Why is food so expensive in Norway?
Price level, import protection and the grocery market.
Short answer
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. Some meat and cheese face duties of more than 200 per cent. NorgesGruppen, Coop and Rema 1000 control around 95 per cent of grocery sales.
Why
- Statistics Norway notes that Norway is one of only two countries with above-average overall prices where food and drink cost more than the general price level.
- Store norske leksikon explains that import protection shields Norwegian agriculture and that the tariffs raise consumer prices for imported goods.
- NHH Norwegian School of Economics notes that the grocery market has had three nationwide chains since 2015, and that Norwegian grocery prices are among Europe's highest even after adjusting for purchasing power.
Details
The government sees the tariffs as necessary: in 2024 the Minister of Agriculture and Food wrote that import protection is essential for the competitiveness of the food industry. VAT on food is 15 per cent, against the general rate of 25 per cent. Statistics Norway calculates that Norwegians save about 17.5 per cent by filling their trolley in Sweden and almost 10 per cent in Denmark.
Tip
On a trip, a supermarket picnic and free tap water keep costs down, because restaurant and accommodation prices in Norway are nearly 40 per cent above the EU average.
What may differ
The figures are national averages, so single products and shops can differ. The gap to the EU also moves with the exchange rate of the krone.
Common misconception
Norway has the most expensive food in Europe.
What actually happens
Food costs more in Iceland and Switzerland, whose 2025 food price levels were about 156 against Norway's 133, with the EU average at 100.
People also ask
- Why are grocery prices so high in Norway?
Sources
- Statistics Norway: Norway is still among Europe's most expensive countriesChecked at:
- Store norske leksikon: Import protectionChecked at:
- NHH: Grocery competition was settled ten years agoChecked at:
- Norwegian Government: answer on percentage tariffs for farm goodsChecked at:
- Norwegian Tax Administration: VAT ratesChecked at:
Prices change, so check Statistics Norway (SSB) before you go.
Food prices in NorwayRelated questions
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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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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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How much does a spa day cost in Norway?
A spa day costs from NOK 625 at The Well near Oslo and from NOK 495 for a morning visit at Farris Bad in Larvik.