Food Prices in Norway: What To Expect

Norway is a beautiful country with a rich culture and stunning scenery, but it is also known for being one of the most expensive countries in the world. If you are planning to visit or move to Norway, you might be wondering how much you will have to spend on food and drinks. In this article, I will share with you some information and tips on food prices in Norway, based on my own experience as an expat.

The average cost of living in Norway is 78% higher than the world average. This means that everything from housing to transportation to entertainment is more expensive than in most other countries. Food is no exception. For example, a basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district costs 205 NOK, a combo meal in a fast food restaurant costs 134 NOK, and a bottle of good quality red wine costs 180 NOK. These prices are even higher in Oslo, the capital city, where a meal in a mid-range restaurant can set you back 250 NOK, a loaf of fresh white bread costs 34 NOK, and a liter of milk costs 24 NOK.

However, food prices in Norway are not fixed and depend on various factors, such as the location, the season, and the quality of the products. For instance, food prices are generally lower in rural areas than in urban areas, lower in summer than in winter, and lower for local and seasonal products than for imported and exotic products. Therefore, you can save money by choosing where, when, and what to eat wisely.

As an expat who has lived in Norway for two years, I have learned some tricks to eat well and cheaply in this expensive country. Here are some of the things I do to reduce my food expenses:

• I shop at discount supermarkets, such as Rema 1000, Kiwi, and Bunnpris, where I can find basic groceries at reasonable prices. I also look for sales and discounts on items that I use frequently, such as eggs, cheese, and pasta.

• I cook most of my meals at home, using simple and healthy recipes that do not require many ingredients or fancy equipment. I also prepare my own lunch and snacks to take to work or school, instead of buying them at cafes or vending machines.

• I take advantage of the local specialties and seasonal produce that Norway has to offer, such as salmon, cod, berries, and mushrooms. These products are not only delicious and nutritious but also cheaper and fresher than their imported counterparts.

• I avoid alcohol, tobacco, and international release of goods from renowned chain store as much as possible, since they are heavily taxed and have high tariffs in Norway. Instead, I drink tap water, which is safe and free, or tea and coffee, which I brew at home.

• I treat myself to occasional splurges, such as renting a car to explore the countryside, buying a pair of men’s leather business shoes to impress my colleagues, or having a seafood dinner at a fancy restaurant. These are the things that make living in Norway worthwhile and enjoyable, but I do not do them too often, or I will break the bank.

By following these tips, I have managed to keep my monthly food costs to around 3,000 NOK for groceries and 800 NOK for dining out. This is lower than the average monthly costs for a single person in Norway, which are 4,000 NOK for food and 1,200 NOK for dining out. Of course, your food costs may vary depending on your lifestyle, preferences, and dietary needs.

Related article: Living in Norway vs Sweden: Which Is Better?

Overview of Food Prices in Norway

Norway is known for its high cost of living, including groceries and dining out. According to Numbeo, the overall cost of living in Norway is 51.42% higher than in the United States. It’s an expensive country to live in, so expect the regular price of food to be higher than usual.

One of the main factors that contribute to the high cost of food in Norway is the cost of ingredients. Norway is not a particularly fertile country, and much of its produce has to be imported. This means that restaurants and grocery stores have to pay a premium for their food, which they then pass on to their customers. Furthermore, Norway has strict regulations around the use of pesticides and chemicals in agriculture. While this is good for the environment and health, it means that the cost of producing food is higher than in other countries.

Grocery Item Prices in Norway

To give you an idea of the grocery prices in Norway, here are some examples of common items and their average prices in Norwegian kroner (NOK):

• Protein: Items like beef mince cost around 78 NOK, chicken around 77 NOK, and eggs about 31 NOK. Back leg red meat, which is a popular cut of meat in Norway, costs about 150 NOK per kilogram.

• Dairy and Eggs: The milk average price is 14 NOK, cheese at 32 NOK, and a dozen eggs at 31 NOK. Norway is famous for its brown cheese, which costs about 60 NOK per 500 grams.

• Fruit and Vegetables: Prices vary, with bananas at 14 NOK, tomatoes at 21 NOK, and tinned tomatoes at 7 NOK. Fresh white bread costs about 25 NOK per loaf, while whole wheat bread costs about 30 NOK.

• Carbs: Common items like pasta cost around 25 NOK, rice at 47 NOK, and noodles at 15 NOK. Potatoes, which are a staple food in Norway, cost about 10 NOK per kilogram.

• Drinks: Prices range from soft drinks at 32-48 NOK, coffee or tea at 21-28 NOK, to beer starting at 64-80 NOK in cafes. Tap water is safe and free to drink in Norway, so you can save money by bringing your own bottle.

Based on these prices, the estimated monthly costs for groceries for a single person in Norway are about 3,000 NOK or about 350 USD. A family of four estimated monthly costs are about 12,000 NOK, or about 1,400 USD.

Food Prices in Norway Compared to Other Countries

Moreover, here’s a comparison based on the data from 2023 to better help you budget your stay or visit in this country:

• Sweden: Food prices in Norway were about 40% higher.

• Denmark: The prices were about 25% higher.

• Finland: Norwegian food prices were 36% higher.

• Iceland: The prices were about 10% higher.

Are you planning to buy a house in Norway? Check this article first: House Prices in Norway [2023 Guide]

Dining Out Costs in Norway

Another factor that contributes to the high cost of food in Norway is the cost of labor and rent. Restaurants in Norway have to pay high rents and wages, which means that they need to charge more for their food to cover their costs. In addition, Norway has a high value-added tax (VAT) of 25% on most goods and services, including food and drinks. This means that the final price you pay at a restaurant includes a 25% tax.

To give you an idea of the dining out costs in Norway, here are some examples of typical meals and their average prices in Norwegian kroner (NOK):

• Breakfast: A simple breakfast of coffee and a pastry can cost around 50 NOK, while a more filling breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast can cost around 100 NOK.

• Lunch: A warm meal for lunch or dinner can range from 200-400 NOK per person, depending on the type and quality of the restaurant. A sandwich or a salad can cost around 100-150 NOK, while a pizza or a burger can cost around 150-200 NOK.

• Dinner: A mid-range restaurant can charge around 300-500 NOK per person for a three-course meal, while a fine dining restaurant can charge around 600-1,000 NOK per person or more. A typical Norwegian dish, such as salmon or reindeer, can cost around 250-400 NOK.

• Drink Prices: Soft drinks cost around 32-48 NOK, while beer prices start at 64-80 NOK in cafes. Alcohol is heavily taxed in Norway, and the cheapest bottle of wine at a restaurant starts from around 450 NOK. A cocktail can cost around 150-200 NOK.

Based on these prices, the estimated monthly costs for dining out for a single person in Norway are about 6,000 NOK, or about 700 USD, assuming that they eat out three times a week. For a family of four, the estimated monthly costs are about 24,000 NOK, or about 2,800 USD, assuming that they eat out once a week.

Also read: What Are The Costs of Owning a Car in Norway?

Comparison with Other Countries or Regions

To put the cost of food and dining in Norway into perspective, let us compare it with some other countries or regions. Here are the average prices of some common items in different countries or regions, as of March 2024:

Factors Influencing Food Prices

Norway is a beautiful country with a high living index, but it is also one of the most expensive countries in the world. The regular price of goods and services in Norway is influenced by several factors, such as import costs, production methods, local taxes, wages, and currency exchange rates. These factors affect the availability, quality, and demand of products, as well as the purchasing power of consumers.

For example, Norway has to import many products from other countries, which increases the cost due to transportation and tariffs. Norway also has strict standards for producing good quality food and products, which requires more resources and labor. This country has a high tax rate and a high minimum wage, which the government use to fund its welfare system and public services.

Norway also has a strong currency, the Norwegian krone, which makes it more expensive for foreigners to buy Norwegian products, especially when the exchange rate is unfavorable. These factors also affect the international release of products, such as movies, books, and games, to be more expensive in Norway than in other countries.

To give you a better idea, here are the factors influencing food prices:

• Import cost

• Production methods,

• Local taxes,

• Wages,

• Currency exchange rates

Import costs

Norway is not a particularly fertile country, and much of its produce is imported. This means that restaurants and grocery stores have to pay a premium for their food, which they then pass on to their customers.

For example, according to Visit Norway, a kilogram of back leg red meat costs about 250 NOK ($28.5 USD) in Norway, while the same amount costs only 100 NOK ($11.4 USD) in neighboring Sweden. Similarly, an equivalent combo meal at a fast-food restaurant costs about 120 NOK ($13.7 USD) in Norway, while it costs only 80 NOK ($9.1 USD) in Sweden.

Production methods

Norway has strict regulations around the use of pesticides and chemicals in agriculture. While this is good for the environment and health, it means that the cost of producing food is higher than in other countries. This country bans the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and growth hormones in animal farming, which reduces the yield and increases feed costs. Norway also has high standards for animal welfare, which means that farmers have to provide more space and care for their livestock, which also adds to the production costs.

Local taxes

Norway has a high tax rate on most goods and services. The government use it to fund its generous welfare system and public services. For example, Norway has a 25% value-added tax (VAT) on most items, except for food, which has a 15% VAT. Norway also has a special tax on sugar, alcohol, and tobacco, which makes these products more expensive than in other countries. For example, a pack of cigarettes costs about 130 NOK ($14.8 USD) in Norway, while it costs only 60 NOK ($6.8 USD) in Sweden.

Wages

Norway has a high minimum wage and a strong labor union, which means that workers earn more than in other countries, even if they are not in the city centre.

The average monthly wage in Norway is about 47,000 NOK ($5,360 USD), while it is only 33,000 NOK ($3,760 USD) in Sweden. This means that businesses have to pay more for their employees, which they then pass on to their customers. For example, a monthly fee for a gym membership costs about 500 NOK ($57 USD) in Norway, while it costs only 300 NOK ($34 USD) in Sweden.

Currency exchange rates

Norway has a strong currency, the Norwegian krone (NOK), which makes it more expensive for foreigners to buy goods and services in Norway. For example, one US dollar (USD) is worth about 8.8 NOK, while one euro (EUR) is worth about 10.4 NOK. This means that tourists have to pay more for their travel expenses in Norway, such as rental car, fuel costs, men leather business shoes, and Nike running shoes.

For example, renting a mid-range car for a day costs about 800 NOK ($91 USD) in Norway, while it costs only 400 NOK ($45 USD) in Sweden. Similarly, a liter of gasoline costs about 17 NOK ($1.9 USD) in Norway, while it costs only 15 NOK ($1.7 USD) in Sweden. A pair of Nike running shoes cost about 1,200 NOK ($137 USD) in Norway, while it costs only 800 NOK ($91 USD) in Sweden.

Are you a student planning to move to Norway? Read our post Cheapest Places To Live in Norway for Expats and International Students

Seasonal Variations

In Norway, food prices can vary seasonally due to factors such as production costs, availability, and demand. Certain foods may be more expensive during specific times of the year. For example, fresh fruits and vegetables that are not in season locally may need to be imported, leading to higher prices.

Additionally, during the winter months when local produce is limited, prices for imported fruits and vegetables tend to increase. This seasonal variation in food prices is influenced by both domestic production cycles and international market conditions.

For instance, an equivalent combo meal at a chain store like McDonald’s may cost around 127 NOK in January, but only 106 NOK in July. Similarly, a kilogram of local cheese may cost 159 NOK in December, but 127 NOK in June.

Related article: Where to Stay in Oslo

Imported vs. Local Foods in Norway

When comparing the prices of imported foods to locally produced foods in Norway, there are significant differences to consider. Imported foods often incur higher costs due to transportation, import taxes, and currency exchange rates.

On the other hand, locally produced foods benefit from lower transportation costs and support for domestic agriculture. As a result, imported foods like exotic fruits or specialty items may be priced higher compared to locally grown staples such as grains, dairy, and meats.

Consumers in Norway may find that local foods are generally more affordable than imported goods due to these factors. For example, a pair of men leather business shoes imported from Western Europe may cost around 2,120 NOK, while a similar pair made in Norway may cost around 1,590 NOK. Likewise, a mid-range smartphone with an unlimited data plan may cost around 530 NOK per month, while an imported one may cost around 742 NOK per month.

Also read: Top In-Demand Jobs in Norway in 2023

Cost of Living in Norway

Norway is known for its high prices and high standard of living. The average monthly income after tax is around 42,440 NOK. However, the cost of living in Norway is also very high, especially in the city centre and you’re using rental cars. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around 15,900 NOK, while the average price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is around 84,800 NOK.

Moreover, the cost of transportation, utilities, entertainment, and other products like local cheese s are also high in Norway. The average monthly fee for local transport is around 848 NOK, the average normal tariff for electricity, heating, water, and garbage is around 2,120 NOK, and the average price for an equivalent new car is around 424,000 NOK. The overall prices in Norway for commuting or local transport in the city centre are almost equivalent new car.

Related article: The Cost of Living for a Family In Sweden

Final Thoughts About Food Prices in Norway

In conclusion, Norway’s high cost of living extends to its food prices, influenced by factors like import costs, strict production standards, and currency exchange rates. While dining out and grocery shopping can be expensive, there are ways to manage costs, such as shopping at discount supermarkets, opting for local produce, and enjoying occasional splurges.

For expats and tourists, understanding these dynamics can help in budgeting effectively and making the most of their culinary experiences in Norway. Click the links for more insights, and subscribe to our email list for regular updates on living and traveling in Norway.