Is food in Norway really that expensive?
It’s easy to estimate flight prices and accommodation fees but how much does food and other random necessities actually cost?
Here’s our little compilation of random things and their prices - taken along the way on our trip! Can’t guarantee it’s the cheapest but it’s what we bought/encountered in the stores.
Overall - prices are definitely higher in Norway but it’s not crazily expensive if you get your stuff from supermarkets (we heard Rema1000 has the cheapest stuff!) and eat simply (i.e no giant salmon filets and beef steaks every day)
We try to have one “proper meal” outside each day (budget SGD 30-40 per pax for this - because any random main at a normal not-fancy restaurant is going to set you back at least 20+ SGD) and have the rest of our meals cobbled together from supermarket food 🥲
other ways to save in Norway:
- Buy the local brands! They have their local versions of popular products like Fanta and Sprite which are cheaper, and taste similar (kinda)
- Rent an electric car! Petrol is mad expensive and while it’s more troublesome to find charging locations, the cost savings are worth it 👍🏻
- Get an Oslo pass and maximise every cent of it (we have a post on this coming out soon!)
Norway may be pretty expensive but it’s an amazing place (the scenery sits rent free in our heads even weeks later) so we’d still recommend visiting despite the prices 🥹
Let us know if you have any questions about our trip!
When visiting Norway, managing your food budget can be a bit daunting due to generally higher prices compared to many other countries. From my experience, shopping at supermarkets like Rema1000 offers a great way to keep grocery expenses reasonable without sacrificing quality. While fresh salmon and steaks might be tempting, sticking to simple meals and local brands makes a big difference. For example, opting for Norwegian versions of popular soft drinks like Fanta or Sprite can save you a few extra kroner. I also found that buying items such as pasta, cereal, and snacks in bulk from supermarkets can help stretch your budget further. If you enjoy dining out, expect to allocate around 30 to 40 SGD per person for a standard restaurant meal, but try to limit these to once a day and combine with supermarket foods for the other meals. This approach provides a satisfying way to experience local cuisine while minimizing costs. Additionally, consider renting an electric car if you plan to travel around, as petrol prices are significantly high in Norway. Finding charging stations requires some planning but the overall savings and environmental benefits are worth it. An Oslo Pass can also help you save on attractions and transport, maximizing your travel budget. A quick look at common food prices I encountered: a 500ml Coke goes for about 47kr (around 6 SGD), croissants cost approximately 36kr (4.5 SGD), and a coffee with cake at a café ranged between 109kr to 110kr (13 to 14 SGD). These examples illustrate that while prices are on the higher side, it is still manageable with mindful spending. One tip from my trip was trying local grocery chain products rather than imported ones, as they typically cost less. Also, keep an eye out for weekly supermarket deals and discounts, which can help you enjoy a wider variety of foods without overspending. Overall, Norway’s food prices might be steep compared to other countries, but with careful shopping and savvy choices, it’s entirely possible to enjoy your meals without breaking your travel budget. Plus, the breathtaking scenery and friendly atmosphere make every krone worth it!
