08 Jan 2025
Credible stats show that the immigrant population in Norway has increased significantly from 1.1 million in 2014 to 1.5 million people in 2024. Of these, the highest number belongs to first-generation immigrants recently attracted to the country. Norway offers good earnings opportunities so immigrants can live a good life and send money to their families back home. But what does Norway looks like, and is Norway safe? Let’s answer these questions.
If you need to consider whether is Norway a good place to live, this blog can help you do that!
It is always a good idea to start with the fundamental information, as it can give you the idea that might be essential for deciding whether to spend your life in Norway. Let’s discuss where Norway is located, its population, and societal behavior.
You might be wondering where Norway is located. Norway is situated in Northern Europe, one of the Scandinavian countries bordered by Russia, Finland, and Sweden on the Eastern side and the Atlantic Ocean on the western border. You might be wondering what does Norway look like? Norway is known for its beautiful Northern Lights and scenic fjords, but that’s not the end of its natural beauty. You can also look at Norway’s country map for a better idea. You will be amazed to see its 25,000-kilometer-long coastline.
You might be wondering how many people are living in Norway. Norway's approximate population is 5.5 million, which could be much higher. However, Norway is one of the least densely populated countries in Europe. Many people live in the country's more urban areas, and Norway's capital city, Oslo, is relatively populous and vibrant. If you are considering relocating to Norway, you should know that its demographics point towards a multicultural environment, meaning more inclusivity for immigrants and expats.
Society in Norway is balanced and fair. The people are usually educated and polite but also introverted and reserved. So, making small conversations with strangers is probably different in Norway. You can rest assured that Norwegians are very respectful and formal. While it might seem they don’t want to communicate with you, they simply want to maintain privacy. If you search for a Norwegian Wikipedia page, it probably won’t give you this insider information.
If you have explored the cost of living in Norway, you’re probably wondering why is Norway so expensive. While the cost of living is relatively high, it is often offset by the country’s robust social welfare system and higher wages.
Housing in Norway can be quite expensive within popular cities and city centers. For instance, getting a one-bedroom apartment in the capital city of Norway, Oslo will cost you about 12,000 to 16,000 NOK per month, but if you can get accommodation within smaller towns, it might be much lower. If you want to own property in Norway, that might be even more expensive because of limited supply and higher demand.
Food is relatively expensive compared to other European nations. Essential food items like bread, eggs, and milk cost at least 20-30% more than in European countries. If you dine out a lot, you should know it will cost around 200-300 NOK per person. Or you can simply send money online and order food at discounted prices.
Public transportation is all you need to trend the paths often beaten within the city. Norway’s public transit is relatively well-maintained and comfortable. You will need a monthly pass, which costs around 800 to 900 NOK in Oslo.
If you want to explore Norway’s beauty and travel, you should consider buying a car, especially an electric vehicle. Norway encourages eco-friendly travel and offers tax incentives on electric cars.
Other than the abovementioned expenses, your utilities and internet bills will add to the total cost of living. It is cold primarily in Norway so that heating could be pretty expensive. Healthcare is heavily subsidized due to Norway’s values of social welfare. However, the high costs of medication and visits still apply.
Is Norway a nice place to live? One of the good things about this country is its exceptionally healthy work-life balance.
In Norway, the standard working week is 37.5 hours, and employees can generally enjoy five weeks of vacation annually. Norway's workplaces are flexible since people value family and leisure time. If you are a teacher, you can take 6 weeks of vacation and other public holidays.
Regarding salaries, Norway is amongst the top countries offering the highest, so living in Norway is a treat! The average annual income in Norway is 550,000 NOK. You can expect a higher income in Norway if you are a professional in oil and gas, healthcare, or technology. With salaries this high, you don’t have to worry about saving up for your regular online money transfer back home.
Big chunks of the Norwegian economy belong to industries like Information Technology, renewable energy, fisheries, oil, etc. If you want to live a life in Norway and belong to one of these sectors, you must consider moving to the country. Try applying to multinational or tourism companies if you don’t want to learn Norwegian and want to stick to English.
Flat hierarchies, equity, and collaboration dominate the Norwegian work culture. Life in Norway for employees is generally fair.
Regarding quality of life, people in Norway live a pretty good life considering the country's safety, social benefits, and environmental consciousness. This is a good sign if you plan on immigrating to Norway.
Is Norway a safe country? Yes, it is! You will be happy to learn that the crime rates in Norway are very low and that the country's governance is efficient and transparent. Is Oslo safe? Absolutely. Even the bustling capital city, where all kinds of people reside, is exceptionally safe.
While it is cold for about seven months throughout the year, and mobility is significantly low during those months, Norway still offers many outdoor activities to its citizens. So, is Norway safe during winter? Yes. Norwegians love and cherish their natural landscapes, so hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter are very popular among citizens. If you live in Norway, life there is nature-oriented, and the people live in harmony with their country’s natural beauty.
Is Norway a nice place to live? The answer depends on your priorities in life and your personality. If you value security and higher salaries, Norway is the land that will offer you both. As an expat, you will earn more than enough to make a regular money transfer back home. Also, if you love nature, are introverted, and don’t mind harsh winters, you’ll fit right in!
Norway offers free education, affordable healthcare, and a safe environment, making it ideal for families.
The cost of living varies according to the city, but Oslo residents can expect monthly expenses of around 20,000–30,000 NOK, including rent.
Absolutely! Norway is one of the safest countries globally, with low crime rates and a welcoming society.
Norway’s high costs are due to its robust economy, higher wages, and strong social welfare system.
The standard workweek is 37.5 hours, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance.
