Housing
Renting an apartment in Norway: Finn.no, deposits and your rights
How newcomers find a rental in Norway, and the legal deposit rules: maximum six months' rent, held in a separate account in the tenant's name.
Money
Cost of living in Oslo: rent and everyday budget (official figures)
The two biggest questions are rent and everyday spending. Here are the official numbers rather than guesses.
Rent (Statistics Norway, 2025)
Average monthly rent in Oslo and Bærum from SSB's rental market survey (Leiemarkedsundersøkelsen):
| Size | Oslo & Bærum | Bergen | Whole country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 room | NOK 10,090 | NOK 7,510 | NOK 8,770 |
| 2 rooms | NOK 15,260 | NOK 11,870 | NOK 11,790 |
| 3 rooms | NOK 19,030 | NOK 13,720 | NOK 13,910 |
| 4 rooms | NOK 23,200 | NOK 17,110 | NOK 15,640 |
SSB notes that a 2-room unit in Oslo and surroundings averaged 29% more than the national average. Inside Oslo it varies too: SSB estimates a standard 50 m² 2-room flat at NOK 16,700/month in Frogner, Ullern, Sentrum and St. Hanshaugen versus NOK 14,500 in Søndre Nordstrand, Grorud, Stovner and Alna.
Everyday spending (SIFO reference budget 2026)
SIFO at OsloMet publishes a yearly "reference budget" for a reasonable standard of living. It excludes housing and electricity. For 2026 (prices collected February 2026):
| Household (no car) | Per month |
|---|---|
| Single woman, 25–50 | NOK 12,599 |
| Single man, 25–50 | NOK 12,909 |
| Couple, 25–50 | NOK 21,678 |
Use SIFO's calculator for your own household.
Add on top
- Electricity – not in SIFO's budget; prices are higher in winter. See electricity.
- Deposit – up to six months' rent, see renting an apartment.
- Phone and internet – see mobile and broadband.
Sources
- https://www.ssb.no/priser-og-prisindekser/boligpriser-og-boligprisindekser/statistikk/leiemarkedsundersokelsen
- https://www.ssb.no/priser-og-prisindekser/boligpriser-og-boligprisindekser/statistikk/leiemarkedsundersokelsen/artikler/store-geografiske-forskjeller-i-husleiene
- https://www.oslomet.no/om/sifo/referansebudsjettet
- https://www.dagenspenger.no/sparing/budsjett
- https://www.oslo.kommune.no/english/welcome-to-oslo/accommodation/utilities-and-public-services/