Norway: cost of living

How much does electricity cost in Norway?

Households paid an average of 173.2 øre per kWh for electricity in the second quarter of 2026, including grid rent and taxes, according to Statistics Norway. That was 11.2% lower than in the first quarter but 32.2% higher than a year earlier. The electricity price itself averaged 100.1 øre, grid rent 33.9 øre and taxes 39.2 øre.

The figures are averages after deducting the government's electricity support scheme. SSB publishes the statistics quarterly; the next update is due on 16 November 2026.

Official sources: SSB: Electricity prices

How fast are food prices rising in Norway?

Food prices were 2.2% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, and food and non-alcoholic beverages together 2.4%, according to Statistics Norway's consumer price index. From August to September, food prices fell 0.7%. Overall consumer prices rose 3.4% over the year.

Non-alcoholic beverages rose 3.0% over the year and alcoholic beverages and tobacco 2.6%. Food price changes from month to month are uneven, so the 12-month rate is a better guide than a single month. SSB publishes the CPI with a breakdown by product group around the 10th of each month.

Official sources: SSB: Consumer price index

How many people in Norway have a low income?

11.1% of people in Norway lived in households with low income in 2024, up from 10.9% in 2023, according to Statistics Norway's income and wealth statistics. Among children under 18, the share was 11.4%, down from 11.6%.

SSB uses the EU definition: household income after tax below 60% of the national median, adjusted for household size. It is a relative measure, so it rises when low incomes grow more slowly than the median. Median after-tax income for all households was NOK 676,100 in 2024, 3.2% higher in real terms than in 2023. The next update is due on 15 January 2027.

Official sources: SSB: Income and wealth statistics for households

How fast are prices rising in Norway?

3.0%: that is consumer price inflation in Norway for 2025, according to the IMF. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at 5.8%; its low point was 2012, at 0.7%. Europe & Central Asia median: 3.7%; Norway is 30th highest of 48. Worldwide: 84th of 165.

What is household spending per person in Norway?

In 2025, household consumption per person in Norway was $39,799, according to the World Bank. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 2nd highest of 44 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is $11,266. Of 124 countries with 2025 data, 2nd highest.

How many people in Norway live on under $3 a day?

According to the World Bank, the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in Norway was 0.2% in 2023. The peak was 0.3% in 2016 and the low 0.1% in 2009. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 0.4%, and Norway placed 21st highest of 34. Worldwide: 44th of 59.

How many people in Norway are poor?

12.2%: that is the share of people below the national poverty line in Norway for 2021, according to the World Bank. It is 33rd highest of 40 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 15.9%. World rank, highest first: 61st of 72.

How unequal are incomes in Norway?

In 2023, the Gini index in Norway was 26.5, according to the World Bank. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 30.6; its low point was 2011, at 25.3. It is 31st highest of 34 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 31.5. Of 59 countries with 2023 data, 54th highest.

How many people in Norway face food insecurity?

According to the FAO, moderate or severe food insecurity in Norway was 7.6% in 2024. The peak was 7.8% in 2023 and the low 4.1% in 2019. Europe & Central Asia median: 7.6%; Norway is 23rd highest of 45. Worldwide: 107th of 135.