Cost of Living in Skien - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,081 (excluding rent), and $2,308 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,493 (excluding rent), and $4,204 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$28.48 NOK 288

$16.51 NOK 167

$50 NOK 507

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$101 NOK 1,022

$60.6 NOK 613

$162 NOK 1,636

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$13.12 NOK 133

$11.93 NOK 121

$19.88 NOK 201

Cappuccino

$4.95 NOK 50.2

$3.76 NOK 38.07

$7.13 NOK 72.2

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

$2.52 NOK 25.52

$2.26 NOK 22.85

$5.64 NOK 57.1

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.15 NOK 21.75

$1.99 NOK 20.15

$3.99 NOK 40.41

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$9.17 NOK 92.9

$6.01 NOK 60.9

$15.28 NOK 155

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$9.37 NOK 94.9

$8.87 NOK 89.9

$14.79 NOK 150

Milk (1 liter)

$1.92 NOK 19.45

$1.59 NOK 16.07

$2.28 NOK 23.12

White Bread (500g)

$3.34 NOK 33.79

$2.51 NOK 25.45

$5.02 NOK 50.9

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.31 NOK 33.52

$2.06 NOK 20.9

$6.78 NOK 68.7

Eggs

$4.28 NOK 43.31

$3.05 NOK 30.91

$7.25 NOK 73.4

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.61 NOK 118

$10.11 NOK 102

$13.41 NOK 136

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$13.87 NOK 141

$9.48 NOK 96.1

$18.06 NOK 183

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$24.79 NOK 251

$20.8 NOK 211

$54.8 NOK 555

Apples (1kg)

$3.82 NOK 38.71

$2.08 NOK 21.02

$4.99 NOK 50.6

Banana (1kg)

$2.32 NOK 23.5

$1.95 NOK 19.7

$3.08 NOK 31.2

Oranges (1kg)

$3.36 NOK 34

$2.03 NOK 20.56

$4.37 NOK 44.28

Tomato (1kg)

$4.07 NOK 41.27

$2.41 NOK 24.46

$8.03 NOK 81.3

Potato (1kg)

$2.21 NOK 22.35

$1.19 NOK 12.07

$2.79 NOK 28.23

Onion (1kg)

$2.23 NOK 22.57

$1.34 NOK 13.56

$3.62 NOK 36.66

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.84 NOK 28.8

$2.07 NOK 20.94

$4.41 NOK 44.63

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.82 NOK 18.39

$0.5 NOK 5.02

$2.86 NOK 28.92

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$18.99 NOK 192

$14.67 NOK 149

$20.9 NOK 212

Wine (Bottle)

$12.93 NOK 131

$7.76 NOK 78.6

$16.9 NOK 171

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$3.2 NOK 32.42

$2.8 NOK 28.32

$4 NOK 40.52

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.93 NOK 39.83

$3.51 NOK 35.51

$5.21 NOK 52.8

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.61 NOK 26.4

$2.51 NOK 25.4

$3.71 NOK 37.55

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$43.51 NOK 441

$40.48 NOK 410

$60.7 NOK 615

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$35.7 NOK 362

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.41 NOK 14.26

$1.32 NOK 13.36

$3.08 NOK 31.23

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$102 NOK 1,035

Gasoline (1 liter)

$2.1 NOK 21.26

$1.88 NOK 19.08

$2.38 NOK 24.15

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

$25.7K NOK 260.3K

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

$35.8K NOK 362.9K

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

$97.5 NOK 988

$93.2 NOK 944

$611 NOK 6,189

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

$38.61 NOK 391

$25.73 NOK 261

$51.4 NOK 520

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$38.52 NOK 390

$25.7 NOK 260

$121 NOK 1,223

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$37.56 NOK 380

$33.06 NOK 335

$44.04 NOK 446

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$34.96 NOK 354

$25.47 NOK 258

$34.96 NOK 354

Cinema Ticket

$14.06 NOK 142

$24.1 NOK 244

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

$308 NOK 3,123

$261 NOK 2,648

$363 NOK 3,676

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$10.2K NOK 103.6K

$5,011 NOK 50.7K

$25.6K NOK 258.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$41.12 NOK 416

$123 NOK 1,249

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$35.8 NOK 363

$30.68 NOK 311

$51.1 NOK 518

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$91.4 NOK 926

$81.3 NOK 823

$117 NOK 1,182

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$150 NOK 1,515

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$949 NOK 9,611

$599 NOK 6,070

$1,498 NOK 15.2K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$976 NOK 9,889

$951 NOK 9,635

$1,001 NOK 10.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,114 NOK 11.3K

$2,026 NOK 20.5K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$925 NOK 9,364

$1,746 NOK 17.7K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,252 NOK 32.9K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,899 NOK 29.4K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,000 NOK 40.5K

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: November 29, 2025

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.