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Fredrikstad, Norway

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$2,500
Retiree Score
100.0
Safety Index
80.5
Healthcare
29 facilities

The population of 86,243 may seem modest, but Fredrikstad's bureaucratic headaches are anything but small. The city's founding in 1567 by King Frederick II is a point of pride, but the red tape you'll face as a newcomer is enough to make you long for the days of royal decree. And while the old town's fortifications are a sight to behold, the harsh Scandinavian climate is a daily grind that will test your resolve.

Still, Fredrikstad does have its charms. The shipbuilding heritage and chemical plants provide a diverse economy, and the city was even named Norway's most attractive in 2017. But if you're seeking a sleepy, stress-free life abroad, this historic port town may not be your ideal destination.

Can I afford Fredrikstad?

$

Fredrikstad

You could save

500/mo

Savings Rate17%

Monthly Costs

Rent $1,150
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$1,350

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
17/100
Retiree Score
(i)
100/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
48/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Norway Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
81
Safety
29
Healthcare
100
Walkability
5
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$3
Eggs (12) $5
Rice (1kg) *$2
Chicken (1kg) *$7

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$19
Meal (Mid-range) $143
Cappuccino $6
Water (0.33L) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $372
Mobile Plan (mo) $45
Gym (mo) *$48
Cinema Ticket $21

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $690
1BR Outside (mo) *$642
3BR Center (mo) $1,260
3BR Outside (mo) *$1,014

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Medium
Top Neighborhoods
Gamlebyen, Cicignon, Kråkerøy
Best For
families, creative professionals

Expat Life Notes

Fredrikstad offers a high quality of life with a charming Old Town. It is an attractive spot for expats working in the Oslo fjord region.

Pros

  • ✓ Beautiful historical center
  • ✓ Safe and family-friendly
  • ✓ Coastal access

Cons

  • ✗ High cost of living
  • ✗ Quiet in winter

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
1095 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

Grimstad, NorwayKristiansand, NorwayAttractiveness Score: 74.4Luanda, AngolaLiving in Luanda, Angola offers coastal living but comes with high costs and bureaucratic hurdles. Best for oil industry expats or FIRE seekers with deep pocketLeuven, BelgiumLiving in Leuven, Belgium means navigating a student-dominated city with affordable rents and a global academic vibe. Ideal for researchers and scholars.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Fredrikstad

Click any question to expand the answer.

Fredrikstad has a population of approximately 86,243 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $2,875 per month in Fredrikstad, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1150/month.

The nearest airport to Fredrikstad is OSL, approximately 110km away.

Fredrikstad is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 80.5. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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