November 25, 2025 
6 mins to read Living in Oslo gives you a mix of city life, nature and calm that feels different from many other capitals. You have the fjord in front of you, forests behind you and a city centre that you can cross on foot.
Many expats living in Oslo are surprised by how quickly they find a rhythm. Prices can be high, but daily life does not need to be. With a few local tricks you can enjoy living in Oslo, meet new people and still save money.
Whether you are working in Oslo full time, planning a gap year or testing out life in Norway for a few months, this guide will help you enjoy the city on a budget.
1. Use nature as your free playground
One of the best things about living in Oslo is that nature is always close. You can finish work and be at a lake, in the forest or by the fjord in less than half an hour.
Take the metro to Sognsvann Lake for a walk, a run or a swim in summer. In winter many locals head to Nordmarka, the huge forest area north of the city, for cross country skiing. Nature is free and public transport gets you there easily.
In summer you can use your normal transport ticket to take the local ferry to island beaches in the Oslofjord. Spend the day on Hovedøya or Gressholmen, bring food, enjoy the sun and the view of the city from the water.
For updated free activities and nature tips you can check Visit Oslo.
2. Eat well without spending all your salary
Eating out in Norway can be expensive, but eating well does not have to be.
For groceries, choose cheaper supermarket chains like Rema 1000, Kiwi and Bunnpris. They often have discount sections where you can buy food close to expiry for a lower price.
Cook simple meals during the week and treat yourself at the weekend. For affordable food, try Mathallen Food Hall or small cafés in Grünerløkka. A fresh hotdog from a traditional kiosk like Syverkiosken is a classic Norwegian snack.
Breakfast and brunch can also be done cheaply. Pick up cinnamon buns from a bakery such as Godt Brød, grab a coffee to go and have breakfast in Vigeland Park or by the river Akerselva.
3. Get around like a local and save on transport
Public transport in Oslo is clean, efficient and cheaper with a monthly pass. One ticket covers trams, buses, metro lines and local ferries in zone 1.
Oslo Bysykkel, the city bike system, is another great option. For a small seasonal fee you can use bikes for short trips around the city. It is especially useful in warmer months and popular for commuting.
Walking also works well because the city centre is compact. You can easily explore the Opera House, Aker Brygge, Tjuvholmen and Grünerløkka without using any transport at all.
4. Finding affordable housing in Oslo
Housing is usually the biggest cost when living in Oslo, especially for students and young expats. The good news is that you can keep costs low if you are flexible.
Shared flats, called kollektiv, are the most common option. You rent a room and share living spaces with others. This makes rent more affordable and is one of the best ways to make friends. Websites like Finn.no and Hybel.no have hundreds of listings for rooms and small apartments.
If you plan to stay for only a few months, look for sublets. Many Norwegians rent out their rooms or full flats when they travel or study abroad. These short term options are often furnished and cheaper because they do not require long contracts and you’ll find them most likely on platforms like hybel.no or finn.no.
A friendly introduction message helps your chances. Write a short description of yourself, your work or studies, your age and that you respect shared spaces. Norwegians value calm, tidy and reliable roommates.
Facebook groups for kollektiv and expat housing can also be useful for last minute or short term rooms.
5. Join free and low cost social activities
Arriving in a new city can be overwhelming, but Oslo has an active international community.
Look for events on Meetup or Facebook. You will find language exchanges, hiking groups, picnics, running clubs and game nights. Many are free or cost very little.
Coworking spaces like MESH and SoCentral host open events and talks where you can meet people who work in creative fields, tech or start ups. They are welcoming to internationals and often run social evenings.
Many museums in Oslo offer free entry on certain days or reduced tickets for students and young workers. The Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Botanical Garden and the Oslo fjord promenade are always free.
6. Enjoy Oslo’s culture and nightlife on a budget
Nightlife in Oslo can be affordable if you follow local habits. Many Norwegians meet at home for a drink before going out, which keeps the evening inexpensive.
Look for smaller bars in Grünerløkka or along the river. Summer evenings are ideal for sitting by the fjord at Sørenga or Aker Brygge with friends and takeaway drinks.
Public fjord saunas, such as the floating saunas in Sørenga, are a favourite among locals. They cost less than a spa visit and give you a relaxing experience with great views.
In winter social life often shifts to cosy bars, home dinners and cabin trips, which are a big part of Norwegian culture and surprisingly affordable when shared among friends.
7. Living and working in Oslo, a balanced way of life
Life in Oslo is about quality rather than quantity. People value time outdoors, simple pleasures and a healthy balance between work and personal life.
Working in Oslo often means clear working hours, proper breaks and a work environment that focuses on trust. Many expats working in Norway appreciate that they have time to enjoy life outside the office.
If you are living in Oslo on a budget, think like a local. Spend money on the things that matter to you, use the free natural areas, join community events and do not stress about having a perfect flat or expensive clothes. Norwegians care more about who you are than what you own.
Ready to start your Oslo chapter
Living in Oslo can be one of the most rewarding experiences in Europe. The mix of nature, safe city life and a relaxed work culture makes it ideal for a gap year or a longer stay.
If you are curious about working in Oslo or exploring your options for working in Norway, Job Squad can help you understand the job market and find roles that match your goals. Our recruiters speak with young expats daily and can guide you through every step of your move.
Whenever you feel ready, you can reach out and explore possibilities for living in Oslo.
