How much I can save? What is the tax and the cost of living in Oslo?

Hello FlyWorld and welcome to Expat.com

While waiting for members to give you some tips, I invite you to participate on threads in our section Cost of Living in Oslo.

Regards
Kenjee
Expat.com Team

Hello,
Firstly I take it that it is a Noreigian Company you will be working for?  Are you new to being a Software Professional?  It is very expensive to live and work in Norway.  Make sure you have something lined up with regards to having a place to stay before you get there.  Look for a cheap     B & B for  Accomodation if you want to live in central Oslo is can cost 8,000 NOK and above per month.  Transportation is good IF you find a place that has a bus nearby and only do that if you don't have a car.  Everything is electric and do make sure that there is either an oil radiator or some form of heating in the apartment.  You will need at least 2 months security but ask for one month.  Food and drink is very costly also.  I hope you are only going for the 6 months for you deserve twice that amount.  Also the tax on your salary would be between 32-45% in Tax.  If I were you find out if the company will contribute to your accomodation or supply it.  I lived in Norway over 5 years.  I hope I have helped.  If you need anything further, don't hesitate to ask.  All in all it is a lovely city and you will enjoy it.  Kind Regards

The savings will depend on your life style. If you live with roommates, don't drink alcohol and don't drive a car, you may be able to save money during your time here. If not it may be difficult indeed. Cost of living is very high over here.

Hey,

Last year when I lived in Oslo (Rented apartment at 11.5k NOK / month) I was earning 390k / year and got by very comfortably.  As mentioned previously, if you are here to save money and not have a party lifestyle you will easily be able to save money earning 450k in 6 months, no doubt, don't be scared about that.

Feeding two people / month in Oslo cost around 5k (including going out to eat 3-5 times and takeaway once a week), but we like to live comfortably and buy stuff we don't need.  An example of the cost of a simple meal would be chicken and rice (a packet with 4 chicken breast costs 70 nok).  So barebones living could cost you 500 nok / week, it's all about your lifestyle and comfort level. 

If you share an apartment which is 15mins away from Oslo city center via bus you could get away with 4k / month or thereabouts in rent.  If you want to live alone you will find it very tough to find anything below 9-10k / month.

You can get unlimited access to all public transport in Oslo for 600kr / month, that's all busses, trains (within a certain number of stops from the city) and trams (which all go frequently and punctually).

If you're going out to eat often, enjoy alcohol (which is expensive, especially if at a bar/restaurant) it will cost a lot.  If you're whole reason coming to Oslo is to save, you can save a lot.

6k / month rent (including bills)
3k / month food+other household goods (high'ish estimate for one person imo)
600 / month transport (depends how far away you are, if you're central you can just walk...)

Lets say 10k / month, you're talking 60k expenses for 6 months.  Now sure there will be other things, phone, and random other expenses (sightseeing, museeums, cinema etc) so setting a conservative cost at 100k or even 150k if you're spending quite a bit on goodies... you're still able to save at least 300-350k NOK in my opinion.#

- I've been living in Norway for 4 years, currently own my own house in Eidsvoll (30 mins North of Oslo) but lived in very centrally in Oslo for a year and a half.

Regards,
Gary