Oslo is a progressive city known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Oslo?
You should plan to spend around $139 (kr1,494) per day on your vacation in Oslo. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $48 (kr520) on meals
- $19 (kr209) on local transportation
- $136 (kr1,468) on hotels
A one week trip to Oslo for two people costs, on average, $1,944 (kr20,916). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$972
kr10,458
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,944
kr20,916
-
One Month
Per person
$4,166
kr44,820
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,944
kr20,916
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,888
kr41,832
-
One Month
For a couple
$8,332
kr89,640
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Oslo cost?
A one week trip to Oslo usually costs around $972 (kr10,458) for one person and $1,944 (kr20,916) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Oslo on average costs around $1,944 (kr20,916) for one person and $3,888 (kr41,832) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Oslo will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Oslo on average costs around $4,166 (kr44,820) for one person and $8,332 (kr89,640) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Oslo expensive to visit?
Oslo is a lively and expansive city offering something for everyone. You'll encounter a mix of travelers here, each bringing their own budget and travel style to the party. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
You can find Oslo to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $63 (kr672) per day, mid-range travelers spend $139 (kr1,494) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $294 (kr3,163) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Oslo.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Oslo is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Nantes or Nuremberg.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Oslo Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Oslo?
The average Oslo trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Oslo travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Oslo cost?
Oslo on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$28
(kr297)
|
$68
(kr734)
|
$163
(kr1,755)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$7
(kr80)
|
$19
(kr209)
|
$54
(kr576)
|
|
Food2
|
$22
(kr234)
|
$48
(kr520)
|
$84
(kr906)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$5
(kr57)
|
$14
(kr147)
|
$36
(kr384)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-5
(kr18-53)
|
$4-13
(kr45-136)
|
$11-33
(kr119-356)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting Oslo is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $63 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Thankfully, Oslo offers plenty of hostels such as Oslo Youth Hostel Haraldsheim and Bunks at Rode. You can find budget-friendly dorm accommodation here, paired with a social atmosphere, but expect limited amenities. Moreover, the city has a well-developed public transit system that allows budget travelers to avoid the high costs of taxi or rideshares.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. It's a common desire for visitors to Oslo to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $139 per person, per day.
Oslo boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. Oslo Guldsmeden is an excellent family-friendly option, while Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Oslo is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Oslo here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $294 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the city with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as White Water Rafting in Sjoa, Day Trip - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Oslo
The price of hotels in Oslo can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $114, while peak summer season averages can reach $213. Prices range from $83 to $336, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Oslo for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $136 (kr1,468). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $68 (kr734) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Oslo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Oslo include:
- Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Oslo starting at $135
- Thon Hotel Bristol Oslo starting at $163
- Lysebu Hotel starting at $137
- Hotel Christiania Teater starting at $174
- Clarion Hotel The Hub starting at $157
In Oslo, a large city, you'll discover a wealth of accommodation choices. From hostels like Oslo Youth Hostel Haraldsheim to inviting vacation rentals and luxurious hotels, there's something to suit all preferences. Keep in mind that accommodations in the city center are usually more costly, but they offer convenient access to public transit and many tourist attractions.
Oslo offers an excellent public transit system, so staying farther from the city might save you on accommodation, though the additional cost and time of commuting can add up.
If you're traveling to Oslo with kids, you'll want to choose an apartment or accommodation with more space to enjoy. In such a big city, it's not uncommon for rooms to be small and a bit tight on space.
Planning to spend a week in Oslo? A vacation rental with a kitchen could be ideal for cooking your meals if you're staying for a while.
Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in summer) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.
Exploring Oslo by foot is a favorite activity for many, so it's wise to find a centrally located place to stay. Just be aware that this may cost more.
Transportation Budget in Oslo
Oslo is a large city where transportation is key. Luckily, the city has a very good public transit system. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries. If you want to save money, public transit is the best option, but taxis and rideshares can be found all around town.
For those who enjoy foot exploration, this destination is perfect. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.
Public Transit: 
(excellent)
Walkability: 
(great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $19 (kr209) per person, per day, on local transportation in Oslo. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Oslo is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$19
kr209
A great way to explore the city center of Oslo is to walk. It's a very pedestrian friendly city and quite compact in nature. The most pedestrian friendly main street is Karl Johan, which connects Oslo S and the Palace. Also head into the nearby residential areas where you'll be pleasantly surprised by some wonderful architecture, as well as attractions and entertainment. Alternatively, there's a great public bike program you can learn about in the tourist office. For about 80 NOK you'll have one day's access to the bikes available around town. You may use any bike for up to three hours before you must return it. After you return it, you can choose a different bike which you can have for another three hours. Walking and biking are obviously most enjoyable in the summer months when the weather is warm. If you find yourself in Oslo in the winter, the public transportation system with a metro, buses and boats, is quite convenient and definitely the way to go.
Planning to take public transit often? Multi-day passes could help you save a lot of money.
Keep an eye out for pickpockets while on the buses and trains, particularly in the stations. Oslo is a major city, after all.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer from Oslo City Centre to Oslo Airport for $151 details
- Oslo to Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) Departure Private Transfer for $138 details
- Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) to Oslo - Arrival Private Transfer for $138 details
How much does it cost to go to Oslo? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Oslo will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for transit in Oslo are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Oslo. 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 Oslo
The food and cuisine in Oslo is good, but not enough to draw visitors specifically for the restaurants. You'll find a few gems around the city that are worth visiting. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Oslo can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Oslo is $48 (kr520) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$48
kr520
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Oslo is around $48 (kr520) per person, with previous travelers spending from $22 to $84. 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 Oslo are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $15
- Lunch: $7 to $19
- Dinner: $15 to $34
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
Food can be expensive in Oslo, but there are enough budget options to keep all travelers satisfied. The cheapest restaurants are usually the ethnic ones. In particular the Asian restaurants have good food for a low price. Menus are available at the door. Street snacks are also available throughout the city but may be more expensive than you'd expect. A local favorite is hot dogs. Torggata has a high concentration of budget restaurants including Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese options. There are also some pizzerias and kebab places.
Aker Brygge is on the waterfront just south of the city hall. It's a popular place to hang out during the warm summer months and there are a good number of outdoor restaurants and bars. It's a great place to try local seafood with a cold beer, but it is an expensive place to eat. If you're planning to eat inside, you'll lose the atmosphere and you can save money by eating somewhere else.
One way to save money is to eat at nicer restaurants for lunch rather than dinner. Numerous restaurants in tourist spots or business zones offer lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These options are typically smaller and less expensive versions of their dinner menus. If you explore the right places, you might score a full multi-course gourmet meal at a budget-friendly price. Afterward, simply have a light dinner.
When traveling with children, look for restaurants with a kids menu. This can save you plenty of money as these options tend to be much lower in price. Some restaurants don't list the kids' options on their menu, so ask the waiter before you order.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Stay hydrated with a water bottle instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also great for the environment.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Oslo, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Norwegian Food Tour & Hidden Gems of Oslo for $170 details
- Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise for $146 details
- Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour for $97 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Oslo
Travelers flock to Oslo because it is well-known for its family-friendly activities, museums and attractions, food, and nightlife.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Oslo typically cost an average of $14 (kr147) 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.
$14
kr147
Popular sights in Oslo include the Royal Palace, the University of Oslo, the Opera House, Oslo Cathedral, Kirkeristen, City Hall, Akershus Festning, Holmenkollen and Stortinget. There are a good number of museums around town and some favorites are Henrik Ibsen Museum, Munch Museum, the Nobel Peace Centre, and Emanuel Vigeland Museum and the National Gallery.
Oslo has many festivals throughout the year, but most of them are during the warmer summer months. Oya is a popular music festival in August. Norwegian Wood is also a music festival held yearly and Ekebergsletta is called the world's biggest football tournament with about 25,000 participants.
Museums and Attractions:
When people think of Oslo, they often think of its famous museums and landmarks. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Oslo. 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:
- 3 Hours Walking Tour for Great Food in Oslo for $145 details
- El-bike Rentals By The Oslo Tour for $31 details
- Hipstoric Grünerløkka Private Walking Tour for $218 details
Nightlife Budget in Oslo
For nightlife, Oslo offers some activities, but it's not as active as in other more popular destinations. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $8.44 (kr91) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Oslo per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$8.44
kr91
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
Be aware of your surrounding and stay safe if you're out at night and drinking. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes. Stay in groups and with people you trust.
Travel cost data last updated: Mar 4, 2025
Traveling in Oslo
Oslo
Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.
Oslo's population is quite diverse with more than a quarter of the city's population having nationalities outside of Norway. Some of the most heavily represented nationalities include Pakistani, Somali, Polish, Moroccan, and Turkish among many others. In addition to an international population, many people choose to move into Oslo from elsewhere in Norway, giving the city the feel of a "melting pot" for the country. You'll find a great diversity of food, entertainment, and shopping options that heavily reflect the cosmopolitan nature of the population.
Although it's located in the far north, the warm air coming off the Atlantic from the Gulf Stream keeps Oslo's temperature relatively moderate. Summer temperatures are mild and comfortable, and daylight lasts well into the night. Although precipitation is spread throughout the year, August is usually the wettest month. The winter temperatures average around freezing and there are occasionally cold spells. Snow is common and the nearby forested areas make this city popular for winter sports.
Neighborhoods & Around
Central Oslo is spread between the Central Station in the east and the Royal Palace in the west. Karl Johans Gate is the main street that connects these two points. Most visitors prefer to stay in central Oslo because it is the most convenient and interesting part of the city. It's also where you'll find most of the city's hotels and restaurants. There is an Old Town area, Gamlebyen, that is south of the Parliament Building and Karl Johans Gate. Here you'll find some historic restaurants, the Norwegian Resistance Museum and the Old Town Hall. The newest neighborhood in Oslo is Aker Brygge. It's a great place to eat out and there is an interesting walk along the waterfront. It also has a good number of shops, theaters, restaurants and attractions. The West End is a trendy residential section that has some upscale hotels and restaurants. It can be reached with public transit in 15 minutes, and it has a more relaxed atmosphere than central Oslo. Farther west is the Bydgoy peninsula, which has some interesting sights including the Norwegian Folk Museum, the Viking ships, the polar ship Fram and the Kon-Tiki Museum.
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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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.