For one person, living costs in Molde are estimated at $2,231 a month, including rent and utilities – 20% 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 Molde actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
Living costs for one person come to about $2,231 monthly including rent, or $1,254 excluding housing.
$2,231 /mo
Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,464 with rent, or $2,143 without housing.
$3,464 /mo
Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,697 including rent, or $3,031 for daily expenses alone.
$4,697 /mo
📊
Molde sits about 66% above the global median. Within Europe, costs are 27% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$207NOK 1,953
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$108NOK 1,021
$103NOK 972
$114NOK 1,070
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$135NOK 1,272
$125NOK 1,175
$146NOK 1,370
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$157NOK 1,482
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,249NOK 11.8K
$1,161NOK 10.9K
$1,319NOK 12.4K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$977NOK 9,199
$942NOK 8,870
$1,047NOK 9,856
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,854NOK 17.5K
$1,854NOK 17.5K
$1,854NOK 17.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$1,666NOK 15.7K
$1,587NOK 14.9K
$1,745NOK 16.4K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$4,256NOK 40.1K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
4.8
2.91
5
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 10, 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.
Molde$2,231
Molde$4,697
🏠Accommodation & Living
$977 43.8%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$417 * 18.7%
🍽Eating Out
$337 15.1%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$180 * 8.1%
🚌Getting Around
$118 * 5.3%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$106 * 4.8%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$95 4.2%
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
🏠Accommodation & Living
$1.7K 35.5%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$929 * 19.8%
🍽Eating Out
$1.1K 24.2%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$401 * 8.5%
🚌Getting Around
$247 * 5.3%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$127 * 2.7%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$189 * 4%
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
Cost Breakdown
🏠Expect to pay about $1,249 for a central one-bedroom, or $977 outside the center. At 29% of the average salary ($4,256), housing is the biggest financial pressure.
💰Average take-home pay sits at $4,256, while typical expenses reach $2,231. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.
🛒Expect to spend about $417 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $96.0 for two – above the European average of $73.0.
🚌Public transport is priced at around $82.8 per month – above the European average of $49.00.
Cost Highlights
⭐Molde has the 3rd most expensive imported beer in Europe
⭐Molde has the 3rd most expensive milk in Europe
⭐Local beer 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
Cost of Living in Molde - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Molde compare for overall value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Molde generally feels like a good value among Norway’s larger cities, with a high standard of living and more compact pace. You’ll notice a balance between accessible services and everyday costs, especially if you choose neighborhoods a short walk from the waterfront or the university area. Cost of Living in Molde is influenced by seasonal demand for outdoor activities and by the convenience of a city that’s easy to navigate on foot or by bike. Housing options range from practical apartments near the port to calm hillside rooms with views. Public transport is reliable, and restaurants offer casual options alongside local specialties. Tip: Try a couple of weeks in different neighborhoods to feel the vibe.
What does a typical day-to-day look like for housing, food, transport, and coworking in Molde?
Daily life in Molde blends small-city ease with outdoor-minded routines. Housing search centers on value for space, proximity to work or study, and local amenities; you’ll encounter a mix of rental flats, shared apartments, and longer-term rooms, with price influenced by location and view. Groceries highlight fresh seafood, dairy, and seasonal produce at markets and supermarkets. Public transport is dependable, with buses linking the harbor, town center, and outlying neighborhoods; cycling is pleasant in good weather. Co-working spaces cluster near the center and university corridor, while cafes offer work-friendly nooks. Molde living cost fluctuates with season and district. Tip: Map a three-step housing search and test transit routes on weekdays and weekends.
What factors contribute to quality of life and budgeting in Molde, and how can you tailor your plan?
Quality of life in Molde centers on accessibility to nature, safety, and a balanced pace that lets you work and explore. Build a simple budget around categories like housing, groceries, transport, and leisure, then adapt as seasons shift: longer days invite outdoor activities and shorter days emphasize cozy indoor routines. Save by cooking at home, choosing local markets, and using public transport rather than taxis for city hops. Neighborhood fit matters; waterfront areas are walkable, while hillside quarters offer quieter nights and dramatic views. Tip: set a flexible monthly plan with a lighter winter budget and a more active summer routine.
What drives the high cost of living in Molde?
Living in Molde doesn't come cheap – monthly expenses with rent reach $2,231, putting it among the pricier cities worldwide. Housing dominates the cost, but food, services, and leisure all sit above the global median too.
How expensive is daily life in Molde?
Budget at least $2,231 per month to live in Molde 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 the average income in Molde enough to cover living costs and save?
At $4,256 take-home, most residents in Molde can cover the $2,231 monthly cost of living. Those earning $3,347 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
How much should I budget for housing in Molde?
Where you live in Molde makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $1,249; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $977. Overall, the market runs from $977 to $1,249 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What does commuting cost in Molde?
A monthly transit pass in Molde goes for roughly $82.8, 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 Molde?
Childcare averages $207 monthly at a private kindergarten in Molde. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
Can a person live on $2,500 monthly in Molde?
At $2,231 in typical monthly expenses, a $2,500 budget barely covers Molde. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.
Is Molde a good place to retire?
Retirement in Molde is comfortable for most – total costs run about $2,231 monthly. Healthcare, daily amenities, and social infrastructure are all in place, and most retirees find it a practical, enjoyable place to settle.