Last update: Oct 2026 Norway 59.9K

Cost of Living in Sarpsborg

For one person, living costs in Sarpsborg are estimated at $2,841 a month, including rent and utilities, which take just under half of the total. Other living expenses average about $50 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Sarpsborg

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Sarpsborg actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $2,841 monthly including rent, or $1,529 excluding housing.

$2,841 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $4,154 with rent, or $2,664 without housing.

$4,154 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $5,467 including rent, or $3,798 for daily expenses alone.

$5,467 /mo

Sarpsborg sits 92–110% above the global median across household types. Within Europe, costs are 61% above average – among the most expensive in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$40.33 NOK 380
$32.26 NOK 304
$48.40 NOK 456
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$99.6 NOK 938
$80.8 NOK 760
$118 NOK 1,115
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$19.43 NOK 183
$11.87 NOK 112
$26.98 NOK 254
Cappuccino
$5.72 NOK 53.8
$5.45 NOK 51.3
$6.00 NOK 56.5
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.78 NOK 26.16
$2.08 NOK 19.60
$3.13 NOK 29.49
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.60 NOK 24.48
$2.08 NOK 19.59
$3.13 NOK 29.47
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.25 NOK 58.8
$4.17 NOK 39.23
$8.32 NOK 78.4
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$8.41 NOK 79.1
$4.88 NOK 45.97
$11.93 NOK 112
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.80 NOK 26.36
$2.37 NOK 22.36
$3.57 NOK 33.64
White Bread (500g)
$3.33 NOK 31.37
$1.71 NOK 16.11
$4.76 NOK 44.78
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.13 NOK 38.86
$2.26 NOK 21.23
$7.91 NOK 74.4
Eggs
$4.28 NOK 40.27
$3.24 NOK 30.51
$6.29 NOK 59.2
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.60 NOK 119
$11.00 NOK 104
$25.00 NOK 235
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$15.89 NOK 150
$10.20 NOK 96.0
$19.31 NOK 182
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$36.18 NOK 341
$15.14 NOK 142
$51.2 NOK 482
Apples (1kg)
$3.76 NOK 35.39
$1.78 NOK 16.75
$5.35 NOK 50.4
Banana (1kg)
$2.83 NOK 26.60
$2.24 NOK 21.04
$4.48 NOK 42.18
Oranges (1kg)
$3.88 NOK 36.55
$2.34 NOK 22.01
$5.86 NOK 55.1
Tomato (1kg)
$5.00 NOK 47.07
$2.38 NOK 22.39
$8.63 NOK 81.2
Potato (1kg)
$2.98 NOK 28.05
$1.21 NOK 11.43
$4.87 NOK 45.85
Onion (1kg)
$3.32 NOK 31.28
$1.82 NOK 17.15
$4.87 NOK 45.84
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.60 NOK 24.45
$1.01 NOK 9.50
$4.12 NOK 38.83
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.61 NOK 24.58
$0.82 NOK 7.74
$4.13 NOK 38.91
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$17.94 NOK 169
$16.18 NOK 152
$21.02 NOK 198
Wine (Bottle)
$17.77 NOK 167
$14.67 NOK 138
$28.21 NOK 266
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$3.30 NOK 31.02
$2.70 NOK 25.44
$4.00 NOK 37.67
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.59 NOK 43.22
$3.41 NOK 32.07
$6.24 NOK 58.7
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.70 NOK 25.40
$2.16 NOK 20.32
$3.25 NOK 30.57
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$75.1 NOK 707
$60.4 NOK 569
$79.5 NOK 748
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$12.17 NOK 115
$10.68 NOK 101
$21.35 NOK 201
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.92 NOK 18.10
$1.76 NOK 16.54
$1.92 NOK 18.10
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$62.9 NOK 592
$62.9 NOK 592
$94.5 NOK 889
Gasoline (1 liter)
$2.23 NOK 21.00
$2.16 NOK 20.33
$2.30 NOK 21.67
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$54.3K NOK 511.0K
$41.3K NOK 388.9K
$54.3K NOK 511.0K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$43.0K NOK 405.0K
$43.0K NOK 405.0K
$46.4K NOK 436.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$299 NOK 2,815
$218 NOK 2,052
$892 NOK 8,394
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$31.27 NOK 294
$19.59 NOK 184
$49.00 NOK 461
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$54.1 NOK 509
$31.75 NOK 299
$95.2 NOK 896
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$50.1 NOK 472
$39.33 NOK 370
$60.7 NOK 571
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$40.34 NOK 380
$26.51 NOK 250
$40.34 NOK 380
Cinema Ticket
$19.99 NOK 188
$16.95 NOK 160
$30.28 NOK 285
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$243 NOK 2,286
$129 NOK 1,216
$323 NOK 3,041
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$13.1K NOK 123.0K
$4,491 NOK 42.3K
$29.1K NOK 274.4K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$114 NOK 1,073
$53.5 NOK 503
$143 NOK 1,342
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$62.2 NOK 586
$46.67 NOK 439
$93.3 NOK 879
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$115 NOK 1,086
$77.0 NOK 725
$173 NOK 1,631
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$178 NOK 1,679
$119 NOK 1,123
$286 NOK 2,696
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,232 NOK 11.6K
$1,071 NOK 10.1K
$1,500 NOK 14.1K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,013 NOK 9,537
$846 NOK 7,961
$1,163 NOK 10.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,563 NOK 14.7K
$1,563 NOK 14.7K
$1,563 NOK 14.7K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,370 NOK 12.9K
$1,370 NOK 12.9K
$1,370 NOK 12.9K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$5,847 NOK 55.0K
$3,655 NOK 34.4K
$5,847 NOK 55.0K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$4,175 NOK 39.3K
$2,141 NOK 20.2K
$4,282 NOK 40.3K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,626 NOK 24.7K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
5.18
5
5.55

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

Last update: October 19, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Sarpsborg $2,841
Accommodation & Living
$1K
Eating Out
$519
Groceries & Markets
$516
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$384
Clothing & Footwear
$211
Getting Around
$108
Sport & Entertainment
$90

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,232 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,013 outside the center. At 47% of the average salary ($2,626), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $2,626, while typical expenses reach $2,841. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $516 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $100 for two – above the European average of $74.0.

Public transport is priced at around $75.1 per month – above the European average of $49.00.

Cost Highlights

Meal at budget restaurant is among the 20 most expensive worldwide (out of 7,561 cities)

Sarpsborg has the 5th most expensive milk in Europe

Imported beer is more expensive than 99% of cities in Europe

Good to know
🕒 Local time
00:00 12:00 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
59,906
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to NOK – Norwegian Krone Converter

Norwegian Krone exchange rates as of October 21, 2026: 1 USD = 9.41 NOK (1 NOK = 0.106 USD). 1 EUR = 10.58 NOK (100 NOK = 9.45 EUR).

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Sarpsborg Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Cost of Living in Sarpsborg - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Sarpsborg stack up for overall affordability and value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Overall, Sarpsborg offers a balanced value that leans toward affordability compared with larger Norwegian cities, while still delivering reliable services, safety, and a scenic setting. Housing is the biggest driver of cost, with options from compact rentals to larger homes within easy reach of the town center. Food markets and casual dining give you practical choices without the price spikes of mega-urban hubs. Public transit and nearby nature enable weekday routines and weekend escapes, reducing car dependence. Cost of Living in Sarpsborg, Norway gives you a grounded benchmark for planning trips or longer stays. Tip: Compare neighborhoods by access to transit and local amenities before you book.
What does daily life look like in Sarpsborg for housing search, food options, transport, and co-working?
Daily life in Sarpsborg blends practicality with easy access to nature. Housing searches typically unfold in central districts or quieter suburbs, with rentals and small homes available through local agents and online listings; give yourself a little patience as seasonal demand shifts. Food options range from farmers markets to familiar supermarkets, helping you keep meals fresh and affordable. Public transit is straightforward, linking you to nearby towns and the Oslo corridor without relying on a car. For work or study, co-working spaces and cafes offer flexible options. Tip: map at least three neighborhoods for different budgets and vibes.
What about quality of life, budgeting strategies, seasonality, and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Sarpsborg balances safety, outdoor access, and a calm pace that suits long stays. Use a simple budgeting framework that helps you allocate housing, food, and activities while leaving room for occasional travel. Seasonality shapes daily life: long winter evenings bias toward indoor hobbies and efficient heating; summer days invite outdoor markets and waterfront strolls. For neighborhood fit, try a few areas near the river or town center to gauge noise levels, walkability, and park access. Small cost differences emerge from housing type and lease terms rather than dramatic swings. Tip: set a monthly entertainment cap and plan grocery runs weekly.
What is the average cost of living in Sarpsborg in 2026?
As of 2026, monthly living costs in Sarpsborg come to around $2,841 including rent, or roughly $1,529 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.
Why is Sarpsborg so expensive to live in?
Living in Sarpsborg doesn't come cheap – monthly expenses with rent reach $2,841, putting it among the pricier cities worldwide. Housing dominates the cost, but food, services, and leisure all sit above the global median too.
What is the average salary in Sarpsborg?
The typical net salary in Sarpsborg lands around $2,626 monthly. Some sectors pay significantly more, but this number gives you a realistic sense of what most full-time workers earn and how far it stretches against local costs.
How much does a 1-bedroom apartment cost in Sarpsborg?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Sarpsborg range from $1,013 to $1,232, 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.
How expensive is a gym membership in Sarpsborg?
At around $50.1 monthly, gym costs in Sarpsborg are on the steep side. The price tracks with the city's overall high cost of services, though annual contracts and promotional deals can cut the bill.
Is food expensive in Sarpsborg?
Sarpsborg isn't cheap for groceries. Monthly bills reach $516 for a single person, and even basic items cost more than in most comparable cities. Cooking at home is still the most economical approach.
Is $2,000 enough to live comfortably in Sarpsborg?
At $2,841 in typical monthly expenses, a $2,000 budget barely covers Sarpsborg. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.
Is Sarpsborg good for expats?
Expats in Sarpsborg enjoy fast internet, low crime rates, clean air, and monthly costs average around $2,841. The international crowd is active and welcoming, and practical stuff – bank accounts, apartment hunting, healthcare – is all manageable with some basic prep.

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