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Is Norway more expensive than Sweden, Denmark or Iceland?

Overall price levels and the categories that differ.

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Short answer

Norway is more expensive than Sweden but cheaper than Denmark and Iceland overall, with household prices nearly 29 per cent above the EU average in 2025. Statistics Norway's figures put Sweden 21, Denmark about 40 and Iceland more than 70 per cent above that average. For food and alcohol, however, Norway is dearer than Denmark.

Why prices are high in Norway a wallet with a few Norwegian krone coins, a receipt and a small price tag in front of a mountain silhouette

Why

  1. Eurostat's 2025 price level index, published by Statistics Norway, is 128.6 for Norway, 121.0 for Sweden, 139.7 for Denmark and 173.5 for Iceland, with the EU at 100.
  2. Statistics Norway calculates that Norwegians save about 17.5 per cent on a shopping trolley in Sweden and almost 10 per cent in Denmark, while food in Iceland costs more than in Norway.
  3. Alcohol and tobacco cost more than twice the EU average in Norway, and Iceland is the only country where they cost more, by almost 12 per cent.

Details

Restaurants and hotels follow the overall pattern: Sweden is 12 per cent cheaper than Norway, Denmark is slightly more expensive, and Iceland has an index of 173.2. The gap to Sweden is narrowing: Swedish prices were about 8.5 per cent below Norway's in 2024 and just under 6 per cent below in 2025. Finland, with an overall index of 120.8, is at about the same level as Sweden.

Tip

Compare the categories you spend most on: for groceries and alcohol, Sweden and Denmark are cheaper than Norway, while for restaurants and hotels only Sweden is.

What may differ

Exchange rates move the comparison: Statistics Norway notes that a stronger krone was one reason Norway's price level rose in 2025. The index shows average household consumption, so a traveller's budget can differ.

Common misconception

Norway is the most expensive country in Europe.

What actually happens

Norway was the sixth most expensive country in Europe in 2025. Iceland, Switzerland, Denmark, Ireland and Luxembourg all had higher overall price levels.

People also ask

  • Is Norway or Iceland more expensive?
  • Is Norway more expensive than Sweden?

Sources

Prices change, so check Statistics Norway (SSB) before you go.

Why prices are high in Norway

  • How much does a theatre ticket cost in Oslo?

    A ticket at the Norwegian Opera or Oslo Nye Teater costs between NOK 195 and NOK 995 in autumn 2026, depending on the production, seat and discount.

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  • What can you do for free in Tromsø?

    Free things to do in Tromsø include climbing the Sherpa steps, walking around Prestvannet and visiting Telegrafbukta beach, where the northern lights can be seen on clear winter days.

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    Food in Norway costs 33 per cent more than the EU average, partly because import tariffs protect Norwegian farming and three grocery groups dominate the market.

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  • Is skiing in Norway expensive?

    Downhill skiing in Norway costs several hundred kroner a day: an adult day pass is NOK 540 at Skimore Oslo and from NOK 529 at Hafjell.

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