How Much Does It Cost To Move to Norway From the US?
Fact Checked by: It costs between $7,000 and $15,000 to move to Norway from the US. Norway’s cost of living is, on average, 15% higher than the US, excluding rent. Rent prices in Norway are actually about 35% lower than the US national average. It’ll cost a family of four about $6,180 a month to live in the Land of the Midnight Sun, if you add in the median cost of renting a three-bedroom apartment.
Here’s a closer look at moving costs:
- Overseas relocation costs: You’ll need to hire an international mover to coordinate shipping of your belongings. Costs can range from a few hundred dollars to $10,000 or more, depending on how much stuff you have and the shipping method you pick.
- Airfare & accommodations: You’ll need to purchase a one-way plane ticket to Norway, which typically costs $640. This, of course, can vary based on the airline, how far in advance you book, and seating preferences. If you haven’t already arranged for a place to live in Norway, you should set aside some funds for short-term accommodations at a hotel or Airbnb.
- Immigration fees: A long-stay visa in Norway is just under $100 but it’s worth planning for, especially if you need to pay any fees for applying online or via mail.
- Cost of living expenses: Since Norway has a higher cost of living than the US, you’ll want to plan for an increase in spending on essentials like groceries, transportation, and electric and water bills. Rent, cell phone plans, and internet service are all cheaper in Norway, which will help balance out those higher living costs.
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Norway consistently ranks as one of the best places in the world to live, thanks in no small part to its high-quality, affordable healthcare, safety, and eco-consciousness. The catch? Moving there takes planning. Take a look at what you’ll need to know to start preparing to set up your new life across the pond.
Our track record
Average cost of moving to Norway from the US
You can expect to pay $3,000–$5,000 in shipping costs if you have a two- to three-bedroom home and are bringing most of your belongings with you to Norway.
However, international moving costs can be much cheaper or pricier depending on how much stuff you have, ranging from just under $400 for a handful of boxes to more than $15,000 if you opt for full-service packing and are shipping the contents of a large home.
Pro tip: We recommend only shipping goods that you know you’ll need in your new home, since hipping furniture is expensive.
Sea freight costs from the US to Norway
Shipping by sea is your most affordable option, as long as you don’t mind waiting. Most shipments take three to six weeks to arrive from the US.
The rates below are based on a 20-foot shipping container, which can hold a typical three-bedroom home’s worth of furniture and belongings.
| From | To | Container Cost | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYC | Oslo | $2,600 | Approx. 20 days |
| Miami | Oslo | $2,900 | Approx. 25 days |
| LA | Oslo | $4,900 | Approx. 40 days |
| NYC | Bergen | ~$2,600 | Approx. 20 days |
| Miami | Bergen | ~$2,900 | Approx. 25 days |
| LA | Bergen | ~$4,900 | Approx. 40 days |
Source: BRLogistics
Air freight costs from the US to Norway
Need your essentials fast? Air freight gets your stuff to Norway in just two to four days, but the cost adds up fast. It’s ideal for small shipments — like clothes, electronics, and other personal items — and not so great for heavy furniture.
| From | To | Shipment Size | Container Cost | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYC | Oslo | 225 pounds | $382.50 | 2–4 days |
| LA | Oslo | 225 pounds | $382.50 | 2–4 days |
| NYC | Bergen | 400 pounds | $680.25 | 2–4 days |
| LA | Bergen | 400 pounds | $680.25 | 2–4 days |
Source: ShipNEX
How much does it cost to live in Norway?
Norway isn’t exactly cheap. The cost of living in Norway is about 15% higher than in the US. But here’s the silver lining — housing is much more affordable. Rent prices range between $927.35 and $1,896, in most cases.
Monthly expenses (excluding rent) are around $4,489 for a family of four and $1,258 for a single person. But stay on the safe side, we recommend that you save up enough month to cover four to six months of expenses before moving.
Housing costs in Norway
Rent is where you’ll see big savings, since housing in Norway is 35% cheaper than in the US, based on national averages. Of course, that percentage can be more or less depending on where you live.
But whether you move to a bustling city or the quiet countryside, you’ll likely pay less for rent than you would anywhere in America.For example, rental apartments in Oslo — Norway’s capital and the country’s largest city — is 26%–32% lower than similarly sized US cities like Denver.
That said, it costs more than twice as much to purchase a home in Oslo than in Denver.
| Apartment | Denver | Oslo | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rental | $2,142 | $1,578 | –26.3% |
| 3BR rental | $3,645 | $2,481 | –31.9% |
| Price per sq. ft. (purchase) | $440.54 | $919 | +108.6% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Denver and Oslo (March 2025)
If you’re looking for rentals, sites like FINN.no and Hybel.no are go-to sources.
Lining up your job (whether remote or in Norway) might help you find a place to live quicker. Some Norwegian landlords prefer tenants with a D-number (Norwegian tax ID), since it essentially serves as proof of steady employment and income.
Top cities in Norway for expats include:
- Oslo: Norway’s capital city is a favorite for expats due to the high population and number of nightlife and cultural options available. Despite being an in-demand area, rent prices are reasonable here.
- Bergen: This large city on Norway’s west coast has a metro population of over 400,000 with many expats. Lower rent prices relative to the US and a reliable public transit system make it an excellent option.
- Stavanger: Stavanger is an attractive option for businesses and residents alike, and has seen recent growth due to the presence of the oil and gas industry. Favorable weather and ease of access to public transit further recommend this city.
Utilities costs in Norway
Basic utilities like water and electricity will cost you slightly more in Norway, but you’ll save big on internet and cell phone plans. Overall, it’s a bit of a mixed bag that balances out if you’re mindful of usage.
| Utility | Denver | Oslo | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic housing utilities* | $174.09 | $257.67 | +48% |
| Internet | $64.91 | $53.37 | –17.8% |
| Monthly cellphone plan | $71.88 | $30.25 | –57.9% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Denver and Oslo (March 2025)
*Based on the combined cost of electricity, water/sewer, and trash for a 915 square foot apartment (March 2025)
Food costs in Norway
Eating out is more expensive in Norway, especially when it comes to fine dining. Groceries are a toss-up. Some staples like dairy and meat are pricier, but produce tends to be cheaper.
| Food | Denver | Oslo | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast food meal | $12 | $13.38 | +11.5% |
| 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant | $85 | $114.31 | +34.5% |
| Gallon of milk | $3.97 | $8.29 | +108.9% |
| 1 dozen eggs | $4.72 | $4.68 | –0.9% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Denver and Oslo (March 2025)
Transportation costs in Norway
If you can live in a city like Oslo with reliable mass transit, do it. Based on national averages, Norway’s public transportation costs more than in the US, but it is much more modern, safe, and connected. In bigger cities, it might even be slightly cheaper than comparable American cities.
And the price of that train or bus pass is nothing compared to what you’ll pay for a taxi — 200% more — or to fuel up your car. Gas in Norway is more than double the US average per-gallon price.
| Transportation mode | Denver | Oslo | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-way public transit ticket | $3 | $4 | +33.4% |
| Monthly public transit pass | $88 | $85.06 | –3.3% |
| 1 gallon of gas | $3.29 | $7.96 | +141.7% |
| New car* | $27,487 | $41,424 | +86.8% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Denver and Oslo (March 2025)
*Based on the cost of Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort or equivalent new vehicle (March 2025)
Education costs in Scotland
Since English is widely spoken throughout Norway and taught in public schools, you don’t necessarily have to enroll your child in an international school. But if you go the private route, it’s much cheaper than in the US.
Plus, universities in Norway are tuition-free for permanent residents, which is a major win if higher education is a long-term goal.
| School type | Denver | Oslo | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-day private preschool/kindergarten (monthly) | $1,536 | $261.13 | –83% |
| International primary school (annual) | $16,168 | $11,806 | –27% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Denver and Oslo (March 2025)
Norway’s visa & immigration requirements
Most American expats qualify for one of these temporary residency permits:
- A skilled worker visa through an employer sponsorship program (after a formal job offer)
- A family visa that allows you to connect to spouses/partners, children, or parents who are Norwegian citizens.
- A self-employed/entrepreneur visa if you are a digital nomad with gainful employment or plan to start a business in Norway (or operate a business in another country remotely).
- A student visa if you are enrolling at a Norwegian university.
Residency permits last from one to three years, and are renewable. After three years, you’ll be eligible to become a permanent resident, provided you stayed in Norway for at least two years and five months of that three-year period.
You can apply for full Norwegian citizenship after seven years.
Moving to Norway from the US
Give yourself at least four to six months to plan this move. Start by locking down a job offer (if applicable), then focus on finding housing. Once those are set, you can get a jump start on hiring an international mover.
Top international moving companies
Booking an international mover with experience and an established reputation will help you with more than just shipping. They can handle customs clearance, provide you with helpful overseas relocation resources, and even assist you in getting settled in your new home.
We always recommend getting quotes from at least three moving companies to get the best comparison of services and pricing. Start with these top international movers:
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Shipping your vehicle to Norway
Gas is pricey in Norway, so you might want to leave your vehicle at home and just invest instead in mass transit passes in your new city. If that’s not an option, we recommend shipping your car overseas rather than purchasing one in Norway, since new cars are nearly 50% more expensive than the US national average.
Full-service movers like International Van Lines and JK Moving Services can coordinate and oversea vehicle transport for you.
For more specialized service — especially for high-value or classic cars — consider one of these top auto shippers:
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Tips for moving to Norway from the US
- Create a to-do list. Drawing up a comprehensive moving abroad checklist will help you to keep track of all of the vital tasks that come with overseas relocations.
- Downsize. You’ll save a ton on moving costs if you declutter before you move and get rid of stuff you don’t need. It may be easier and cheaper to sell or donate larger pieces like your couch and dining room set rather than figuring out how to ship your furniture overseas.
- Pack smart. Do your own international packing to cut costs. Start early — at least two months ahead of move day.
- Learn the basics. Even if most Norwegians speak English, learning the language will make your life easier. And some language comprehension will be required for citizenship.
- Put items in storage. After you’ve cleaned out your house and packed up your essentials, you can decide what to do with any items that you can’t bear to part with but don’t necessarily need in Norway. Renting a storage unit in the States might be the best solution, especially if you plan to eventually return to the US.
FAQ
Can a US citizen just move to Norway?
How much money do you need to move to Norway?
Can I get a job in Norway if I only speak English?
How much is a house in Norway in USD?
Is healthcare free in Norway?
Our rating methodology
At moveBuddha, we understand that all moving and car shipping companies aren’t created equal. We undertake a rigorous review process to rate and review companies to ensure we provide accurate recommendations.
This is the breakdown of the methodology we use to rate moving companies:
- Customer satisfaction: In addition to looking at reviews with the BBB, Google, and other third-party sites, we rely heavily on interviews with Better Moves Project participants to understand the pros and cons of each company.
- Standard services: The services that are included as part of a company’s standard offerings — and which ones you can only get for an additional fee — affect a company’s rating.
- Reputation: We evaluate a company’s industry ratings, including aspects like carrying sufficient insurance coverage and compliance with applicable regulations.
- Add-on services: We look at any add-on services that can simplify a move — such as customized crates and special handling of large or fragile items — as well as services that aren’t offered by all moving companies.
- Availability: The areas a company serves — as well as whether they offer local, long-distance, or international services — is another important consideration. Widespread availability is most useful.
- Payment: Ease of making a payment (including submitting a deposit) with multiple options (credit card, check, cash, etc.) can also make moving easier.
- Scheduling: How easy is it to book a moving container? What kind of lead time is needed? Readily available booking services and streamlined scheduling will help get your move underway.
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