Cost of Living in Skien - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,188 (excluding rent), and $2,267 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,733 (excluding rent), and $4,180 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$29.25 NOK 295

$16.96 NOK 171

$51.4 NOK 519

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$101 NOK 1,020

$60.7 NOK 612

$162 NOK 1,632

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$13.58 NOK 137

$12.35 NOK 125

$20.58 NOK 208

Cappuccino

$5.00 NOK 50.4

$3.79 NOK 38.26

$7.19 NOK 72.5

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.52 NOK 25.38

$2.25 NOK 22.73

$5.63 NOK 56.8

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.14 NOK 21.62

$1.99 NOK 20.03

$3.98 NOK 40.17

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.91 NOK 89.9

$5.84 NOK 58.9

$14.85 NOK 150

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$9.33 NOK 94.2

$8.84 NOK 89.2

$14.73 NOK 149

Milk (1 liter)

$1.93 NOK 19.45

$1.59 NOK 16.07

$2.29 NOK 23.12

White Bread (500g)

$3.42 NOK 34.48

$2.57 NOK 25.96

$5.15 NOK 51.9

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.31 NOK 33.44

$2.07 NOK 20.85

$6.79 NOK 68.5

Eggs

$4.20 NOK 42.33

$2.99 NOK 30.21

$7.11 NOK 71.7

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.26 NOK 114

$9.80 NOK 98.9

$13.00 NOK 131

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$14.30 NOK 144

$9.78 NOK 98.7

$18.63 NOK 188

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$24.88 NOK 251

$20.88 NOK 211

$55.0 NOK 555

Apples (1kg)

$3.63 NOK 36.59

$1.97 NOK 19.87

$4.74 NOK 47.80

Banana (1kg)

$2.26 NOK 22.78

$1.89 NOK 19.10

$3.00 NOK 30.24

Oranges (1kg)

$3.32 NOK 33.47

$2.01 NOK 20.24

$4.32 NOK 43.59

Tomato (1kg)

$4.00 NOK 40.35

$2.37 NOK 23.91

$7.88 NOK 79.5

Potato (1kg)

$2.26 NOK 22.77

$1.22 NOK 12.30

$2.85 NOK 28.76

Onion (1kg)

$2.20 NOK 22.18

$1.32 NOK 13.33

$3.57 NOK 36.03

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.91 NOK 29.37

$2.12 NOK 21.35

$4.51 NOK 45.51

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.89 NOK 19.08

$0.52 NOK 5.20

$2.97 NOK 30.00

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$19.31 NOK 195

$14.92 NOK 151

$21.25 NOK 214

Wine (Bottle)

$13.84 NOK 140

$13.13 NOK 133

$22.43 NOK 226

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$3.18 NOK 32.04

$2.77 NOK 27.99

$3.97 NOK 40.05

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.08 NOK 41.18

$3.64 NOK 36.72

$5.41 NOK 54.6

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.68 NOK 27.01

$2.58 NOK 25.99

$3.81 NOK 38.42

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$43.78 NOK 442

$40.73 NOK 411

$61.1 NOK 616

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$35.82 NOK 361

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.39 NOK 14.03

$1.30 NOK 13.14

$3.04 NOK 30.72

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$103 NOK 1,038

Gasoline (1 liter)

$2.19 NOK 22.14

$1.97 NOK 19.87

$2.49 NOK 25.14

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$25.7K NOK 259.5K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$35.5K NOK 358.6K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$95.8 NOK 967

$91.6 NOK 924

$600 NOK 6,059

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$37.66 NOK 380

$25.10 NOK 253

$50.1 NOK 506

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$37.26 NOK 376

$24.85 NOK 251

$117 NOK 1,179

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$37.87 NOK 382

$33.33 NOK 336

$44.41 NOK 448

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$35.27 NOK 356

$25.69 NOK 259

$35.27 NOK 356

Cinema Ticket

$14.06 NOK 142

$24.10 NOK 243

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$313 NOK 3,161

$266 NOK 2,679

$369 NOK 3,720

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$9,931 NOK 100.2K

$4,866 NOK 49.1K

$24.8K NOK 250.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$40.71 NOK 411

$122 NOK 1,232

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$35.77 NOK 361

$30.65 NOK 309

$51.1 NOK 516

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$91.9 NOK 927

$81.7 NOK 824

$117 NOK 1,184

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$154 NOK 1,555

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$969 NOK 9,775

$612 NOK 6,174

$1,530 NOK 15.4K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$980 NOK 9,893

$955 NOK 9,639

$1,006 NOK 10.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,100 NOK 11.1K

$2,000 NOK 20.2K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$905 NOK 9,129

$1,709 NOK 17.2K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,282 NOK 33.1K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,931 NOK 29.6K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,899 NOK 39.3K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

3.8

5.75

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

Last update: January 11, 2026

Skien Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

225

Mbps

190

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🇪🇺 Europe

Cost of Living in Skien - Frequently Asked Questions

Skien offers a practical balance for different types of visitors. The city tends to feel more affordable than Norway’s bigger hubs while still providing good access to public services, nature, and cultural options. You will find a range of housing options that suit tight budgets and more spacious setups as you settle in, with quieter neighborhoods offering value beyond the city core. Costs tend to rise with proximity to amenities, so consider a modest commute to save on rent and daily expenses. Cost of Living in Skien reflects a lifestyle that favors sustainability over flash, with predictable, steady costs relative to larger cities. Tip: Explore 1-2 areas first to compare vibe and prices.

Daily life in Skien blends a compact town feel with easy access to outdoor escapes. Housing search usually starts near the town center or along the river, where you will find compact apartments and family homes; broader options spread toward calmer neighborhoods with more space at steadier rents. Grocery options range from local markets to reliable chains, with seasonal produce common in markets during summer. Public transport is practical for commuting to nearby towns, and essential services cluster around the main square. For digital nomads, cafes with reliable WiFi and coworking spaces offer flexible daytime work. Skien living cost informs pacing of errands and dining choices. Tip: Map a weekly loop to minimize transit and snag local deals.

Quality of life in Skien comes from steady routines, nature access, and cultural events. Use a simple budgeting framework that prioritizes housing and utilities, then groceries and transport, with a buffer for seasonal costs and occasional travel. Seek neighborhood fit by visiting a few areas at different times of day to sense noise, transit access, and proximity to shops and services. Embrace seasonal shifts by planning outdoor activities in warmer months and adjusting heating or insulation habits in colder periods. Free or low-cost outdoor recreation, local markets, and walking or biking help keep leisure affordable. Tip: set a recurring weekly review to spot waste and adjust.