Cost of Living in Hamar - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $2,394 monthly including rent, or $1,470 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,748 with rent, or $2,346 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $5,101 including rent, or $3,222 for daily expenses alone.

Hamar sits about 81% above the global median. Within Europe, costs are 35% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Currency
Do you live in Hamar? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$25.68 NOK 239
$16.43 NOK 153
$51.4 NOK 477
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$122 NOK 1,137
$81.6 NOK 758
$173 NOK 1,611
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$14.88 NOK 138
$12.90 NOK 120
$16.87 NOK 157
Cappuccino
$5.05 NOK 46.92
$3.10 NOK 28.76
$6.70 NOK 62.3
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.20 NOK 39.02
$1.70 NOK 15.81
$6.19 NOK 57.5
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.31 NOK 30.73
$2.35 NOK 21.80
$5.02 NOK 46.61
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$12.12 NOK 113
$9.09 NOK 84.4
$16.27 NOK 151
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.77 NOK 72.2
$7.77 NOK 72.2
$12.79 NOK 119
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.14 NOK 19.89
$1.63 NOK 15.13
$3.36 NOK 31.18
White Bread (500g)
$2.93 NOK 27.25
$1.28 NOK 11.85
$5.60 NOK 52.0
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.97 NOK 18.32
$1.97 NOK 18.32
$6.23 NOK 57.9
Eggs
$5.01 NOK 46.57
$2.65 NOK 24.57
$7.02 NOK 65.3
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.65 NOK 99.0
$8.16 NOK 75.8
$25.47 NOK 237
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.98 NOK 111
$11.08 NOK 103
$20.15 NOK 187
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$31.80 NOK 295
$16.50 NOK 153
$43.32 NOK 402
Apples (1kg)
$3.55 NOK 33.02
$2.05 NOK 19.00
$4.10 NOK 38.10
Banana (1kg)
$2.64 NOK 24.52
$2.07 NOK 19.27
$4.16 NOK 38.64
Oranges (1kg)
$2.90 NOK 26.90
$1.49 NOK 13.82
$5.68 NOK 52.8
Tomato (1kg)
$4.91 NOK 45.59
$2.97 NOK 27.61
$7.92 NOK 73.6
Potato (1kg)
$2.45 NOK 22.73
$1.53 NOK 14.22
$3.06 NOK 28.44
Onion (1kg)
$2.50 NOK 23.25
$1.97 NOK 18.27
$5.21 NOK 48.41
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.07 NOK 19.25
$1.56 NOK 14.48
$3.63 NOK 33.73
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.87 NOK 17.33
$0.98 NOK 9.11
$3.93 NOK 36.55
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$17.15 NOK 159
$15.83 NOK 147
$19.06 NOK 177
Wine (Bottle)
$19.58 NOK 182
$14.22 NOK 132
$27.35 NOK 254
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$3.36 NOK 31.20
$2.77 NOK 25.75
$4.46 NOK 41.39
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.35 NOK 40.44
$3.39 NOK 31.48
$6.68 NOK 62.0
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$4.40 NOK 40.84
$3.80 NOK 35.33
$4.49 NOK 41.76
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$63.7 NOK 592
$47.30 NOK 439
$76.9 NOK 715
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$10.25 NOK 95.2
$6.15 NOK 57.1
$15.37 NOK 143
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.39 NOK 12.96
$1.31 NOK 12.14
$1.75 NOK 16.24
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$42.57 NOK 395
$40.79 NOK 379
$61.2 NOK 568
Gasoline (1 liter)
$2.19 NOK 20.35
$1.97 NOK 18.28
$2.57 NOK 23.84
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$36.8K NOK 341.5K
$35.9K NOK 333.9K
$43.1K NOK 400.6K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$43.1K NOK 400.4K
$37.9K NOK 351.9K
$46.1K NOK 428.0K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$221 NOK 2,056
$146 NOK 1,353
$617 NOK 5,728
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$31.40 NOK 292
$20.43 NOK 190
$50.1 NOK 465
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$55.5 NOK 516
$40.10 NOK 372
$100 NOK 931
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$56.6 NOK 526
$46.26 NOK 430
$67.0 NOK 622
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$27.82 NOK 258
$25.33 NOK 235
$34.78 NOK 323
Cinema Ticket
$18.24 NOK 169
$15.09 NOK 140
$25.32 NOK 235
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$205 NOK 1,909
$205 NOK 1,909
$361 NOK 3,355
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$15.0K NOK 139.5K
$5,045 NOK 46.9K
$28.5K NOK 265.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$106 NOK 982
$80.5 NOK 747
$124 NOK 1,150
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$61.6 NOK 573
$30.76 NOK 286
$154 NOK 1,434
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$124 NOK 1,149
$81.2 NOK 754
$173 NOK 1,603
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$103 NOK 959
$103 NOK 959
$248 NOK 2,301
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,170 NOK 10.9K
$802 NOK 7,453
$1,504 NOK 14.0K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$826 NOK 7,678
$651 NOK 6,049
$1,002 NOK 9,307
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,527 NOK 14.2K
$1,221 NOK 11.3K
$1,832 NOK 17.0K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,451 NOK 13.5K
$1,012 NOK 9,403
$1,721 NOK 16.0K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$4,390 NOK 40.8K
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$3,502 NOK 32.5K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$4,428 NOK 41.1K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
5.08
3.8
6

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,170 for a central one-bedroom, or $826 outside the center. At 26% of the average salary ($4,428), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $4,428, while typical expenses reach $2,394. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $443 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $122 for two – above the European average of $75.0.

Public transport is priced at around $63.7 per month – above the European average of $48.00.

Cost Highlights

Hamar has the 9th most expensive local beer in Europe

Imported beer is more expensive than 98% of cities in Europe

Monthly cost (excluding rent) is more expensive than 96% of cities in Europe

Hamar Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in Hamar - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Hamar stack up for overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Cost of Living in Hamar balances Nordic quality with regionally friendlier prices. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, housing tends to be more approachable than big-city capitals, especially when you explore nearby neighborhoods a short ride from the center. Daily essentials and meals offer value if you mix groceries and occasional dining out, and you’ll find reliable services without the crowds. Seasonal swings in tourism can affect weekend prices, but weekday life stays steady. Tip: map out a transit-friendly neighborhood to keep transport costs predictable and convenient.
What does a typical day look like for housing, meals, transport, and errands in Hamar?
Day-to-day life centers on practical planning and easy access to nature. Housing options range from compact city-center apartments to larger homes on quieter streets a short ride away, with options that balance space and price. Food runs from well-stocked supermarkets to cozy cafés and seasonal markets, plus affordable takeout when you need quick energy between tasks. Public transport is solid, with trains and buses linking you to work hubs and nearby towns. For errands, expect reliable services and efficient shopping routes. Hamar living cost varies by choice, so budget consciously. Tip: map a weekly routine that groups tasks to save trips.
What aspects of quality of life should you plan for, and how can you budget to fit your seasonality and neighborhood choices in Hamar?
Quality of life in Hamar leans on balance, clean air, and outdoor access. A practical budgeting framework helps you adapt to seasonality: plan core expenses first, then discretionary spending around local options like markets and cultural events. Neighborhood fit matters – a lakeside or town center base offers walking access to amenities, while quieter outskirts pay off in space and a calmer pace. For saving, lean on multi-use spaces (co-working, gyms, and cafés with reliable wifi) and seasonality awareness (heating in winter, lighter wardrobes). Tip: choose a base with good transit links to keep exploration affordable year-round.
Why is Hamar so expensive compared to other cities?
Budget at least $2,394 per month to live in Hamar once rent is factored in. The high price tag reflects quality infrastructure and a strong economy, but it does mean you need a decent income to live comfortably here.
Is rent in Hamar too high relative to local incomes?
With 26% of the average paycheck going to rent, Hamar is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
What income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Hamar?
Earning $3,591 monthly in Hamar means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
What is the rental price range for apartments in Hamar?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Hamar range from $826 to $1,170, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
Is public transport affordable in Hamar?
A monthly transit pass in Hamar runs about $63.7, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
Why are groceries so expensive in Hamar?
A single person's grocery bill in Hamar runs about $443 monthly, which is above average. Everything from dairy and meat to fresh produce costs more here, reflecting the city's overall high price level.
Is $3,000 enough to cover living costs in Hamar?
At $2,394 in typical monthly expenses, a $3,000 budget barely covers Hamar. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.
Why do digital nomads choose Hamar?
Remote workers pick Hamar for good reason: fast internet, clean air, family-friendly facilities, all at about $2,394 per month including rent. It fits a wide range of remote salaries without compromising on comfort or connectivity.

Hamar vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities