For one person, living costs in Drammen are estimated at $2,644 a month, including rent and utilities, which take about half of the total. Other living expenses average about $45 a day.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Drammen actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
A single person spends around $2,644 per month with rent, or $1,379 for everyday expenses alone.
$2,644 /mo
A couple spends around $3,996 per month with rent, or $2,453 for everyday expenses alone.
$3,996 /mo
A family of three spends around $5,349 per month with rent, or $3,528 without housing.
$5,349 /mo
📊
Overall, Drammen is 89–96% above the global median across household types. Within Europe, costs are 51% above average – among the most expensive in the region.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$45.6KNOK 429.1K
$37.1KNOK 349.3K
$48.8KNOK 458.9K
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$45.1KNOK 424.8K
$44.7KNOK 420.6K
$47.9KNOK 450.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$261NOK 2,459
$209NOK 1,968
$808NOK 7,602
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$33.66NOK 317
$21.10NOK 199
$52.8NOK 497
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$53.0NOK 499
$31.82NOK 300
$95.4NOK 898
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$78.6NOK 740
$46.37NOK 436
$124NOK 1,164
Cinema Ticket
$17.96NOK 169
$13.73NOK 129
$26.41NOK 249
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$236NOK 2,225
$126NOK 1,184
$314NOK 2,960
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$15.5KNOK 145.5K
$4,446NOK 41.9K
$28.9KNOK 271.6K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$98.9NOK 931
$46.41NOK 437
$155NOK 1,456
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$59.2NOK 557
$25.86NOK 243
$93.1NOK 876
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$131NOK 1,233
$85.0NOK 800
$191NOK 1,800
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$150NOK 1,414
$105NOK 986
$251NOK 2,367
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,346NOK 12.7K
$956NOK 9,002
$1,912NOK 18.0K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$1,004NOK 9,447
$687NOK 6,464
$1,373NOK 12.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$2,043NOK 19.2K
$1,351NOK 12.7K
$3,117NOK 29.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$1,560NOK 14.7K
$1,040NOK 9,791
$2,080NOK 19.6K
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$10.4KNOK 97.5K
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$6,335NOK 59.6K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$3,627NOK 34.1K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
4.54
3.8
5.82
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 12, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Drammen$2,644
Drammen$5,349
🏠Accommodation & Living
$1K 38%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$499 18.9%
🍽Eating Out
$356 13.5%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$348 13.2%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$198 7.5%
🚌Getting Around
$126 4.8%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$114 4.3%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$1.6K 29.2%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$1.2K 21.5%
🍽Eating Out
$1.3K 24.9%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$382 7.1%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$439 8.2%
🚌Getting Around
$259 4.8%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$229 * 4.3%
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
Cost Breakdown
🏠A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,346, dropping to $1,004 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 37% of the average salary ($3,627) – well above the 30% international benchmark.
💰The average net salary is $3,627. With monthly costs around $2,644, saving is possible but often limited. A more comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $3,965.
🛒Groceries cost around $499 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $124 – above the European average of $73.0.
🚌A monthly public transport pass costs about $91.5 – above the European average of $49.00.
Cost Highlights
⭐Rice is more expensive than 100% of cities in Europe
⭐Milk is more expensive than 99% of cities in Europe
⭐White bread is more expensive than 99% of cities in Europe
Low risk of other local infectious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Tick-borne encephalitis, Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and Sleeping sickness
Popular online taxi apps offering convenient, cashless rides in many countries, including Uber, Bolt, Grab, inDrive, DiDi, Careem, Gojek, Maxim, and Yango
Cost of Living in Drammen - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Drammen for travelers, expats, and digital nomads compared with larger Norwegian cities?
Cost of Living in Drammen, Norway balances value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want convenience with a calmer pace. The balance reflects flexible housing options, moderate energy use, and accessible services, with everyday expenses often lower than Oslo or Bergen while still maintaining strong amenities. You’ll find a compact city center, good dining and leisure options, and easy access to nature. Housing choices range from central apartments to quieter flats nearby, which helps you tailor your budget. Tip: use transit passes and bike-friendly routes to save without sacrificing convenience.
What does daily life look like in Drammen regarding housing, food, transport, and coworking?
Daily life in Drammen blends practical city living with easy access to nature. Housing options range from central studios to quieter districts, so prioritize proximity to the station or river for smooth commutes. Groceries come from supermarkets and local markets, with seasonal produce offering sensible value. Transit is reliable, with trains, buses, and bike routes that keep trips simple. Co-working spaces and cafés support remote work, while errands are straightforward in walkable neighborhoods. Drammen, Norway living cost varies by area, so choose a base that matches your routine. Tip: Start with a short-term stay to test neighborhoods, then choose a longer lease that fits your work rhythm.
How can you optimize quality of life and budgeting for seasons, neighborhood fit, and experiences in Drammen?
Quality of life in Drammen comes from easy access to outdoor recreation, practical services, and a comfortable pace. A simple budgeting framework groups housing, groceries, transport, and leisure, then adapts with the seasons – heating needs in winter and lighter activity in milder months. Save by buying seasonal produce, using shared spaces, and attending free city events by the river. Neighborhood fit matters: the city center offers quick cafés and coworking, while leafy suburbs provide quieter routines and parks. Tip: review your plan every few months and adjust as your work or travel needs shift.
Is Drammen really that expensive?
Drammen is expensive by global standards – monthly costs hit about $2,644. Housing is the main driver: central rents are steep, and even outer neighborhoods cost more than the global average. Strong demand, high local incomes, and limited supply all push prices up.
Why is Drammen so expensive compared to other cities?
There's no getting around it – Drammen is expensive. Monthly costs with rent typically hit $2,644, and housing is the biggest culprit. Groceries, dining, and services also run above global averages, pushed up by strong local demand and high incomes.
What income do you need to cover all expenses in Drammen?
You'll want at least $3,965 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Drammen. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost to rent in Drammen?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Drammen runs about $1,346 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $1,004. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
How expensive is preschool in Drammen per month?
Private kindergarten in Drammen costs about $236 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Drammen?
Gym memberships in Drammen cost about $78.6 per month – above the regional average. Premium chains and boutique studios charge even more. Parks, running routes, and outdoor fitness areas offer free alternatives if you'd rather skip the fee.
Is $3,000 enough to cover living costs in Drammen?
$3,000 in Drammen is a stretch – monthly costs with rent hit $2,644, and housing alone takes a big chunk. Even with a shared flat and minimal going out, there's very little buffer for surprises or savings.
What is expat life like in Drammen?
Drammen has an established expat community and is welcoming to foreigners. fast internet, low crime rates, vibrant nightlife smooth the transition, and English-speaking landlords, expat-focused healthcare, and international services are all reasonably accessible. Monthly costs average $2,644 including housing.