Food prices in Norway: what do groceries, coffee, beer and restaurants cost?

Updated 26.09.2026. Facts checked against Statistics Norway (SSB), the Norwegian Tax Administration, the Norwegian Directorate of Health, Visit Norway and Numbeo.

Short answer: Groceries cost on average a third more in Norway than in the EU, and restaurants and accommodation around 40 % more (SSB, 2025). In Oslo a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around NOK 200, a cappuccino around NOK 57 and half a litre of draught beer around NOK 112 (Numbeo, September 2026). You save most by shopping at discount supermarkets and drinking tap water – it is safe all over Norway.

Key facts

Numbeo is based on prices reported by users and shows an average – prices vary between places and cities.

What applies to you?

• Tourist on a budget: shop in supermarkets and eat lunch out – see groceries and how to save.
• You want to eat out: see restaurants and cafés and coffee.
• You are wondering about beer prices: see beer and wine.
• You are moving to Norway: see why food is expensive and groceries.

Why is food so expensive in Norway?

The price level in Norway is generally high: household consumption costs 29 % more than the EU average. For food and non-alcoholic drinks the difference is 33 %, for restaurants and accommodation 40 %, and alcohol and tobacco cost more than twice as much (SSB, preliminary figures for 2025, published 19.06.2026).

VAT plays a part: food in shops and takeaway has 15 % VAT, but when food is served at a restaurant or café the rate is 25 % (Norwegian Tax Administration). That is why taking food away is often cheaper than eating in.

From August 2025 to August 2026 food prices rose by 1.7 %, while prices in general (CPI) rose by 3.3 % (SSB, published 10.09.2026).

How much do bread, milk and eggs cost in the shop?

Approximate prices in Oslo according to Numbeo (updated 20.09.2026):

Prices are lowest at the discount chains. We have compared which chain is cheapest in Kiwi, Rema 1000, Coop Extra or Oda. Grocery stores in your city: see the directory.

How much does eating out cost?

• Inexpensive restaurant, one meal: approx. NOK 200;
• Mid-range restaurant, three courses for two without drinks: approx. NOK 1 200;
• Fast-food combo meal (McDonald's): approx. NOK 150.

The figures are for Oslo (Numbeo, updated 20.09.2026). Remember that served food has 25 % VAT, while takeaway has 15 % (Norwegian Tax Administration). Tipping is not required – see tipping in Norway. The best places to eat: best restaurants in Oslo.

How much is a cup of coffee?

A cappuccino costs around NOK 57 in Oslo (Numbeo, 20.09.2026). Coffee is the everyday drink in Norway – according to Visit Norway, few things are more typically Norwegian than meeting up over a cup of coffee. Read more about the coffee culture in Coffee nation.

How much do beer and wine cost?

Half a litre of draught beer costs around NOK 112 at a bar in Oslo, while half a litre of beer in a shop costs around NOK 33 (Numbeo, 20.09.2026). Alcohol and tobacco cost more than twice the EU average (SSB, 2025).

Beer with up to 4.7 % alcohol is sold in grocery stores, but not after 8 pm on weekdays and 6 pm on the day before Sundays and public holidays (Norwegian Directorate of Health). Stronger drinks are sold at Vinmonopolet. Opening hours, age limits and prices are in our guide to alcohol in Norway. Nightlife on a budget: nightlife without breaking the bank.

Can you drink tap water in Norway?

Yes. According to Visit Norway, tap water is considered safe to drink all over Norway. Bring a bottle and refill it – bottled water costs around NOK 31 for 0.33 litres in Oslo (Numbeo, 20.09.2026).

How much should you budget for food per day?

An example calculation for one person in Oslo, using Numbeo prices from 20.09.2026: breakfast from the shop (bread and milk) around NOK 60, lunch at an inexpensive restaurant around NOK 200, a cappuccino around NOK 57 and a fast-food meal for dinner around NOK 150 – about NOK 470 in total. If you have dinner at a mid-range restaurant (around NOK 600 per person for three courses without drinks), it comes to around NOK 920.

This is an example calculation, not an official norm. Prices vary between cities and places.

How to save on food in Norway

• Shop at the discount chains – see the price comparison.
• Take food away: takeaway has 15 % VAT, served food 25 % (Norwegian Tax Administration).
• Drink tap water instead of buying bottled water.
• Buy beer in a shop: around NOK 33 versus around NOK 112 at a pub (Numbeo, Oslo).

Restaurants, cafés, pubs and grocery stores in your city

Photos: food, cafés and shops

People also ask

• Is food expensive in Norway?
• Why is Norway so expensive?
• How much more expensive is food in Norway than in the EU?
• How much is a loaf of bread in Norway?
• How much is milk in Norway?
• Which supermarket is cheapest?
• How much does eating out cost in Norway?
• How much is dinner at a restaurant in Oslo?
• How much is a pizza or McDonald's?
• How much is a cup of coffee in Norway?
• How much is a beer in Norway?
• How much is a pint in Norway?
• How much is a drink at a bar?
• Where do you buy wine in Norway?
• Can you drink tap water?
• How much should I budget for food per day?
• How can I save money on food in Norway?
• Is takeaway cheaper than eating in?

Sources

All links checked 26.09.2026.

• Statistics Norway: comparison of price levels in Europe (19.06.2026)
• Statistics Norway: price growth picked up in August (10.09.2026)
• Norwegian Tax Administration: VAT rates
• Norwegian Tax Administration: VAT on sale or serving of food and drink
• Visit Norway: drink your way through Norway (tap water, coffee)
• Norwegian Directorate of Health: sales hours for beer in shops (Alcohol Act § 3-7)
• Numbeo: cost of living in Oslo (user data, 20.09.2026)

Readers' experiences

What did you pay for coffee, beer or dinner – and where? Share the price and the place in the comments at the bottom of the page. We use your experiences when we update this guide.