Oslo, Norway
← Back to Cities

Oslo

🌍 Norway3.8
$3,200
/ month
150 Mbps
Internet
-1°C
Weather
✈️Create Travel Plan

💰 Cost of Living

Average monthly expenses for a digital nomad

🏠 Accommodation

1BR Center$1534/mo
1BR Outside$1233/mo
Hostel$55/night
Airbnb$2800/mo

🍜 Food & Dining

Local Meal$16
Mid-range$90
Groceries$150/wk
Coffee$5

🚗 Transportation

BestMetro / Tram / Walking
Grab/UberAvailable
MetroYes

🎯 Other

Gym$65/mo
Coworking$300
SIM Card$40/mo

⚡ Digital Nomad Essentials

Everything you need to work remotely from Oslo

📶 Internet

Speed150 Mbps
Reliability5/5
ProviderTelenor
5GYes
SIM$40/mo

☁️ Weather

BestMay - Sep
HotJun - Aug
RainyN/A
Temp-1°C
Humidity73%

✈️ Transport

Airport45 min
Walkable9/10
BestMetro / Tram / Walking
RideshareUber
MetroYes

🛂 Visa

Tourist90 days
TypeVisa Free
DN VisaNo
CurrencyNOK
TimezoneCET
See all visa options →

Advantages

  • Exceptionally safe city with very low crime
  • Excellent public transport and walkability
  • High English proficiency among locals
  • World-class healthcare system
  • Stunning nature access within city limits
  • Clean air and sustainable urban design
  • Fast and reliable internet infrastructure
  • Vibrant cultural scene with museums and concerts
  • Great work-life balance culture
  • Strong expat and international community

Disadvantages

  • Extremely high cost of living
  • Long dark winters can affect mood
  • Dining out is very expensive
  • Limited nightlife compared to other capitals
  • Difficult to make local friends initially
  • Expensive groceries due to import policies
  • Cold weather requires winter gear investment
  • Opening a bank account takes months
  • Limited affordable housing options
  • Restaurant portion sizes are small for the price

💼 Top Coworking Spaces

Best places to work in Oslo

MESH Oslo

📍 Tordenskiolds gate 2, 0160 Oslo • 200 Mbps • 24/7 • Meeting rooms

$35/day
$280/month

Spaces Kvadraturen

📍 Tollbugata 8, 0152 Oslo • 150 Mbps • Meeting rooms

$40/day
$350/month

Epicenter Oslo

📍 Edvard Storms gate 2, 0166 Oslo • 300 Mbps • 24/7 • Meeting rooms

$30/day
$290/month

Startup Campus

📍 Chr. Krohgs gate 1, 0186 Oslo • 200 Mbps • 24/7 • Meeting rooms

$22/day
$215/month

657 Oslo

📍 Fredensborgveien 22G, 0177 Oslo • 150 Mbps • 24/7 • Meeting rooms

$25/day
$250/month

☕ Best Cafes to Work From

Laptop-friendly cafes with good WiFi

Fuglen

📍 Sentrum

WiFi Speed100 Mbps
WiFi Qualityexcellent
PowerYes
Noisemoderate
Work Score9/10

Tim Wendelboe

📍 Grünerløkka

WiFi Speed80 Mbps
WiFi Qualityexcellent
PowerYes
Noisequiet
Work Score8/10

Kaffebrenneriet

📍 Sentrum

WiFi Speed60 Mbps
WiFi Qualitygood
PowerYes
Noisemoderate
Work Score7/10

Cafe Laundromat

📍 St. Hanshaugen

WiFi Speed50 Mbps
WiFi Qualitygood
PowerYes
Noisemoderate
Work Score8/10

Godt Brød Grünerløkka

📍 Grünerløkka

WiFi Speed50 Mbps
WiFi Qualitygood
PowerYes
Noisemoderate
Work Score7/10

Kulturhuset

📍 Sentrum

WiFi Speed100 Mbps
WiFi Qualityexcellent
PowerYes
Noisemoderate
Work Score9/10

🏘️ Best Neighborhoods

Where to stay in Oslo

Grünerløkka

Often called the hipster heart of Oslo, Grünerløkka has transformed from a working-class neighborhood into a vibrant hub for artists, entrepreneurs, and young professionals. The area is famous for its vintage shops, craft beer bars, independent boutiques, and world-renowned specialty coffee at Tim Wendelboe. Beautiful 1850s apartment buildings line the streets, and the Akerselva river provides scenic walking paths. The neighborhood buzzes with energy day and night, making it perfect for digital nomads who want an authentic Oslo experience.

$$ Mid-rangeHipster hubCoffee cultureStreet artVintage shops

Frogner

Oslo's most elegant and affluent neighborhood, Frogner features tree-lined avenues, classic architecture, and the world-famous Vigeland Sculpture Park. This prestigious area attracts diplomats, professionals, and families seeking tranquility while staying close to the city center. The upscale Bogstadveien shopping street offers designer boutiques and refined dining. With numerous embassies and international schools, the expat community is strong here, making newcomers feel welcome.

$$$ PremiumUpscale livingVigeland ParkElegant architectureEmbassy district

St. Hanshaugen

A charming residential neighborhood that offers the perfect balance of local Norwegian life and urban convenience. Centered around the beautiful St. Hanshaugen Park with its panoramic city views, this area has a strong sense of community while remaining close to downtown. The neighborhood attracts a mix of families and young professionals, with cozy cafes, traditional restaurants, and a more laid-back atmosphere than Grünerløkka. It's ideal for nomads who want to immerse themselves in authentic Oslo living.

$$ Mid-rangeResidential charmPark livingPanoramic viewsLocal atmosphere

Bjørvika

Oslo's most modern neighborhood has emerged from former industrial docks into a stunning waterfront district. Home to the iconic Opera House, the new MUNCH museum, and the architectural marvel of the Barcode buildings, Bjørvika represents contemporary Scandinavian design at its finest. The area offers easy access to the fjord for swimming in summer, floating saunas, and the impressive Deichman Bjørvika library. Perfect for digital nomads who appreciate modern architecture and waterfront living.

$$$ PremiumModern architectureWaterfront livingOpera HouseMUNCH museum

🏛️ Top Attractions

Best things to do in Oslo

Oslo Opera House

Oslo Opera House

Rising like an iceberg from the Oslo Fjord, the Oslo Opera House is a masterpiece of modern Nordic architecture. Visitors can walk directly onto its sloping marble roof for panoramic views of the city and harbor, making it a unique experience where architecture becomes public space. The building houses the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, offering world-class performances in a stunning setting. At sunset, the white marble glows golden, creating unforgettable photo opportunities.

💰 Free⏱️ 2h
MUNCH Museum

MUNCH Museum

The striking 13-story MUNCH museum in Bjørvika houses the world's largest collection of Edvard Munch's work, including multiple versions of The Scream. The building itself leans dramatically toward the fjord, offering spectacular waterfront views from its upper floors. With rotating exhibitions and a rooftop bar, it's become one of Oslo's most important cultural destinations. The museum masterfully presents Munch's evolution as an artist across four dedicated floors.

💰 $18⏱️ 3h
Vigeland Sculpture Park

Vigeland Sculpture Park

The world's largest sculpture park created by a single artist, featuring over 200 bronze and granite sculptures by Gustav Vigeland depicting the human condition. Located within Frogner Park, this open-air gallery showcases everything from the famous Angry Boy statue to the towering Monolith carved from a single stone. The park is free to visit year-round and offers a contemplative space where art meets nature in perfect harmony.

💰 Free⏱️ 2.5h
Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress

This medieval castle and fortress has guarded Oslo harbor since 1299, witnessing centuries of Norwegian history. Visitors can explore the fortress grounds for free, wandering through ancient walls, dungeons, and royal halls while enjoying spectacular views of the Oslofjord. The castle interior houses the Norwegian Resistance Museum and royal mausoleums. Summer brings changing of the guard ceremonies, adding a touch of pageantry to this historic landmark.

💰 Free⏱️ 2h
🏛️

Fram Museum

Home to the original polar exploration vessel Fram, the strongest wooden ship ever built. Visitors can board the actual ship that carried Amundsen, Nansen, and other legendary explorers to both polar regions. Interactive exhibits bring the heroic age of polar exploration to life, while the atmospheric setting recreates the Arctic environment. It's an unforgettable journey into Norway's proud maritime and exploration heritage.

💰 $15⏱️ 2h
🌄

Holmenkollen Ski Jump

This iconic ski jump has been a symbol of Oslo since 1892 and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Oslo region. Take the elevator to the top platform for an exhilarating perspective of what Olympic ski jumpers experience. The adjacent Ski Museum is the world's oldest, tracing 4,000 years of skiing history. In summer, the arena hosts concerts; in winter, it comes alive with World Cup competitions.

💰 $18⏱️ 2h
🏛️

National Museum

Norway's largest art museum houses an exceptional collection spanning from antiquity to contemporary works, including Munch's famous version of The Scream and other national treasures. The new building opened in 2022 as the largest art museum in the Nordic countries. Beyond paintings, it showcases architecture, design, and craft in beautifully curated galleries. The rooftop terrace provides lovely city views.

💰 $20⏱️ 3h
🌳

Oslofjord Islands

A short ferry ride from the city center transports you to a archipelago of idyllic islands perfect for swimming, hiking, and picnicking. Hovedøya features medieval monastery ruins and beaches; Langøyene has Oslo's only nude beach; Gressholmen offers nature trails and a historic seaplane harbor. The ferry is included in the public transport ticket, making island-hopping an affordable summer escape from the urban bustle.

💰 Free⏱️ 4h

🛡️ Safety & Healthcare

What to know about safety and medical care

🚨 Safety

Overall Safety5/5
Crime Ratevery low
Safe at NightYes
Scamslow
Solo Femalevery safe

🏥 Healthcare

Qualityexcellent
Doctor Visit$150
English-SpeakingYes
Top HospitalOslo University Hospital
InsuranceRequired

💬 What Nomads Say

Real reviews from digital nomads

Marcus S.
Senior Software Engineer • 4 months
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Oslo exceeded all my expectations as a digital nomad base. Yes, it's expensive – my monthly spend was around €3,500 including a nice apartment in Grünerløkka – but the quality of life is unmatched. Internet speeds are incredible at 200+ Mbps everywhere, and I never worried about safety walking home at 2 AM. The coworking scene at MESH is fantastic with genuine networking opportunities. What surprised me most was the access to nature: I could ski in the morning and be back working by noon. The summer months with 20+ hours of daylight were incredibly productive. English proficiency is near-universal, which made daily life seamless."

Elena K.
UX Design Freelancer • 3 months
⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Spent three months in Oslo and had a mostly positive experience. The design and architecture scene is inspiring – from the Opera House to random coffee shops, everything is aesthetically thoughtful. Cafes like Fuglen and Tim Wendelboe are great for laptop work with excellent WiFi. The downside is definitely the cost: a simple lunch runs $20+, and groceries are expensive even at budget supermarkets. Making local friends is challenging as Norwegians can be reserved initially, but the expat community is welcoming. Winter was tough with only 6 hours of daylight, but the cozy café culture helps. If you can afford it, Oslo offers a unique Scandinavian experience."

James T.
Content Creator • 2 months
⭐⭐⭐

"Oslo is beautiful but honestly tested my budget more than any other city. My one-bedroom in St. Hanshaugen cost $1,800/month, and I found myself cooking every meal to save money. The public transport is excellent but €100/month adds up. What really frustrated me was the banking situation – opening an account took two months and required jumping through endless hoops. Nightlife is limited compared to other European capitals, with bars closing early and drinks costing $12-15. On the plus side, I felt incredibly safe, the air quality is pristine, and weekend hikes in Nordmarka forest were therapeutic. Oslo works best for higher earners who prioritize safety and nature over affordability and social scene."

Ready to explore Oslo?

Join thousands of nomads who call this city home

View All Cities →