also, graffiti is everywhere we live in Frogner which is a really nice area doesnt mean that there is gangs its just a way of life up here. Be prepare to stay home a lot and doing a lot of walking because that is all that you will be able to do.

• 78 Bruno Stromme // Mar 30, 2010 at 9:11 am

  Yes Norway is such a boring country i moved here from the states 10 moths ago and in Norway you pay for everything , parking road tax expensive petrol all a rip off and crap roads …

  it is way too expensive to go out to eat , there is no culture in norway or family values, a very cold selfish society , people are very antisocial unless they have had a few drinks and then there piss drunk, the divorce rate is among the worlds highest so maybe norwegians claim to have the best standard of living in the world but the fact is they are not living sitting in your house all week because it is too expensive to go out to eat or too cold to enjoy a walk is not living , now spain that is living,, Hang in there the summers are great in norway but after september get out …

  Worlds best quality of life norway scored very low on that 19th ,

• 79 Kristie // Mar 31, 2010 at 10:24 pm

  I have to agree with you Bruno about how it is too expensive to do ANYTHING in Norway. This was very frustrating for me when i lived there. It really lowers your quality of life, in my opinion.

• 80 Kristie // Mar 31, 2010 at 10:27 pm

  Hey, in Frogner you are miserable? Thats a pretty nice area! :) I love that you said “Be prepare to stay home a lot and doing a lot of walking because that is all that you will be able to do.” SO TRUE!!!

• 81 Jon // Apr 1, 2010 at 8:22 am

  Frogner, is a really nice neighborhood of Oslo. You would think that with all the taxes you pay that something would be free like museums, not on Norway. Its a country that has so much potential for the people to enjoy and spend there kr’s here. When my husband and I go out to a restaurant we worry on how much the bill will be that my friend is not good. The friends that we met told us that they only go out once a month. If you are moving to Norway and you are use to enjoying going out once a week be prepared. Just a reminder if you are coming here for work make your employer pay for your housing and tell them how much you expect to net not gross.

• 82 Jon // Apr 1, 2010 at 2:23 pm

  Our budget in Central Oslo
  Monthly Living expenses
  15,500.00 Apt 1br w/office
  4,000.00 Grocery for two people
  500.00 cable w/HD & intranet
  700.00 restaurant w/2beers once a wk
  220.00 movies
  500.00 gym
  500.00 swifers/detergent/cleaning items
  120.00 2 movie rentals

  cheapest wine at the wine store 90kr
  cheapest beer at grocery store 17.00 Ringes for 1

  You could find cheaper rent but you will be out in the middle of nowhere.

  You could find cheaper rent in the city and it would be a small place or a very concrete style of building.

• 83 Mehdi // Apr 29, 2010 at 3:16 pm

  I read all the comments, anyway I have decided to come and study in Norway. I am coming from Iran and unfortunately I have heard that Norwegians dislike middle easterners.
  I hope to have a good experience there. I think the situation for students is different from others.
  Thank you Kristie for your nice blog and everybody for sharing your ideas and experiences.

• 84 Kristie // Apr 29, 2010 at 4:02 pm

  Thank you for the sweet comment! I am glad you like it. Good luck in Norway!

• 85 moni // Apr 29, 2010 at 10:47 pm

  Jon
  what is in american dollars, those thousands are like what??? equivalent to??? how much? also are you american?

• 86 Jon // Apr 30, 2010 at 7:33 am

  Moni, in american dollars 15,000.00 kroner is around $2500.00 a month for an apartment around 73sq meter which is around 700sf. Yes, I am an american working for a Norwegian Company where you are not required to speak norwegian.
  You have heard that health ins is free. Its not its part of the 40% tax that is deducted from your gross salary. Also when you go to the doctor you have to pay a copay around $10.00 dollars a visit. If you are going to the dentist you are on your own that is not part of the national ins.

  hope this helps

• 87 moni // Apr 30, 2010 at 12:04 pm

  Thanks for the info. although i was aware of it, it is just that the thousands seems too complicated, I rather change in dollars, I am aware about the money, we will be moving soon but my husband is from there, i am sure i will miss the nail and hair place, and the dentist, but we plan to stay for few years only. It will be a test to pass, I would like to find an american company for myself but in Bergen, if you know any let me know to my e-mail mernilsoccer@yahoo.com
  how do you like over there?
  I know that doctors you have to pay and taxes are high. it is not free. Did you find any american store in Oslo or you know certain things that you can get?? I have been in regular stores in Bergen and I could find everything but as i know how to cook interantionally or even spanish cooking with diverse meat, fish, and we love seafood, salmon, so it won’t be a problem about that but macaroni cheese and others???

• 88 Jon // Apr 30, 2010 at 7:18 pm

  Your best bet is to study norwegian really hard. Bergen is not an international city so you will probably not find an american company. We are find for this year my company is paying for our apartment. My spouse is having a hard time finding a job because of not speaking norwegian. We do not plan to live here, we enjoy going out to much to window shop. In Oslo we have schools to learn Norwegian please sign up for a course in Bergen. Trust me if you want to help out with money and live a good life its the only way. Everything is more expensive a loaf of bread is around $5 american dollars. So I hope your husband makes good money until you learn Norwegian. Making 500,000 kroner is like making 45-50k in the states. Stores in Oslo are well stocked not sure about Bergen.

• 89 Moni // May 1, 2010 at 4:07 pm

  Hi
  how did you end it up in Norway?
  good information, i already know that you need to know the norwegian language, but we are really moving because our children have dual nationality, in my case i have dual too but i will have to decline the american if i get the norwegian one, but i will keep the norwegian residence only. I have been there 5 times, top 2 weeks and it is quiet, nice, it is different, there is no rush for things, and it is in Europe, you can take a cruise, and bus or eurailtrain to go all over and i personally love it, different cultures, different languages. It will good experience for our children. We already have relatives in Norway and my children have cousins there and that is helpful. You have to like to get used to it, we are planning to go for few years. How long are you going to be there?
  The best to you, keep in touch!

• 90 Jon // May 2, 2010 at 6:58 am

  I am fine my salary is above average. So I can do a lot of the things that you want to do like travel. What type of work does your husband do in Bergen? Or do you all come from money? Like you I was here before for vacation and moving for work is not the same thing. What I have learned being here 3 months is that having a good salary is key if you want to enjoy what this country has to offer. Your kids will like it here but learn the language if you want to work and to enjoy Norway.

• 91 Moni // May 2, 2010 at 4:22 pm

  Jon,
  You are right with money you do everything, reason why we are moving is for our kids to use the norwegian nationality by dad, my husband is norwegian, besides he wants to be in Norway, his whole family lives there, at the same time this is the right time for our kids to experience something different in their lifes, this is a lifetime experience. I lived in Germany before as an student and I am fully aware how is Europe and i speak fluently German, English, Spanish and some Portuguese & Italian. Problem will culture schock is not going to affect me much, but weather wise it will, just wanted to hear your comments. How long are you going to be in Norway? where are you exactly from in the US?
  sometimes to get a job for your wife is based on norwegian contact and that’s the way my husband is getting. His whole youth and childhood was in Norway so it is not new for him. As I know how to get around in South america or Spain or Portugal due to the language is so similar (romanic -latin languages) including Italian. Why i am so familiar about eruail train and cruises /ferry is because i lived in Europe before and traveled all over as an student, matter in fact I did a seminar in Oxford University England, I am well rounded. I would love my kids to know that part what I know and to be able to use their norwegian nationality to live and travel or maybe study in any part of Europe.

• 92 Jon // May 2, 2010 at 5:19 pm

  Moni,
  My job transferred me here from NYC. I like Oslo don’t love it. We do not see ourselves living here for more then two years. As far as weather its not bad, the only two months that may get you down are November and December. As far as ferries from a Scandic country go things have changed since you were last in Europe they are expensive and the Eurotrail trust me you won’t be able to afford it. Its cheaper to fly then to take the train. Your kids will love it here its something new and they are young. Norway is like living in the states I had no culture shock at all other then staying home a lot more. If you are coming from a small town or from the country Norway is for you its safe. You will have no problem getting a job since you have connections in Bergen just do it. Most of the tv channels are in English and they are not dubbed like in France, Germany or Spain you will not have culture shock at all.

• 93 Moni // May 2, 2010 at 6:11 pm

  I lived in New York and just took my girls to the city in Broadway on 45th street, we went to Ellis Island, china town, italian town, took the subway, also went to Broadway and we went shopping, it was a great experience, if i am younger i told my girls after you finish a career look for this at the center of New York city which is the big apple, I come from a big city and nothing i have seen like New York city, business minded people, and it is not for everybody but this is not for people who just got high school, it is for americans and for people who has a goal and education which will open the doors for you, I do have great memories of New York and no part in the world like New York city, you find muslims, americans, hispanics, chinese, russians, italians, koreans, and I am very grateful to be part of it because I came to this country and open the doors for me, not everything is rosy but I love the challenge, so many people hate USA but if you are a working hard and intelligent person you can make it. US is a country of immigrants, it is not the same philosophy as in Europe, they have 4 weeks vacation on top of that they complain, there is no paradise everywhere, you just have to like the challenge!!

• 94 Stumped // May 6, 2010 at 4:23 am

  “Moni, in american dollars 15,000.00 kroner is around $2500.00 a month for an apartment around 73sq meter which is around 700sf. ”

  What?! I pay $790 for 750sqft–in Toronto. I was really thinking of relocating to Norway and finding work over there but the stuff I’ve read so far… Definitely not interested anymore. I will have to re-think leaving this awesome city.

• 95 Sue // May 7, 2010 at 9:37 am

  Thank you to Kristie for a very informative blog. I am a South African student and am interested in studying toward a post graduate degree in Oslo. I would appreciate any information about studying in Norway as an international student. I have already been to the university WebPages. They do provide lots of useful information about studying in the country, although, I would love to hear from anyone currently studying in Norway as an international student. If possible, could either Mehdi or Ana e-mail me some time. My address is sue_pillay@yahoo.com. Thanks

• 96 moni // May 11, 2010 at 2:49 pm

  I am really aware about the rent of a place, we have relatives there, maybe you don’t being from a different country, it is more difficult if you are not related to anyone over there, you might be making better life in Canad with your own locals. Remember it is easier when you have ties and you don’t, maybe an offer but when that offer of work and depending if you are qualified as engineer then you have chances only by contract.Good Luck!

• 97 Lystig // May 31, 2010 at 6:24 pm

  When u hear people praising Norway u might think it is heven on hearth.But is is the total opposite. Poeple are controlled like young destitute kids. Even in yo own apartment,yo are not supposed to plant flowers before going on knees to begge the commune. The so called NAV disguising to be helping people with social support, when u go for any help, they will toss u around untill when u give up.They tell u “du må først snakke flink norsk” meaning u must speak fluent nosk first to help u.
  When u learn norsk, they tell u then, your education is so low, ar u are so qualified.
  People are so cold, un social and close to them selves, unless those who have travelled before to other countries.Forexample, u great yo neighbor and u would be lucky if he or she replies u.
  Too much taxes, irrespective of white collar or manual job.
  I dont know the free health u talk about.Bse every time u go to the hospital u pay around 240 kr consultation fee, and thereafter u buy yo own medicine.
  With education, u are told to get loan which u must pay after your studies.Now where is the financed education u are talking of?. Or where is the social welfare system u talk about?.
  Its the govt which is rich, but individual people are soo poor, runing their lifestyles just on debts.
  Rent is v. expensive.Everything is so boring, especially in smaller communities like Trondheim. Here we go to Sweden to have some good life experience

• 98 Tomas // Jun 11, 2010 at 3:33 am

  Lystig..

  That´s not true at all. Can´t plant flowers? Common now… You know better

  And how is the education not free? Tuition is free. People take loans to cover living expenses during the time they study. And 40% of that loan is changed into a stipend after you graduate… government is paying tuition+40% of living expenses, how is that NOT free??

  People are living very well in Norway.. I´ve lived there for 6 years, and almost everyone live very comfortably there.

• 99 Kürsat // Jun 13, 2010 at 2:44 pm

  Hello Together,
  first of all, thanks for this nice blog.
  I will probably work at the university in Bergen, starting in october this year. I’m married and have 3 children. Does somebody know, whether the taxes on ones salary are lower for married people or is there no distinction at all? Thanks for the answers

• 100 Vibeke // Jun 16, 2010 at 7:45 pm

  Hi Kürsat,

  Check out this page:
  http://www.skatteetaten.no/en/International-pages/

  There are two “Tax classes” in Norway. Taxclass 1, for single people, and class 2 for singles with children or married couples. Married couples will be taxed in class 1 or 2, depending on what’s cheapest for them. Their saved money will always be taxed in class 2.

  The real difference is your deductable. Without going into details; class 2 means you get to deduct more from your income before taxes (for most people).

• 101 Vibeke // Jun 16, 2010 at 7:59 pm

  Lystig.

  I recognize some of what you’re saying, but I think you might be misinformed or have misunderstood a few things.

  First of all: Norway is full of young Swedish people, because they get better jobs and earn better here than they would in Sweden.

  Tomas explained the education part to you. I studied in the Netherlands, and the Norwegian government paid me enough, that after 4 years and a bachelor degree (and a part time job on the side), I only owed NOK 40 000.

  Because of where I came from (a real small community, not the third biggest city in the country), I had to leave home at 16 to finish high school, and the government paid for my rent then as well.

  Yes, peaople are seemingly cold and distant, and look at you like you’re crazy if you try to talk to them.Though, if you for whatever reason are around people regularely, e.g. work or school, you’ll see that people are mostly very friendly and caring.

  I’m Norwegian, and NAV wouldn’t give me anything when I moved back either (I was applying for jobs for months, and had no money). The key to this system is that you have to pay into the system to receive, or have a really, really good reason why you can’t.

  When you go to the docter, you have to pay, yes. Until you reach NOK 1840 in a year. After that it’s all free. Until then the visit to the doctor and your medicine (if for something cronic) is sponsored by the social security system. That adds up to be a lot cheaper than any place I’ve ever paid for health insurance.

  I completely agree that Norway isn’t as awesome as it’s made up to be. I’m daily considering trying my luck somewhere else, because I’m (as you say) living in debt, from paycheck to paycheck, and every month I think that maybe, just maybe, this is the month where I’ll end up above zero.

  It’s all about your personal situation, and how you’re able to use or abuse the system. But Lystig, you kind sir, could use some neuance.

  Best,

  Vibeke

• 102 Jon // Jun 17, 2010 at 7:11 am

  Kürsat
  They will tax you the same, enjoy your stay in Bergen. Norway, as you can read from all of us is very expensive but you get a great offer you should go for it.

• 103 Armando // Jun 23, 2010 at 5:01 pm

  Hello!!!

  I read almost all the comments etc. I think that Norway is great country and maybe better then U.S. in some aspects(health care, social rights, free education etc). Most people wrote that prices in Norway are high etc. Let assume that some Norwegian teacher in high school education earns about 25 000 NOK/month and lives alone. He lives in apartment sizes about 40-50 square meters and that costs his about 7500 NOK(electricity, gas, TV, telephone etc. include) . He spends about 4000 NOK for food and 1500 NOK for transportation. Its all about 13 000 NOK/month and he has 12000 NOK for other things. And I thing that with 12 000 NOK/month you can easily drunk beer in pubs every week etc. For instance, you drunk 6-7 0.5 l beer and you will be drunk and that’s cost you about 500 NOK. All my points is that’s with average salary in Norway you can live very very good.
  I live in Croatia and my living-standard is very low, maybe one of the lowest in Europe.
  I am physics teacher in high school and my salary is about $730 per month(netto). Apartment size of 30 square meters cost me $250/month, food cost me about $250/month, household items and hygiene items cost me $50/month, public transportation is free for me etc. And I get about $150/month for other things like movie, pubs, clothing, books etc. A lot of things in my country is more expensive than in U.S. but average salary($800/month) is smaller than in U.S. Prices of cars is much higher than in the U.S. and even some food prices are higher than in the U.S. This is a disaster, I would like to live and work in the U.S. or Norway. Both countries are beautiful and rich and have a much higher living-standard than my country.

• 104 Jon // Jun 24, 2010 at 1:39 pm

  Armando,

  I think you are not understanding what we are saying. Most of us who writing here come from develop countries. You are right to say that if I was coming from Poland, Norway is a great country. You mention salary let just say a Teacher makes 25,000.00 a month minus 40% taxes thats 10,000 in taxes gone. Now you have to pay rent for around 7,500 NOK a month. That does not include electric or cable. You barely make it. A beer is 65 NOK at a bar. Education is free in the USA, and Health care is a lot cheaper the only difference in the USA is that if you opt out of Health coverage you are on your own. Also, the average salary in Oslo is between 400,000/500,000.NOK minus the 40% in tax. I live in Oslo and my standard of living has changed and I make an above average salary. It is a great country if you just want to make it.

• 105 Armando // Jun 24, 2010 at 4:29 pm

  Jon,

  When I wrote that the teacher salary is 25 000 NOK then I thought the amount after taxes. You wrote that the average salary in Oslo is around 240-300 000 NOK after taxes and means that as a teacher earns almost the same salary because I doubt that in developed countries salary of teacher is less than the average salary.
  So, I think that with 20-25 000NOK/month after taxes teacher can live very well. I well know how the prices are in Norway because I recently was there like tourist and my budget suffered severe consequences:)
  Life is probably a little more expensive in Norway than in the U.S. but again I think that people with average incomes in Norway can live comfortably, especially if two people live together and work.

• 106 Jon // Jun 24, 2010 at 8:07 pm

  Armando, my point is that you live that is all. If all you want is to live within your means then Norway is a great place. Coming from a develop country you expect more. Norway, is a nice country its safe and clean. Life is a lot more expensive in Norway than the U.S.

  Rent 1br 7500-9000. NOK Outside of Oslo
  Cable TV/Intranet 450 NOK a month
  Groceries 5000. NOK a month if you are good
  Electric 800 NOK a month
  Transportation 590NOK a month

  I may be forgetting other expenses that is close to 16,000.00NOK. If you would like to go out then you are in trouble.

• 107 Armando // Jun 24, 2010 at 9:30 pm

  Jon, I do not know what you mean by that that you expect more in Norway? As I read you live with spouse and I guess that he works and that he earns somewhere as you are. This means that you have about 50000 NOK / month. Your living costs are about 23 000 NOK / month. (As you wrote above) That means you have around 27 000 NOK / month for other things. And I can not understand how 27 000 NOK / month is not enough to live the high life and even though you live in Norway?

  Regards

• 108 Bruno Stromme // Jun 26, 2010 at 4:20 pm

  I live in Norway and i must warn you that the weather is awful it is mid summer and still clod and rain so if you like sitting in your house then come to norway..

• 109 Rumz // Jun 29, 2010 at 8:58 am

  Hi,
  I am non white foreigner who will be moving to Norway soon!!! My husband has got a job in Trondheim . Will I get a job there, even if i don’t know Norwegian ??Is it necessary for me to learn Norwegian ???

• 110 Vibeke // Jun 30, 2010 at 2:31 pm

  Hi Rumz,

  I’m very sorry to tell you this, but from all I’ve heard, read and experienced, you are going to have a hard time.

  I don’t know what your job qualifications are, or what kind of work you’re looking for, but even white Canadian professors who speak Norwegian have a hard time finding a job.

  My advice would be to definitely try to learn Norwegian, if you can. It of course depends on how long you’re staying, and how important it is for you to work, but I can safely say that speaking Norwegian is pretty much a requirement, unless you want a job as e.g. a cleaner.

  Apart from this, Trondheim is a pretty international city, with a lot of electronics and IT-industry, and most Norwegians do speak English, so just for getting around you should do just fine :)

• 111 vivek // Jul 4, 2010 at 12:26 pm

  my plans are to come norway for higher studies…and probably do some future jobs there…can you guide what shall be the expenses as a student for me…what are best source of income…which will be the city to stay… :)

• 112 Al // Jul 5, 2010 at 8:54 pm

  To Jon and Armando:

  If you have a job, its more than easy to live in Norway comfortably. Costs are 50%-100% more, but remember, even after tax you still earn 200-300% more. I know a lot of Swedish and British friends who come to Norway just because you can save so much money quickly. Jon, I don’t know where you got your costs from, but I think you’re being a bit pessimistic. I live in the most expensive part of the city, and one room, plus all utilities costs me 4000 NOK a month. Food is expensive, and so is going out, but you could easily have a great weekend out for 500-1000 NOK, which when you take into account the pay you get here, that’s a lot cheaper than home.

  Rumz:

  My advice to you is to get a Norwegian course BEFORE you go. An intensive 2 week program should get you started, then I would recommend going straight into a full intensive course when you arrive.

  I have very recent qualifications and a lot of experience, but remember, you are competing with the rest of the world who all know how good life is in Norway once you get a job. Most Swedes and Finns speak Norwegian too, so you’re up against them. Keep perserveering, learning and meeting people and it will happen. Just dont expect anything in the first couple of months. Best of luck!

• 113 Jon // Jul 7, 2010 at 3:06 pm

  Al

  I love Oslo, but I am an expat. I do not plan to live here. I get paid really well and my housing is paid for. Now, I live in Majorstua and my apartment a one bedroom with and officecost 15,500.00NOK 73sq meters. My issue is if you are coming here to move and do not have a job its not easy. I am very thankful that my company is paying for my rent. My concerns are for the peole that come without a job and think that the grass is green on the other side of the fence.

  I get paid 750,000.00nok plus my rent is paid you bet I am saving.

• 114 Anne // Jul 9, 2010 at 3:32 pm

  Hi,

  One thing Americans should consider is that once you, one person, make more than about 470,000 kr per year, working for a Norwegian employer, you will not only have to pay all normal taxes to Norway but also pay taxes to the U.S. The taxes to the U.S. will be on the amount you make above the approx. 470,ooo kr limit (adjusted annually) but that amount will be taxed at the higher level you would pay if you were in the U.S. and paying taxes on your entire income. This means that your lifestyle may not be as luxurious as you initially thought. A couple who both work here have their U.S. tax calculated separately.

  I am unclear about the tax situation if you have a foreign (non-Norwegian) employer.

• 115 Jon // Jul 11, 2010 at 6:13 pm

  Anne,

  Info: If you are an American hired permanently you do not have to pay taxes in the US.

  http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=97160,00.html

  Totalization Agreements

  Under a Totalization Agreement, dual coverage and dual contributions (taxes) for the same work are eliminated. The agreements generally make sure that you pay social security taxes to only one country.

  Covered by U.S. only. If your pay in a foreign country is subject only to U.S. social security tax and is exempt from foreign social security tax, your employer should get a certificate of compliance from the Office of International Programs of the Social Security Administration.

  Covered by foreign country only. If you are permanently working in a foreign country with which the United States has a social security agreement and, under the agreement, your pay is exempt from U.S. social security tax, you or your employer should get a statement from the authorized official or agency of the foreign country verifying that your pay is subject to social security coverage in that country.

  If the authorities of the foreign country will not issue such a statement, either you or your employer should get a statement from the U.S. Social Security Administration, Office of International Programs, at the address below. The statement should indicate that your wages are not covered by the U.S. social security system.

  This statement should be kept by your employer because it establishes that your pay is exempt from U.S. social security tax.

  Only wages paid on or after the effective date of the totalization agreement can be exempt from U.S. social security tax.

  Generally, under these agreements, you will only be subject to social security taxes in the country where you are working. However, if you are temporarily sent to work in a foreign country, and your pay would otherwise be subject to social security taxes in both the United States and that country, you generally can remain covered only by U.S. social security. You can get more information on any specific agreement by contacting the United States Social Security Administration. You can get more information from the Social Security International Program Web site.

• 116 Kürsat // Jul 24, 2010 at 1:10 pm

  Hello Again,

  by the way: I learned, that one gets in Norway 120 euros per child from the state, in case of a at least two years lasting contract.

  Regards

• 117 Woobler // Aug 2, 2010 at 12:11 pm

  Just want to add a few facts about Norway, prices and so on.

  A “short” summary:
  1. When a woman is pregnant, she will receive free medical care. ALL expenses covered. You get a few ultrasound pictures of the baby and so on.
  The mother don’t have to work during this period, and she will be paid 100% of her salary.

  2. The baby “pops out” and ALL visits to the doctor/hospital will be free for both the mother and child. If you need to go to the hospital with your child - the government will reimburse your travel expenses too.

  3. The child will get free dental care until the age of 18. Then they will have to pay 25% of the cost until they’re like.. about 20?.. And they will pay 50% of the costs until they are 25. After this you are expected to have a job and make enough money to pay for the dental service by yourself. I can add that it you go to a university (that is free), they might have a special deal for students. Often it is free, or you have a very good discount (85%).
  There are talks about including dental care in the overall free health care package. But this will have a high starting price in the beginning. Now people that can not afford dental care due to drug abuse (crystal meth) may get it for free if they stop taking drugs. This cost 12-20 000 dollars for every person…

  3. Parents will have to pay for some of the kindergarten costs. Limited to 288 dollars a month. If you have little money, you will have to pay less.

  4. School is free, including universities. Also most universities in other countries. I went to HPI (Hawaii Pacific University), and to one in Australia. I didn’t have to pay anything extra..
  I have now taken 7 years at university level. I’ve taken 1 year math, 1 year physics, 1 year chemistry, 1 year history, 1 year psychology, 1 year marine biology and 1 year with a mix of English, Spanish, German, computer ed and business economics.
  I think I’ll take another 2-3 years. Then I will probably start working as a teacher (with a masters degree)
  Before the university I took 3 years studying electronics and computers - which is my job now. I have worked some, during the last 3 years of the university to keep my student loan low. I get about 1800 dollars a month from the state/government. If I pass the classes I take I have to pay back about only half of this amount. I get this much because I have children. I also got 800 dollars a month to cover my living expenses. Since I now make enough money from my job I don’t need any money from the government, including the student loan.

  5. Now.. to the cost of living. This will depend on where you live. It’s like the real estate agent says: location, location, location.
  If you live in Oslo you WILL pay much more then in the rest of Norway. Some parts of the town is among the most expensive place to live in the world. You pay more for a VERY small apartment than a large house with a lot of land in other places of the country.
  I’m not sure why people will live in Oslo at all. It is by far not the most beautiful place to live in Norway. But there are many people that want to live there, and there are not too many houses. Building regulations prevent the construction of houses north of the city (because of a forest that is protected). There are also hight regulations when it comes to buildings.
  You can buy a house for less than 100 000 dollars in Norway, but you will probably use some money to fix it. Or else you can build a new house from about 200 000 dollars and up.
  I’m building a house now with 3 floors (150 square meters each floor). And a 120 square meter garage & hobby room next to the house. It will cost me about 330 000 dollars. I will do a lot of the work myself ( saving about 250 000 dollars) - but because of always changing and always stricter energy efficiency rules, building materials will cost a lot.
  The window glass will have to be of a special kind and quality. The walls need to be extra insulated for every year. A house will now have 25cm of insulation as a standard. Some years back it was 10. This will continue increase every 3-5 years. I’m building with 30-40cm because I will save on electricity. We don’t use gas in Norway. We sell it to other countries that use it to heat their homes, water and so on. We get over 95% of our electricity from hydro electric power. The rest is from a combination of windpower, gas, solar (we are one of the largest manufacturer of solar enery equipment in the world: REC solar and Elkem). We also import some from Sweden and Denmark - which we also sell electricity to.
  Electricity used to be dirt cheap in Norway. Most of the hydro electric powerplants where (and still are) government owned. They said the price will be 0,04 dollars for 1 kW/h. A few years back, they started to take some kind of market price, and sold electricity to other countries. Our price rose as a result of this. This also affected industry that depended on cheap electricity like the aluminum, magnesium and titanium manufacturers.
  Back to my house again… I will have to pay for an advanced ventilation system in the house which recycles the heat in the air. The ventilation system is also balanced.. which adds to the cost. I have water pipes running in all floors to heat the house, using a heat pump - to save electricity and the environment.
  Things that cost a lot in Norway can almost always be summed up as either bad for the environment AND/OR bad for the health of the user. So heavy cars with large engines using a lot of fuel WILL cost a lot of money. One car model can be 2-3 times more expensive if you have the largest engine available. You will NOT see a lot of V8 and V6 engines here. They will in 90% of the cases be in an old American car like the Corvette, TransAm, Camaro or Murtang. Few people will pay 60 000 dollars extra to get the larges engine. They will settle with a small diesel engine using 0.45 liters for every 10km it drive in average (or less for even smaller cars).
  I think it is a bit sad, since I like the sound of a V8.. but the environment is more important.
  The car tax is based on the engines CO2 emissions and the cars weight. The rules are changing more and more to the CO2 emission than the weight.
  It has a few strange side effects. I drive an old VW Caravelle (Eurovan in the US?) … anyway. I bought it used for 9000 dollars. That is just over 2 month salaries for me. It’s getting old, and I’d like to get a new one… but I want the long version with 8 seats, 4×4 and the second smallest diesel engine… it will cost me 140 000 dollars. Yikes.. It is cheaper for me to buy 2 smaller Mercedes C class cars.
  So I think the rules will change to make the large car cheaper. I could for exampel buy a much larger minibus with 16 seats for 69 000 dollars..
  Anyway… other expensive stuff is cigarettes and alcohol. Why? It’s not good for you.. and the government pays for your medical expenses. If you become an alcoholic or gets cancer or heart problems… it will be expensive. The government increase the price - so they will either stop smoking or reduce their alcohol consumption.. or they will pay more tax to the government so when they need medical care.. they have paid their share.

  6. Some more benefits. You get 1 year with full pay after you have given birth to a child, so you can bond to the child from day one.
  If you loose your job, the government will give you money until you get a job on your own. It you have not had a job for years they will pay you about 1 000 dollars a month and they might pay for your housing too…
  It you can not work anymore due to injuries for example.. you will receive money from the state anyway.
  They may also tax luxury goods more then regular goods - because they are not required to live a regular life. You don’t have to drive a Ferrari, or smoke or drink alcohol. But if you do.. you just have to pay a bit more.
  Since no people are left alone - they are not dirt poor. They don’t have family or friends that can’t afford medical care. Everybody that want it, can get an education. Do you want to be a physics professor or an electrician? It does not matter. It’s free.
  So you will have very few desperate people, that do desperate things to get money. So we get a very safe society.
  We have a few cases but they are usually committed by people from former Yugoslavia or a middle eastern/ Afghan/ Somalian individual. That is basically the thanks we get by using 160 000 dollars a year for every foreigner we get. Paying for their schooling, housing and so on. Because we are a member of Schengen we also get out share of criminals from Lithuania (now a synonym with thief in Norway). A few hundred criminals destroying their national image. We have a few from Romania and Bulgaria either professional thief’s or they try to add skimming equipment on our ATMs. A criminal in Norway costs at least 1000 000 dollars a year. They can be glad I don’t rule this country. There’s a lot of things a 9mm bullet can solve. Use 50 cents to save a million a year..

  7. Things are expensive because we don’t have low wages for simple unskilled jobs. And the term unskilled is not that much used any longer. It you want to start working as a cleaner… you need skills and certifications. If you want to drive a truck at a warehouse… a certification is more and more common. You also need a license to drive the different forklifts.
  Because of the wages it is still not common to give tips in bars, diners or restaurants. The waiter is making at least 18-19 dollars an hour. And when you don’t make a lot of money the taxes are lower too. If you make a lot of money - you can contribute to the society, they a waiter.

  Oh… almost forgot this. We also have a few tickets thats based on income. That is about as fair as it could be. All fines/tickets should be like this.
  An example. If you get caught driving under the influence of alcohol.. you’ll have to pay 1/12 of you income as a fine. If you make 12 million dollars a year. The fine will be 1 million. That stings even for the wealthy.
  Think about Hollywood. Driving while drunk could save California’s economy. You real about it all the time when a movie star gets waisted. Drive a car, crash and spend a few hours in lock up.. at the most. A movie star would have to pay 10 million in fine each time :-)
  You could pay for a few teachers each time.

  We are a family of 5, and we use about 18500-2000 dollars a month. It covers food, housing, the OLD and crappy car, the boats and our sports equipment and hobbies. Phone, fax, Internet, membership to the gyms, clothing and so on.
  I get to go to a gym 2 hours every day - with pay from my employer. But that is because I sometimes have to work late to finish up some work. I pay for the gym myself.
  The kids (2 in kindergarten and 1 in school) is going to kids gym - which is just a place where they can play with all kinds of sports equipment. It cost about 10 dollars each a month. I pay about 50 dollars a month for my gym. My wife is not interested in fitness and training. I also pay about 40 dollars a month on my martial arts class. I pay 10 dollars a month at the shooting range with my pistol. Excluding the ammunition (which is not that much since I usually use my Benelli 22 caliber pistol).
  I also pay 10 dollars a month on the diving membership (which include all the air a can fill).
  We use about 600-700 dollars a month on food. A few hundred dollars on clothing. 150-200 dollars for diesel. 150-200 dollars for car repairs (since it’s so expensive I do most of the work myself. I had a free mechanical course for 6 month once. It has really paid of). We pay 620 dollars a month for the flat we rent. The rest is for internet, phone and so on.

  I have lived in the US for a few month since I have family all over the US and Canada.
  I rented a small house. I could rent a gardener which was dirt cheap. I could go out to eat, and it was cheap. Often 1/4 of the price in Norway. It was cheap to rent a car, and to drive it. It was cheap to buy most of the alcohol - except expensive/exclusive wines (that was actually cheaper in Norway). But there was more crime in the area. Nobody walked alone at night there. Police stopped me (to me they behaved very rude and aggressive) at night, when I was walking an hour to stay in shape. I had to empty my pockets, lay on the dirty sidewalk (and get stains on my 250 dollar clothing) and wait for a long while - with handcuffs, and a fat officer with his knee and weight on my back - just because I didn’t have my ID with me. I didn’t have any good pockets in my pants, and I was not going to buy anything so I didn’t have the wallet with me. If police had acted like this in Norway I would have said: What the fuck is wrong with you. I’m taking a walk after supper so I will not become a fat guy like you.
  I understand they take a lot of caution, because they see a lot of stuff each day - but as a tourist I found it quiet shocking. Nobody paid for my damaged clothing either.
  I also had a lot of good experiences in the US. And the people is in general more easy to talk to then anybody in the world (I’ve traveled to almost every country). Two other things surprised me. People working in stores and restaurants are very polity and is almost always smiling. I’m not used to that from Norway. Some smile, some don’t. Not necessary because they are not polite - because the tone of voice is used more often than a smile. But I think we have a LOT to learn about customer care in Norway. I think many US firms has a LOT to learn about how to take care of their employees.
  I was also a bit chocked about general knowledge. I talked to people that was very smart, and who had a good overview of the world and the news - and a lot of other that was totally “offline”. They knew some local news, but general facts and world information was just like a black hole. You noticed they had seed a few minutes on Fox News.. that was all. And I have to say Fox News are special. It’s almost like some sort of propaganda. And several times the reporters made error after error talking about situation in the world.

  When there is nobody that has really low wages everything will be expensive. Production costs are higher, and for every sale the price will increase. It’s just a fact of life. But if you work in Norway, you will make enough money to compensate for the high prices. And it gets cheap to travel to other countries.

• 118 Jordan // Aug 11, 2010 at 6:02 pm

  Only think that and compare…..
  6 Eggs (lower qality) 0.91 euro
  300 grams of mustard 2.97 euro
  2 sausages(380grams) 3.80 euro
  1 kg lemons 2.59 euro
  3 garliks 0.91 euro
  total: 11:18
  You say if these are ok or expencive for you….but my salary is 800 per MONTH.
  P.S i live in AThens Greece…..

• 119 Anonimen // Aug 14, 2010 at 10:14 pm

  Norway is only GOOD to work some time…not to live there,go for 1year or 2years and get lost.
  Its expensive,but if u dont drink too much and if u dont spend ur time in restaurant and bars and etc. u will safe good money.
  Im from Macedonia,im going to Norway to earn some money….why?
  becouse in Norway i take about 4000 euros per month,i spend 2000euros and 2000euros i safe…for 2 years of work in Norway i can safe for about 40,000 euros and i can live very,very luxury in my country becouse: in Macedonia
  1 pack of ciggaretes is 1 euro
  1 bread is 0,2 euro
  1 beer on restaurant is 0,5 euros
  1kg meat is 3 euros
  u can be king in the disco with 100euros

  So…if ur country have low standard its good to go earn some money in Norway,but if u live in usa or some other countries with good standard of living it is stupid to go in Norway,becouse it is the same BIG WAGES BIG PRICES,LOW WAGES LOW PRICES

• 120 Jon // Aug 15, 2010 at 8:17 am

  Anonimen
  I agree with Anonomen, if you are young under thirty, you don’t care where you and you don’t eat out. You can save money in Norway, but you must have a job and you have to speak Norwegian to get a job. My spouse who has a degree from the US still can’t get a job. We live in Oslo, and we are very fortunate that I get paid well and my housing is paid for. So we enjoy Oslo a lot and what it could offer to certain people. My company which is a Norwegian company is an English only company and I was transferred to the Oslo office. I had to do a lot of negotiation to have the same life style that I had in the NYC area. Its expensive in Oslo much more than NYC. We do not eat out three times a week now we do it once a week . We are much older I am 39 and was not willing to settle for less just to come to Oslo. Please if you are coming here with no job learn Norwegian…

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