Pros and Cons of Living in Norway
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.
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?
"Expats in Norway appreciate the country's welcoming acceptance of diversity. They are also drawn to Norway's idyllic natural beauty and its long tradition of rich cultural traditions. Norwegian hospitality, generosity, and kindness are also highly valued by expats, as is the ample access to outdoor activities available throughout the country. Additionally, the incredible work-life balance, strong emphasis on environmental issues, and efficient and reliable transportation system appreciated by expats who live in Norway," remarked one in Norway.
"Challenging myself to make this move was exciting. Doing this makes you feel like you can try other things," explained one expat.

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What do expats find most challenging?
"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 one person 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," remarked one expat in Gjøvik.
"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.
About the Author
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.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Norway?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Norway?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Norway?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Norway accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Norway like?
- Is the cost of living in Norway high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Norway?
- What are healthcare services like in Norway?
- Is the cost of living in Norway high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Norway?
- What is the weather like in Norway?
- Are there good restaurants in Norway?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Norway?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Norway?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Norway?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Norway?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Norway?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?