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Cost of Living in Skien

Skien, Vestfold og Telemark, Norway · Population 50,607

▼ -6% vs Norway average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)kr11,923 ($1,104)
Couple, monthlykr21,488 ($1,990)
Family of four, monthlykr28,102 ($2,602)

Estimated Prices in Skien

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantkr117 ($10.80)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangekr467 ($43.20)per meal
Cappuccinokr34.99 ($3.24)each
Monthly groceries (single person)kr2,644 ($245)per month
Monthly public transport passkr428 ($39.60)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentkr1,128 ($104)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)kr327 ($30.24)per month
Fitness club membershipkr327 ($30.24)per month
Cinema ticketkr85.54 ($7.92)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centrekr5,962 ($552)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centrekr4,147 ($384)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centrekr12,442 ($1,152)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Skien is kr42,120 ($3,900) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of kr11,923 ($1,104) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly kr15,500 ($1,435) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (kr4,147 ($384)) represents about 35% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Skien

Skien vs OsloSkien vs BergenSkien vs StavangerSkien vs SandnesSkien vs TrondheimSkien vs Kristiansand

Nearby Cities

Porsgrunn

8 km away · Vestfold og Telemark

Bamble

21 km away · Vestfold og Telemark

Larvik

30 km away · Vestfold og Telemark

Sandefjord

36 km away · Vestfold og Telemark

Sand

36 km away · Vestfold og Telemark

Stokke

38 km away · Vestfold og Telemark

Kragerø

39 km away · Vestfold og Telemark

Notodden

44 km away · Vestfold og Telemark

Other Major Cities in Norway

Oslo

Oslo · pop. 1,110,887

kr15,866 ($1,469) / mo

Bergen

Vestland · pop. 291,189

kr12,703 ($1,176) / mo

Stavanger

Rogaland · pop. 241,644

kr11,923 ($1,104) / mo

Sandnes

Rogaland · pop. 237,369

kr11,923 ($1,104) / mo

Trondheim

Trøndelag · pop. 198,777

kr11,923 ($1,104) / mo

Kristiansand

Agder · pop. 125,000

kr11,923 ($1,104) / mo

Sandvika

Viken · pop. 115,543

kr11,923 ($1,104) / mo

Drammen

Viken · pop. 106,013

kr11,923 ($1,104) / mo

Living in Skien

Skien is one of the key cities in Norway. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is kr11,923 ($1,104), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around kr4,147 ($384) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to kr28,102 ($2,602) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately kr21,488 ($1,990) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Skien is kr42,120 ($3,900). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least kr15,500 ($1,435) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Skien expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated kr11,923 ($1,104) per month in Skien including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Norway.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Skien?
A net salary of around kr15,500 ($1,435) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Skien with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Skien is kr42,120 ($3,900).
How much is rent in Skien?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated kr5,962 ($552) per month in the city centre and kr4,147 ($384) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about kr12,442 ($1,152).
Is Skien cheaper than Norway on average?
Yes — Skien is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Norway average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Skien?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at kr2,644 ($245) in Skien. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about kr117 ($11) and a cappuccino runs around kr35 ($3).
How do transport costs in Skien compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Skien is estimated at kr428 ($40). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Skien are estimates based on Norway national averages adjusted for city size (population 50,607). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.