Cost of Living in Stavanger

The cost of living in Stavanger is high, but expats needn’t worry as salaries are usually high enough to offset costs. Norway also offers a host of social welfare benefits, which contribute to reducing the cost of living and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

Cost of accommodation in Stavanger

The housing market in Stavanger is competitive and expensive. With that in mind, accommodation is likely to be an expat’s biggest expense in the city. Price-conscious new arrivals typically search for housing in the areas and suburbs further out of the city centre. In fact, many expats opt to live in nearby Sandnes to save on costs and get better value for money in terms of property size. Convenience seekers with a few bucks to spare, however, will find a range of accommodation options in the city centre.

New arrivals should note that utility costs in Stavanger are quite hefty, particularly during the cold Norwegian winters.

Cost of transport in Stavanger

Although public transport in Stavanger is efficient and reliable, it is by no means cheap. Stavanger has an extensive bus network and commuter rail lines that make getting around fairly easy. Thrifty passengers looking to reduce their monthly travel costs can purchase monthly passes.

For those who live close to transport links, owning a vehicle in Stavanger is unnecessary. That said, expats who would like to explore the fjords further out would benefit from having a car, as would those who don't live near a bus stop. However, this option is quite pricey as petrol costs in the city are steep. Norway charges road, carbon and sales taxes which make up almost half of the price at the pumps.

Cost of groceries and eating out in Stavanger

With two Michelin-starred restaurants and a tantalising range of cuisines on offer, Stavanger is a foodie’s paradise. Expats should note that enjoying these gourmet pleasures does not come cheap, as food prices in Norway are notoriously high. Gourmands will have to budget carefully to appreciate these delights without breaking the bank.

New arrivals looking to save on fresh produce and dairy products have the option of visiting local markets and shopping at discount supermarkets. Naturally, imported goods will incur a steeper cost, so newcomers looking to get more bang for their buck are advised to stick to Norwegian products.

Cost of education in Stavanger

Education in Stavanger and throughout Norway is either free or heavily subsidised for legal residents and citizens. Expat parents with young children can send their tots to public schools where the language of instruction is Norwegian with English as a mandatory foreign language. Norway also offers language tuition classes for non-native students, making public schools a viable option for expats.

Those who would like their children to study an internationally recognised curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate programme, have the option of enrolling their children in the often expensive but high-quality international schools available in the city. Thanks to the growing expat population in Stavanger, the number of international schools in the city continues to expand.