Molde, a picturesque city in Norway, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning a visit.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $19.21 on average, with a range between $11.31 and $45.24.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $99.53, with prices ranging from $72.39 to $108.58.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11.08, with a range between $10.86 and $11.31.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.74 to $9.05, imported beer $7.24 to $9.05, cappuccino $3.16 to $6.33, and Coke/Pepsi $2.74 to $4.52.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.9 and $2.08 per liter, averaging $1.99.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $2.71.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese costs $8.14 per kg.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Bananas) - Apples cost $2.26 per kg, while bananas average $2.71 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Tomatoes) - Potatoes are priced at $1.36 per kg, and tomatoes average $4.98 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $3.44 and $4.16.
  • Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport is priced at $73.65.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.74 and $2.44 per liter.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $995.3 to $1131.03, averaging $1063.17.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $678.62 to $904.82, averaging $791.72.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1266.75.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1085.79 to $1492.96, averaging $1289.37.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an apartment cost approximately $180.96 per month.
  • Internet - Internet services are not specified in the data provided.
Worldwide
Norway

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for Norway are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Norway, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Feb, 2025

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 14 user contributions, as of the most recent update in October, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$19.21
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$99.53
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$11.08
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$8.37
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$8.14
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.48
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.10
Cappuccino (regular)
$4.98
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.99
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.71
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.14
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.44
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$16.29
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$15.20
Apples (1kg)
$2.26
Potato (1kg)
$1.36
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.35
Rice (white), (1kg)
$3.44
Tomato (1kg)
$4.98
Banana (1kg)
$2.71
Onion (1kg)
$1.99
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$3.80
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$73.65
Gasoline (1 liter)
$2.06
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,063.17
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$791.72
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,266.75
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$1,289.37
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$89.58
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,076.40
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
3.76%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$180.96
Molde Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Molde offers a relatively high cost of living, typical of Norwegian cities, with significant expenses in dining and housing.

Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport being a viable option for daily commuting.

Grocery prices are generally high, reflecting the cost of living in Norway, but local produce like cheese and potatoes are more affordable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, living in Molde requires a well-planned budget, especially for those new to the area. While the city offers a high quality of life, it comes with a price tag that reflects its Norwegian setting.

Prospective residents should consider the balance between salary and living expenses, particularly in housing and dining, to ensure a comfortable lifestyle.