Norway is a very popular destination famed for the Northern Lights in Tromso, Bryggen in Bergen, and the Royal Palace in Oslo, and this travel cost guide will help you plan the perfect trip without overspending. This Norway trip budget calculator shows you average costs from thousands of past travelers, including info on where to stay, what to eat, and what to see, so that your trip is both affordable and unforgettable.
How much does it cost to travel to Norway?
A typical traveler spends $138 (kr1,279) per day on a trip to Norway. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Norway based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $53 (kr487) on meals
- $18 (kr166) on local transportation
- $119 (kr1,101) on hotels
A one-week trip to Norway for two people costs, on average, $1,935 (kr17,906). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Norway expensive to visit?
Norway is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Norway is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Lithuania or Estonia.
In Norway, budget travelers spend $58 (kr534) per person per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $139 (kr1,279) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $340 (kr3,127) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Norway.
Whether you're looking for luxury or traveling on a budget, Norway has an array of accommodation and activities to suit your needs. For those on a budget, hostels in Bergen, Oslo, and Tromso are available, but there are also luxury hotels for affluent visitors, and plenty of mid-range hotels for families and couples.
If you're worried about costs in Norway, there are ways to cut back, like eating at less expensive restaurants, taking public transit, and enjoying free activities.
For more details, see Is Norway Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Norway?
The average Norway trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Norway travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Norway cost?
Norway on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$24
(kr218)
|
$59
(kr550)
|
$150
(kr1,389)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$6.63
(kr61)
|
$18
(kr166)
|
$52
(kr484)
|
|
Food2
|
$21
(kr197)
|
$53
(kr487)
|
$127
(kr1,171)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$6.34
(kr59)
|
$16
(kr148)
|
$41
(kr375)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$1-4
(kr14-42)
|
$4-12
(kr36-107)
|
$10-31
(kr95-284)
|
A fishing village in the Lofoten Islands, Norway
Accommodation Budget in Norway
The range of hotel prices in Norway can be quite surprising, especially when you compare budget-friendly and luxury hotels. Peak season brings much higher prices, so consider traveling in the off-season for a more affordable experience. Booking in advance can also help with savings.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Norway for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $119 (kr1,101). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $59 (kr550) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Norway? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Oslo
As one of the more popular destinations, Oslo offers a variety of hotel options at a range of prices. You'll find typical hotel prices from $83 in the low season to $336 during the busy peak season. With many travelers lingering for up to five days, you should prioritize finding a comfortable stay in a favorable location if you plan to explore the area. If you're looking for some good options, you should check out Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Oslo for $135 and Thon Hotel Bristol Oslo starting at $163. If you stay in a hostel, you can expect to pay around $53 for a dorm bed.
Bergen
In Bergen, which is a terrific city, expect a fairly wide range of choices and prices for accommodation. Hotel prices here can range from $81 in the low season to $412 during the peak season. Scandic Flesland Airport ($119) is one of the best hotel options here, and Clarion Hotel Bergen Airport is also good, and starts at $139. You can expect to pay around $34 for a dorm bed if you decide to stay in a hostel.
Tromso
Tromso is a terrific town that is one of the more popular destinations in Norway. During the peak summer months hotels can fill up early, so plan to book well in advance. In Tromso, the average hotel price is $109 in the low season and $203 in the busy season. On average, four star hotels will cost $123 to $230. If you stay in a hostel, you can expect to pay around $35 for a dorm bed. For hotels, a few of the best options here include Skansen Hotel Tromso for $63 and Quality Hotel Saga starting at $127. Since travelers often stay up to seven days, it's essential to look for a comfortable lodging option in a desirable location if you plan to explore for a bit.
Local Transportation Budget in Norway
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $18 (kr166) per person, per day, on local transportation in Norway. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Norway is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$18
kr166
In Norway, the train system is excellent, allowing you to connect to nearly all regions of the country. The ticket prices are reasonable, and the rides are both comfortable and swift. If trains don't reach your destination, regional and long-distance buses can help.
If you're looking to save money, public transit is the best way to get around. Many places have reliable public transportation systems. Some of the best include Oslo and Bergen. Many travelers like to experience places on foot. This lets you get up close and personal with different neighborhoods and the local culture. If you like walking, you'll enjoy your time in these cities.
If you're in larger cities such as Oslo and Bergen, consider grabbing a multi-day pass if you plan to use public transit often. You could save a substantial amount depending on your usage rather than buying tickets individually.
Planning to explore the countryside? You'll likely want to rent a car. Keep in mind that the average car in Europe has a manual transmission, and an automatic will come at a higher price. It's best to make your reservation early, as the cheaper options often sell out fast.
If you're bringing a car to a larger city, be sure to inquire about parking at your hotel beforehand. You may need to pay for parking either at the hotel or at a nearby garage. Finding a spot further from the city could save you some money.
Typical prices for transit in Norway are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Norway. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
Food Budget in Norway
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Norway can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Norway is $53 (kr487) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$53
kr487
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Norway is around $53 (kr487) per person, with previous travelers spending from $21 to $127. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Norway are as follows:
- Breakfast: $10 to $16
- Lunch: $8 to $26
- Dinner: $19 to $42
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
Gravlaks: Similar to smoked salmon, this salmon dish is cured with salt and sugar and seasoned with dill as well as other herbs and spices. It's often thinly sliced and served on either potatoes or breads as an appetizer.
Farikal: Farikal (recipe) is a mutton stew dish made with cabbage and commonly served during the fall months. It's slow cooked for several hours and then served along side of boiled potatoes. It was originally created in the western part of the country but is now enjoyed throughout the country. There is even a Farikal Feast Day on the last Thursday of September every year.
Torsk: This poached cod dish is prepared and served with boiled potatoes and butter. There are any number of recipes for its preparation but some may include ingredients such as carrots, bacon, roe, and cod liver.
Norway is an extremely popular culinary destination, and the cuisine is enjoyed around the world. Many visitors come just for the food. Some of the best foodie cities include Tromso, Flam, and Alesund.
Tromso
If you're a traveling foodie, you'll enjoy your time in Tromso. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.
Flam
Flam is one of the best culinary destinations in Norway. Local restaurants make use of seasonal ingredients and local fish and meat. You'll also find many berries and a local goat cheese at many restaurants as well.
Alesund
One of the best culinary spots in Norway is Alesund. As Norway's largest fishing port, you'll find plenty of seafood offerings around town. A favorite is bacalao de noruega (dried and salted clipfish), but also make sure you try the lobster soup.
Lofoten Islands
Make sure you don't miss the cuisine in Lofoten Islands. Fish and lamb are both common at most restaurants in the area. The food is fresh, delicious, and filling, and although it's expensive, it's also high quality and uniquely local.
Lillehammer
Lillehammer is not to be missed because of it's amazing cuisine. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.
Are you planning an extended stay of a week or more in Oslo, Tromso, or Lofoten Islands? Families or groups might want to consider an apartment or vacation rental with a kitchen, so you can make meals with less expensive groceries instead of eating out.
If you're traveling with kids, be sure to seek out restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit of money, as these meals are usually priced much lower. Some places may not display the kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask the waiter before placing your order.
A lot of hotels feature breakfast in their room rates, although some charge separately for it. Breakfast quality and prices can vary widely from one hotel to another. Understanding this beforehand can help you figure out if the hotel buffet is worth the splurge or if a local bakery or café would be a more economical choice.
Choose to take a water bottle with you instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also beneficial for the planet.
Before taking off on a tour, check which meals are part of the package. If you have to pay for some meals on your own, that could lead to higher costs.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Norway. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Oslo Guided Food Tour with 5 Food Tastings and a Secret Dish for $166 details
- A Taste of Bergen Food Tour with Floibanen Funicular for $229 details
- Bergen Food Tour for $183 details
- Oslo: Norwegian Food Tour & Hidden Gems City Walk for $192 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Norway
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Norway typically cost an average of $16 (kr148) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$16
kr148
With a plethora of great areas to discover, Norway stands out as an exceptional destination. Key places to check out include Oslo, Tromso, and Flam.
Oslo
Oslo is the capital of Norway. It's a beautiful city that has many parks and green space, but it's also filled with museums and local culture. The city has a longtime shipping and maritime history which you can learn about at the Viking Ship Museum or the Norwegian Maritime Museum. The city also offers access to winter sports.
Tromso
Tromsø is a city in Northern Norway, within the Arctic Circle. Many visitors come to see the Northern Lights or experience and Arctic adventure such as dogsledding or exploring the fjords. There are also museums related to the Arctic environment and other outdoor adventures.
Flam
Flåm is a charming village that is surrounded by fjords and stunning natural beauty. Many people visit the town as a day trip so that they can enjoy the nearby hikes and the delicious local restaurants. There are also many viewpoints and waterfalls that you can hike to.
Alesund
Ålesund is the largest fishing port in Norway. It's located on the west coast and it's filled with nouveau architecture and several interesting museums. There are also many great viewpoints near town.
Bergen
Bergen is a coastal city in southwest Norway that serves as a gateway to the country's beautiful fjords. The surrounding landscape offers spectacular views from mountains and hilltops. The city is also by the country's deepest and longest fjord, Sognefjord. In the compact city center you'll find wooden houses and interesting sights.
Among the most stunning and beautiful spots to explore in Norway are Tromso, Lofoten Islands, and Flam. These unforgettable locations are sure to leave you in awe and should definitely be on your must-visit list.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Norway. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Sleigh Ride w/ snacks - Experience Arctic Farm Life for $198 details
- RIB adventure in the Lysefjord with fjord sightseeing for $137 details
- Northern Lights Tour with Local Guide and Photos for $214 details
- Sleigh Ride w/snacks- Experience Arctic Farm Life for $198 details
Nightlife Budget in Norway
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $7.72 (kr71) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Norway per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$7.72
kr71
Norway is a fun place to enjoy the local nightlife, as you'll find a variety of bars, clubs, parties, and more. A few of the best cities for nightlife are Oslo, Tromso, and Alesund.
Oslo
If partying is a priority while you're traveling, then you'll want to visit Oslo. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.
Tromso
Tromso is one of the best nightlife destinations in Norway. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.
Alesund
Visitors love the nightlife in Alesund. There are plenty of bars around town as well as nightclubs and live music venues.
Bergen
The nightlife in Bergen is quite popular. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.
Lillehammer
When the sun goes down, the party picks up in Lillehammer. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.
While enjoying the nightlife is often one of the most fun activities while traveling, cutting back on drinking can actually help reduce your travel budget in a big way.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Norway. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
Travel Costs Last Updated: Apr 21, 2026
Traveling in Norway
Tromso, NOrway
Norway, in the Scandinavia region of Europe, is the both the northern most and western most country of the region. It spreads out between the Baltic Sea and the Arctic Ocean and has some of Europe's most breathtaking landscapes. It's very easy to lose yourself in this country's dramatic backdrop. The fjords, inlets, and bays are absolutely splendid. You can see wildlife throughout the countryside, anything from otters to moose and badgers are found in this area. Head to the Tromso mountains in the Arctic Circle or explore quintessential Scandinavian cities like Oslo. Norway is a true escape for nature lovers, historians, and culture buffs alike.
The area is known for its liberal mindset, and strong stance on environmentalism. This is reflected in everything from the county's politics to it's architecture and city layout. Green infrastructure is integrated into cities all over the country and the people are justifiably proud of the progressive steps forward they have taken.
Norway is also known as one of the most expensive countries in Europe. Accommodation, food, and transportation can all be quite pricey. Whether you're in the city or countryside, you can expect to spend a good amount on travel, but there are a few tips that can help you save some money. In particular, food can be quite pricey here. Consider cooking at least some of your own meals. Go vegetarian and you'll save even more money by not purchasing meat. If you do eat out, your cheapest options will be shwarma or pizza. Norway is also a great country to try couchsurfing. Hotels are very expensive so a free place to stay with a friendly host is always hard to turn down. Like elsewhere in Europe, it will also cost you less if you book your transportation well in advance. Sometimes the costs are as little as half as much as last minute tickets.
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Top Tourist Attractions
The North Cape: At Europe's northern end, you'll find the North Cape, which gives visitors amazing views from an incredible cliff setting in a unique climate. The cape is sits at the point where the Norwegian Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean, meets the Barents Sea, which is part of the Arctic Ocean
Bryggen Wharf: In the city of Bergen you'll find this wonderful historic wharf with Hanseatic buildings that date back to the 14th century. It's also free place to visit, which helps in a typically expensive country.
The Geirangerfjord: With its stunning views, waterfalls, and cliffs, this area is a must see in Norway. It's popular with tourists, and is included on many Scandinavian cruises. It's beauty has made it one of the most visited parts of the country and it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Plenty of other amazing sights can be found in Norway. For even more information on this beautiful country, check out this great guide to visiting Norway on your own.
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Norway without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
Many travelers hear that exploring Norway can be done for $58 a day, but if you want to keep some comforts, expect to pay a lot more.
Backpackers might find a way to travel around on that tight budget, but that usually means dorm stays in hostels, eating at budget-friendly restaurants or fast food places, using public transport or walking, and focusing on free attractions.
Fortunately, Norway has a significant number of hostels, especially in Bergen, Oslo, and Tromso. Some places also have great public transit, which helps budget travelers avoid expensive taxi or Uber rides. While food is a big draw for everyone visiting Norway, budget travelers often rely on street food or cooking in their hostels, so they may not get to fully experience the local cuisine due to their budget.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Most visitors to Norway will want to visit the Stegastein Viewpoint in Flam, the Art Nouveau Center in Alesund, or the Svolvær Goat Trail in Lofoten Islands. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $139 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Norway. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. In places like Oslo and Tromso, which are particularly family-friendly, you'll find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Also, in Kristiansand, Citybox Kristiansand is a good kid-friendly option, and in Oslo, Oslo Guldsmeden is also terrific. If you're seeking romance in Beitostolen, Gronolen Fjellgard is an ideal place for couples to stay. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Norway here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If your dream trip includes all the bells and whistles, be ready for a cost of about $340 per day. Opting for upscale hotels, fine dining at renowned eateries, splurging on unique experiences, and having private drivers will place you in the luxury travel range. You can rub shoulders with other luxury travelers in places like Oslo and Flam. Another option would be to splurge on a multi-day high-end tour that takes care of everything for you, such as Scenic Norway - offered by Globus.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
