Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world and therefore living and working here must be handsomely compensated for. Salaries are generally higher in the country, as compared to any other country in the world, especially at the lower end of the pay scale even though there is no particular national minimum wage. This would mean one would have more money to pay for the higher expenses like home and food.
Salary in Normal is lesser than their Foreign Counterparts
However, if we speak about the senior management staff or white-coloured staff, they are paid much lesser than their foreign counterparts. So, the range of salaries is narrower in Norway. The prices of groceries, meals out and alcohol is very high.
Owing to the high taxes that are inclusive in the bill, one has to really calculate what he saves at the end of the month.
Relocation charges top it all and this is one sore point of contention among new expats in the country. In fact, there are lots of hidden taxes and charges one has to face before shifting to Norway. For instance, renting a room or a house could dig a hole in your pocket.
How much is sufficient to Survive in Norway?
It actually depends on how many people you have to support. If you are just supporting yourself, things will turn out fine, but if you have a spouse and children to support, you may have to find another means of income apart from your regular job. It also depends on the lifestyle you choose to live. So, instead of buying lunch from outside everyday, pack lunch from home and a significant amount of your expenses will be saved.
House rent: A single bedroom in a shared house could cost up to 3000 kr per month. This will, however, reduce if you choose to live in suburbs. A 1 bedroom apartment could range anywhere between 7,500 KR to 12,500 KR. Utilities like heating facilities, transportation, are equally expensive, along with healthcare system that can round up to 2,200 KR for a year.