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Pros and Cons of Living in Norway | Expat Exchange
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Aker Brygge in Oslo, Norway

Pros and Cons of Living in Norway

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Feb 04, 2024

Summary: The pros of living in Norway include its high quality of life, excellent healthcare system, and stunning natural beauty. Norway is also known for its strong economy, low unemployment rate, and high wages. Additionally, Norway is a safe and peaceful country with a low crime rate. On the other hand, the cost of living in Norway is quite high, and the weather can be quite cold and dark during the winter months. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who do not speak Norwegian.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Norway?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Norway responded:

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the high quality of life in Norway, with its stunning natural beauty, excellent infrastructure, and strong social safety net. They also enjoy the country's progressive social policies, such as its generous parental leave and gender equality initiatives. On the other hand, the high cost of living and the long, dark winters can be a challenge for some. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Norwegian," wrote one expat in Norway.

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What do expats in Norway appreciate most about the local culture?

"The beautiful nature and the lush green surroundings. Although, I have to admit that it can get tedious sometimes, as I am used to the extravagant city life with skyscrapers at every corner and streets bustling with people. I love the seafood here. I like how people are very independent," replied an expat in Bergen.

"I appreciate the Norwegian's love of and respect for nature. I like the roundabouts as opposed to USA stoplights all over the place. I bike/walk, so I really enjoy that the sidewalks are separate from the roads and often wind off in completely different directions. I appreciate that Norwegians aren't easily offended. They have great food here as well. I also appreciate their lower crime rates. You can tell people really aren't expecting anything but the best in people they encounter," remarked one in Stavanger.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"Cultural arrogance -- Notion that all things Norwegian are best, without testing the differences. Fear of confrontation and honesty," remarked one expat in Oslo.

"Expats in Norway often find it challenging to adjust to the reserved nature of the local culture, as well as their expectation of punctuality and organization. Additionally, many expats find it difficult to learn and understand Norwegian, which is the primary language spoken in Norway. Additionally, the isolated nature of many of the Norwegian rural areas can make it difficult to establish a social circle outside of the workplace. Finally, due to the high cost of living, it can be difficult for expats to manage their finances and budget accordingly," explained one expat living in Norway.

"Not knowing how to speak the language. It's not easy learning a new language from scratch. I tried speaking Norwegian when I first started taking the course but my spouse was very critical of my pronunciation to the point that I became fixated on making sure the words sounded correctly instead of actually speaking the language itself. Living with a husband and adjusting with life in his country isn't easy either. And the prices here are extortionately expensive. It's difficult for me because back home, I have gotten accustomed to the fact that having fun always involves spending money," said one expat in Bergen.

"Some of their driving rules are backwards from those in the US, such as "yield to people on your right, except in roundabouts". People have stopped and waited on me multiple times when I was pulling out of the street my house is on. I wish people were more friendly and more chatty like Americans. I always say "excuse me" if I bump into someone. I have the impulse to smile at people I pass while walking, or to make a comment to a random person, such as "cute dog"," said a person living in Stavanger.

"The hours of operation of shops and other public places; the lack of understanding Norwegian at times when people speak to me (I feel like an idiot); the "can't be bothered" or "pass the buck" mentality people working in the service sector often have here -- whether it is Telenor, UDI, NAV, or the local municipality offices, etc. Experience has shown me that these type of workers are incapable of admitting a mistake, apologising for mistakes, or actually doing their job effectively. Lastly, the staring. I came here from a big US city where people rarely look at you in passing (unless there is really something to look at) each other on the streets or in cars, etc. Here, it is more common. It has angered me so much when I saw people staring or looking at me. I was told it's just local curiosity because they don't know me or haven't seen me before (one person even said it's because I'm handsome), but it's hard not to think it rude and unacceptable behaviour. This is not so much the case in cities like Oslo, Trondheim or Bergen," explained one expat living in Gjøvik.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Aker Brygge in Oslo, Norway
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