Is Oslo Expensive?: A Detailed 4 Day Norway Trip Cost Breakdown

How expensive is Oslo? Is Oslo as expensive as they save? When most people think of Norway, the word “pricey” and “expensive,” come to mind. Despite heeding other travelers’ advice, I booked a spontaneous trip to Oslo after spotting an irresistible flight deal. I’ll be the first to admit that having a tight budget in Oslo was challenging, but it’s a trip I’m happy I got the opportunity to take. Nevertheless, to stay within budget, I took drastic measures to keep my expenses low, like reducing my coffee and beer consumption. I skipped lunch regularly (more on that later) since I loaded up on complimentary breakfast at my hotel. The good news is that I had a fantastic time exploring Oslo and spent no money on activities or entertainment. So, as you plan your trip to Oslo, use this Oslo budget breakdown as a guide, but I recommend estimating between 25-50% more than I did on food and activities to be safe. Before we dive into trip costs, here’s what you need to know about Norway as you plan your trip.

Things to Know Planning a Trip to Norway

Language

Norwegian is the official language of Norway, but English is also widely spoken. Nearly 95% of the population in Norway speaks Norwegian, and there are about five million Norwegian speakers worldwide.

Here are some common Norwegian phrases:

1. Hello – Hallo, Hei, Goddag
2. Yes – Ja
3. No – Nei
4. Thank you – Takk
5. Goodbye – Ha det bra
6. Good morning – God morgen
7. Good night – God natt

Currency

Norwegian Krone (NOK) is the official currency of Norway.

U.S. Dollars and Euros are not accepted in Norway. Almost all establishments accept debit or credit cards. Foreign credit cards are also widely accepted; I never had a problem using my Visa credit card at hotels, hostels, and restaurants.

Tipping Culture

Tipping isn’t common in Norway since the bill already includes service charges. If you decide to leave a tip, 5-15% is considered generous.

Oslo On a Budget: A 4-Day Norway Trip Cost Breakdown

How much does it cost to go to Oslo?

Get insights on how much money to budget for a trip to Oslo and how to make the most of your Norwegian vacation, even on a budget.

Here are some quick things to give you context:

1. I spent four days in Oslo solo. Oslo is a fantastic solo travel destination for women.
2. I traveled during winter, hence all the snow.
3. As a budget traveler, I didn’t have much money to spend, but I still had a memorable experience.

Total Airfare from NYC to Oslo: 2,318 NOK or $275.01 USD

I booked my round-trip flights to Oslo from New York City on Norwegian Air Shuttle nine months before departure. Norwegian periodically had fare sales so if you’re flexible, wait to get a good flight deal to Norway.

Norwegian Air Shuttle Booking Tip: When booking your flights, always see if booking in Norwegian Krone (NOK) is cheaper than your home currency.

How was flying with Norwegian?

This wasn’t the first time I flew with Norwegian Air Shuttle; however, this was the first time I experienced flight delays and even a cancellation.

My flight on the return trip was canceled, so I received two meal vouchers for 180 NOK and accommodation for the night at Comfort Hotel Runway.

Since I was so tired and passed out immediately after fastening my seat belt, I can’t comment any further on the in-flight experience.

2024 Update: Norwegian Air no longer offers transatlantic flights from New York City to Oslo, Norway.

Read Next: How to Find Airline Mistake Fares Like a Pro

Total Checked Baggage Costs: $116.60 USD

When flying with Norwegian Air Shuttle, don’t get caught paying extra for checking in your luggage. Remember, with Norwegian LowFare seats (the cheapest seats), you are allowed only one carry-on item that weighs less than 10 kg.

Since I had two items (both less than 10 kg), I had to pay to check in my small tote bag. By the way, baggage fees are 50% higher at the airport so make sure if you have to pay for checking in a bag you make your purchase online 12 hours before departure.

• Checked bag at JFK Airport: $65 USD
• Checked bag at Oslo Airport: 400 NOK or $51.60 USD

Ugh, this hurts my heart!

Case in point, Norwegian Air Shuttle’s baggage fees are excessive – I’ve learned my lesson!

Navigating Oslo Airport

Overall, navigating to/from the airport is a breeze.

Throughout the airport, signs are in Norwegian as well as English.

Total Lodging: $233.29 USD

On a budget, I booked three nights at Anker Hotel.

How much does a hotel cost in Oslo? For a single room, I paid $77.76 USD per night.

My room was simple. It had a comfortable twin bed, writing desk, flat-screen TV and a large closet. The bathroom floor was heated (you can adjust the temperature) and I had a gorgeous view of Oslo from my window.

The complimentary breakfast buffet at Anker saved me a lot of money on food because most days I skipped lunch and only had to grab dinner. The breakfast buffet included chocolate pastry, hard boiled eggs, cheese, a variety of meats, bread, yogurt, cereal, juice, and coffee.

During the weekends, breakfast is served from 7:00-11:00 a.m. and on weekdays from 6:00-10:00 a.m. If you decide to stay here, be aware that if you arrive a few minutes late to breakfast, you’ll be turned away so be punctual and eat enough to hold you through lunch.

Best Neighborhood To Stay in Oslo

Grünerløkka, Frogner, and Gamlebyen are the best districts to stay in Oslo.

They are centrally located and walkable, with plenty of attractions nearby, whether on foot or via public transportation.

A mix of historic buildings and modern architecture, these vibrant locales have plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops.

Where To Stay in Oslo – Other Options

Saga Hotel is a trendy boutique hotel that blends modern elegance and traditional Norwegian charm. Situated in the vibrant Fogner District, it’s within walking distance of the Royal Palace, Akershus Fortress, and other Oslo attractions.

Start your day with a complimentary breakfast or enjoy Norwegian and international dishes at the cozy on-site restaurant. After a long day of exploring, unwind at the sauna.

Price: Average $170 – $240 per night.

Located in a peaceful residential area in the Frogner District, Clarion Collection Hotel Gabelshus is a short walk from shops, cafes, and restaurants. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet or a light evening meal. The hotel offers a relaxing lounge, a library, and a terrace for outdoor dining. Rooms also provide lots of natural light.

Price: Average $160 – $200 per night.

Thon Hotel Spectrum is a budget-friendly option in Grünerløkka District. A complimentary breakfast buffet is included, and an on-site gym is available for those who want to remain active.

Price: Average $131 – $260 per night.

Oslo Transportation Cost: $26.12 USD

Since I wasn’t in a rush, I took the local Norwegian State Railways (NSB) train to the Oslo Central Train Station. You can also take the bus, the FlytoGet Airport Express train (Adult 240 NOK or $23 USD), or a taxi.

The FlytoGet Airport Express train is the fastest option of all the public transportation options.

On my way home, while heading back to the airport, I took the L12 Eidsvoll bound NSB train to Oslo Lufthavn, a.k.a. Oslo Airport. The train came two minutes early and left right on time. There was only one other stop (Lillestrom), and the ride took 27 minutes.

• One-way NSB train from Oslo Airport to city center: 101 NOK or $13.09 USD
• One-way NSB train from city center to Oslo Airport: 101 NOK or $13.03 USD

Oslo Total Food and Drink Costs: $102.45 USD

Oslo offers a diverse culinary scene, from authentic Norwegian dishes to international cuisines, including Asian, Italian, and French. There are also many trendy coffee shops, food markets, breweries, wine bars, and fresh seafood restaurants.

Day 1: $32.58 USD

• Dinner at JFK Airport: $19.23 USD
• Meal at Burger King: $13.35 USD

Day 2: $11.02 USD

Dinner at Punjab Tandoori: $11.02 USD

Day 3: $38.34 USD

Latte at Creperie De Mar: $5.05 USD

Dinner at Mela Kafe: 129,00 NOK or $16.72 USD

Paprika Chips: $4.13 USD

Bulmers at Anker Hotel: $12.44 USD

Day 4: $20.51 USD

Lunch at Oslo Airport: 159 NOK or $20.51 USD

Activities Cost: Free

My goal for this trip was to spend as little money as possible on fun activities, so I opted for free things to do in Oslo, including:

• Changing of the Guards at the Royal Palace: Free
• Rooftop views at the Oslo Opera House: Free
• Oslo Cathedral: Free
• Vigeland Sculpture Park: Free
• Frogner Park: Free

Oslo is known for its museums. You may have noticed I didn’t visit any this time, next time for sure!

Looking for more fun things to do in Oslo?

Watch this video to learn how to spend two days in Oslo, Norway.

Other Miscellaneous Costs: $15.55 USD

Travel adapter: $15.55 USD

Ways To Save Money in Oslo, Norway:

• Avoid airline baggage fees by packing light; carry-on only.
• Pack an international travel adapter to charge electronics.
• Travel during the off-season: winter between November and March.
• Norwegians typically start partying on Fridays and Saturdays at 11 pm. Save money on alcohol by pregaming.
• Book a hotel with complimentary breakfast.
• Stay in a hostel like Anker Hostel and Oslo Youth Hostel Haraldsheim.
• Bring snacks with you. Or purchase snacks and other light meals at supermarkets.
• Stay in the city center to reduce public transportation use.
• Walk as much as possible; great for sightseeing.
• Renting a city bike is a cheap and fun way to get around.
• Avoid taxis which are expensive. Take public transportation instead.
• Visit free attractions such as Vigeland Sculpture Park, climb to the top of Oslo Opera House and Akershus Fortress, or attend free events and festivals throughout the year.
• Avoid bottled water; tap water is safe to drink in Oslo. Try this reusable, collapsible water bottle.

How many days to spend in Oslo?

Oslo is relatively small in size, so you can get around and see plenty of sights easily in a short amount of time.

I would recommend spending 2-4 days in Oslo. It’s a perfect weekend getaway, or city break.

Is Oslo worth visiting?

Despite being a pricey destination, Oslo is still worth visiting.

Do not let the higher prices deter you from exploring because there are practical ways to keep travel expenses reasonable.

Spend a couple of days in Oslo and experience it for yourself, even if once.

While my trip was brief, I enjoyed taking it all in; wandering around, experiencing Norwegian food, art and culture, and learning about Nordic way of life.

Oslo offers many free things to do, the outdoors is accessible, and the city accommodates families. It’s also spotless (if that matters to you). I love that there are so many green spaces and parks.

Solo travel is safe, making Oslo a top destination for women and solo travelers.

Centrally located, Oslo is a gateway to exploring many other regions, such as Bergen and Trondheim.

If I were to revisit Norway, I would start by spending two days exploring Oslo, visiting the museums, and sailing on an Oslo Fjord sightseeing cruise to see the city from a different angle. Then, I would venture out to experience the mountains and small towns.

Is Oslo worth visiting in winter?

Oslo is very cold in the winter, from December to March. An ideal time for hot saunas, cross-country skiing, and ice skating,

Most travelers visit Oslo in the spring and summer to take advantage of the good weather and outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, and swimming.

In the winter, Oslo is cold, wet, and snowy. I had a chance to visit in February so I recommend dressing in layers and wear waterproof snow boots with grips to prevent slips and falls.

It also gets dark early in the winter month, which may impact how much time you have to sightsee in the daylight. 

You can typically find more travel deals in the winter months, as flights and hotels are cheaper.

When is the best time to visit Oslo?

The best time to visit Oslo depends on your interests.

May through September is an excellent time to visit Oslo if you enjoy warmer weather and seafood. After a long dark winter, visit in May for the Cherry Blossom season!

Anticipate longer daylight hours, which means more time for fun in the sun.

However, with good weather comes more tourists and higher prices for flights and hotels.

Final Thoughts: How Much Did a Trip To Oslo Cost?

I spent $770 USD during my four-day trip.

Despite booking a cheap flight, avoiding spending money on breakfast, taking advantage of free activities, and staying at a 3-star hotel, I still spent a considerable amount of money for a budget traveler.

If you live in a pricey part of the world, these prices are similar to what you’d expect to pay at home.

The average traveler spends $200 to $350 daily exploring Oslo, Norway. This estimate includes accommodation, food, transportation, and activities like guided tours, but it does not include airfare.

How much you spend visiting Oslo depends on several factors, including the length of your trip, travel style, accommodation preferences, and activities.

For Oslo, I recommend budgeting:

• Accommodation: $75 to $200 per night (depending on the type of accommodation)
• Food: $40 to $50 per day
• Transportation: $20 per day (for public transportation)
• Activities: $60 per day (depending on activities)

Is Oslo expensive?

Norway is an expensive country, and Oslo is one of the most expensive European cities. The high cost of living affects everything from food to eating out and accommodation.

Even if you’re a financially savvy traveler, there’s no escaping this fact. To compare, I spent almost the same amount of money during a week-long trip to Rome.

What do you think? Is Oslo expensive? Yay, or Nay?

Danielle Desir Corbett

Danielle Desir Corbett is an award-winning and 6x grant-funded travel writer and podcast host who went from financial struggle to visiting 27+ countries all without waiting until retirement. Her story is proof that budget doesn’t limit adventure. Tune into The Thought Card Podcast for practical strategies to travel smarter and live on your terms. Say hello: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.

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