Cost of Living in Skien - Updated Prices & Insights

90.67

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,197 (excluding rent), and $2,297 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,072 (excluding rent), and $4,198 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$28.6 NOK 284

$16.58 NOK 165

$50.3 NOK 500

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$103 NOK 1,026

$61.9 NOK 616

$165 NOK 1,641

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$13.42 NOK 134

$12.21 NOK 121

$20.33 NOK 202

Cappuccino

$4.99 NOK 49.61

$3.78 NOK 37.64

$7.17 NOK 71.4

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

$2.47 NOK 24.57

$2.21 NOK 22

$5.52 NOK 55

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.2 NOK 21.92

$2.04 NOK 20.31

$4.09 NOK 40.73

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$9.23 NOK 91.8

$6.05 NOK 60.2

$15.38 NOK 153

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$9.43 NOK 93.8

$8.93 NOK 88.9

$14.89 NOK 148

Milk (1 liter)

$1.97 NOK 19.63

$1.63 NOK 16.22

$2.35 NOK 23.33

White Bread (500g)

$3.27 NOK 32.54

$2.46 NOK 24.5

$4.93 NOK 49.01

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.22 NOK 32.04

$2.01 NOK 19.98

$6.6 NOK 65.7

Eggs

$4.16 NOK 41.39

$2.97 NOK 29.54

$7.05 NOK 70.2

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.34 NOK 113

$9.86 NOK 98.1

$13.09 NOK 130

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$13.98 NOK 139

$9.56 NOK 95.1

$18.21 NOK 181

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$24.73 NOK 246

$20.76 NOK 206

$54.6 NOK 544

Apples (1kg)

$3.76 NOK 37.4

$2.04 NOK 20.31

$4.91 NOK 48.86

Banana (1kg)

$2.26 NOK 22.49

$1.9 NOK 18.86

$3 NOK 29.85

Oranges (1kg)

$3.3 NOK 32.83

$2 NOK 19.86

$4.3 NOK 42.76

Tomato (1kg)

$4.01 NOK 39.91

$2.38 NOK 23.65

$7.91 NOK 78.7

Potato (1kg)

$2.23 NOK 22.14

$1.2 NOK 11.96

$2.81 NOK 27.98

Onion (1kg)

$2.19 NOK 21.79

$1.32 NOK 13.09

$3.56 NOK 35.38

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.85 NOK 28.38

$2.07 NOK 20.63

$4.42 NOK 43.98

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.82 NOK 18.12

$0.5 NOK 4.94

$2.86 NOK 28.49

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$19.07 NOK 190

$14.73 NOK 147

$20.99 NOK 209

Wine (Bottle)

$13.17 NOK 131

$7.92 NOK 78.8

$17.28 NOK 172

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$3.31 NOK 32.92

$2.89 NOK 28.76

$4.14 NOK 41.16

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.08 NOK 40.58

$3.64 NOK 36.19

$5.41 NOK 53.8

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.66 NOK 26.44

$2.56 NOK 25.43

$3.78 NOK 37.6

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$43.09 NOK 429

$40.09 NOK 399

$60.1 NOK 598

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$35.61 NOK 354

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.38 NOK 13.76

$1.3 NOK 12.89

$3.03 NOK 30.14

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$102 NOK 1,015

Gasoline (1 liter)

$2.12 NOK 21.11

$1.9 NOK 18.94

$2.41 NOK 23.97

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

$25.8K NOK 256.8K

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

$36K NOK 358K

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

$95.4 NOK 949

$91.2 NOK 907

$598 NOK 5,945

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

$37.23 NOK 370

$24.82 NOK 247

$49.54 NOK 493

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$37.92 NOK 377

$25.29 NOK 252

$119 NOK 1,183

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$37.76 NOK 376

$33.23 NOK 331

$44.28 NOK 440

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$32.96 NOK 328

$24.01 NOK 239

$32.96 NOK 328

Cinema Ticket

$13.95 NOK 139

$23.91 NOK 238

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

$305 NOK 3,031

$258 NOK 2,570

$359 NOK 3,568

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$9,343 NOK 92.9K

$4,578 NOK 45.5K

$23.4K NOK 232.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$41.23 NOK 410

$124 NOK 1,230

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$34.91 NOK 347

$29.92 NOK 298

$49.87 NOK 496

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$90.4 NOK 899

$80.3 NOK 799

$115 NOK 1,148

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$150 NOK 1,495

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$972 NOK 9,667

$614 NOK 6,106

$1,534 NOK 15.3K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$977 NOK 9,715

$952 NOK 9,465

$1,002 NOK 9,964

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,117 NOK 11.1K

$2,031 NOK 20.2K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$919 NOK 9,146

$1,737 NOK 17.3K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$5,825 NOK 57.9K

$2,712 NOK 27K

$5,825 NOK 57.9K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,624 NOK 36K

$1,835 NOK 18.3K

$3,624 NOK 36K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

3.8

5.75

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

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.