For one person, living costs in Grimstad are estimated at $2,129 a month, including rent and utilities – 23% below the national average. Rent and utilities take more than a third of the total.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Grimstad actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
Living costs for one person come to about $2,129 monthly including rent, or $1,295 excluding housing.
$2,129 /mo
Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,634 with rent, or $2,193 without housing.
$3,634 /mo
Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $5,140 including rent, or $3,090 for daily expenses alone.
$5,140 /mo
📊
Grimstad sits 58–82% above the global median across household types. Within Europe, costs are 21% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$48.5KNOK 456.8K
$36.9KNOK 347.6K
$48.5KNOK 456.8K
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$43.9KNOK 413.5K
$43.5KNOK 409.4K
$46.6KNOK 438.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$301NOK 2,837
$188NOK 1,773
$801NOK 7,537
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$33.76NOK 318
$16.92NOK 159
$52.9NOK 498
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$54.1NOK 509
$31.77NOK 299
$127NOK 1,196
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$41.35NOK 389
-
Cinema Ticket
$15.75NOK 148
$12.61NOK 119
$26.26NOK 247
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$233NOK 2,191
$124NOK 1,166
$361NOK 3,401
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$15.7KNOK 147.6K
$4,510NOK 42.5K
$29.3KNOK 275.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$95.6NOK 900
$47.81NOK 450
$138NOK 1,299
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$52.3NOK 492
$41.80NOK 394
$83.6NOK 787
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$106NOK 996
$84.6NOK 797
$190NOK 1,792
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$157NOK 1,478
$105NOK 988
$252NOK 2,372
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$876NOK 8,245
$721NOK 6,790
$1,030NOK 9,700
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$532NOK 5,006
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,926NOK 18.1K
$1,561NOK 14.7K
$2,290NOK 21.6K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$1,749NOK 16.5K
$1,440NOK 13.6K
$2,058NOK 19.4K
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$4,591NOK 43.2K
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$3,358NOK 31.6K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$4,349NOK 40.9K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
4.9
4
5.5
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 11, 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.
Grimstad$2,129
Grimstad$5,140
🏠Accommodation & Living
$532 25%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$435 20.4%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$389 18.3%
🍽Eating Out
$382 17.9%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$185 8.7%
🚌Getting Around
$133 6.3%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$73 3.4%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$1.7K 34%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$997 19.4%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$423 8.2%
🍽Eating Out
$1.1K 22.1%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$411 8%
🚌Getting Around
$277 5.4%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$146 * 2.8%
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
Cost Breakdown
🏠Expect to pay about $876 for a central one-bedroom, or $532 outside the center. At 20% of the average salary ($4,349), housing is the biggest financial pressure.
💰Average take-home pay sits at $4,349, while typical expenses reach $2,129. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.
🛒Expect to spend about $435 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $77.0 for two – broadly in line with the European average.
🚌Public transport is priced at around $90.9 per month – above the European average of $49.00.
Cost Highlights
⭐Grimstad has the 10th most expensive milk in Europe
⭐Local beer is more expensive than 98% of cities in Europe
⭐Imported beer is more expensive than 97% of cities in Europe
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 Grimstad - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grimstad a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads compared with larger Norwegian cities?
Grimstad balances value with high-quality living. Compared with Oslo or Bergen, it offers a compact center, easy access to coastlines, and shorter commutes, which can lower daytime spending on transit and dining out. Yet, as in Norway, groceries, utilities, and services reflect national price levels. You can stretch your budget by choosing smaller apartments, sharing a place outside the center, and shopping at local markets. The town’s university presence brings affordable study and coworking options, plus a steady stream of free cultural events. For budgeting reference, Cost of Living in Grimstad, Norway can guide decisions on housing and daily needs. Tip: map neighborhoods by distance to the waterfront and university to optimize both life quality and costs.
What does daily life look like in Grimstad, including housing search, food options, transport, coworking, and errands?
Daily life in Grimstad blends seaside charm with practical Norwegian efficiency. For housing, target the center, the waterfront, or the university area to balance walkability with reasonable rents; look for smaller apartments or room shares outside peak semester. Food options span small markets, fishmongers, and cozy cafés that emphasize seasonal produce. Transport is reliable: buses cover town routes, and cycling is common along scenic lanes. Co-working spaces and library rooms offer quiet workdays for digital nomads and students. Errands are straightforward in a compact town with close-knit services. Grimstad, Norway living cost varies by season and location – plan ahead. Tip: track transit passes and grocery cycles to stretch your budget.
What is quality of life like and how can you budget effectively, seasonal considerations, neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Grimstad centers on balance: easy access to nature, a safe street feel, and a still-active arts scene. To budget effectively, use a simple framework: separate housing, eats, transport, and leisure; prioritize longer-term leases to stabilize rent, and lean on free outdoor activities like beaches and hiking. Seasonality matters: long daylight in summer supports outdoor life, while winter evenings favor libraries and cafés with warmth. For neighborhood fit, walkable centers near the harbor suit socializing; quieter hillsides suit mornings and views. Build a flexible buffer for occasional travel or weekend trips to nearby towns. Tip: set a monthly baseline and track small recurring costs.
How much does it cost to live in Grimstad per month?
Plan for roughly $2,129 a month in Grimstad if you're renting, or around $1,295 for non-housing expenses. That covers one person's basics: food, bills, getting around, and a modest social life. Couples and families will need more, especially for housing and childcare.
How much does it cost to live in Grimstad in 2026?
As of 2026, monthly living costs in Grimstad come to around $2,129 including rent, or roughly $1,295 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.
Is the average income in Grimstad enough to cover living costs and save?
At $4,349 take-home, most residents in Grimstad can cover the $2,129 monthly cost of living. Those earning $3,193 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
How much should I budget for housing in Grimstad?
Where you live in Grimstad makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $876; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $532. Overall, the market runs from $532 to $876 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What does commuting cost in Grimstad?
A monthly transit pass in Grimstad goes for roughly $90.9, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.
What are kindergarten prices in Grimstad?
Childcare averages $233 monthly at a private kindergarten in Grimstad. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
Is $2,500 a month enough for Grimstad?
Living on $2,500 in Grimstad means careful planning, since monthly costs average $2,129. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
Is Grimstad a good place to retire?
Retirees thrive in Grimstad – living costs average around $2,129 monthly, healthcare is affordable and accessible, and the overall vibe supports a fulfilling, low-stress retirement.