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Kongsberg, Norway

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$2,680
Retiree Score
82.0
Safety Index
88.0
Healthcare
9 facilities

With a population of just 29,169, Kongsberg is a small mining town that has struggled to keep up with Norway's rapid growth. The silver mining that once fueled its prosperity has long dried up, and the city now relies on high-tech defense industries and tourism to get by. While the German-influenced architecture and rich cultural heritage are charming, the persistent bureaucracy is a headache for newcomers. And with a freezing continental climate that can dip below -32°C, the harsh winters are not for the faint of heart. Unless you're a diehard skier or jazz aficionado drawn to the city's niche cultural offerings, Kongsberg is unlikely to be an ideal destination for most expats.

Can I afford Kongsberg?

$

Kongsberg

You could save

320/mo

Savings Rate11%

Monthly Costs

Rent $1,300
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$1,380

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
11/100
Retiree Score
(i)
82/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
48/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Norway Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
88
Safety
9
Healthcare
100
Walkability
20
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) *$23
Meal (Mid-range) $132
Cappuccino $5
Water (0.33L) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $313
Mobile Plan (mo) $28
Gym (mo) *$46
Cinema Ticket $20

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $520
1BR Outside (mo) *$428
3BR Center (mo) $960
3BR Outside (mo) *$676

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Sentrum, Numedal
Best For
professionals in defense and maritime tech, families

Expat Life Notes

Kongsberg is an industrial city in Numedal known for its silver mining history and as a hub for Norway's defense and maritime technology sectors. It attracts a small international professional community and benefits from Norway's English-friendly environment.

Pros

  • ✓ English widely spoken
  • ✓ High safety
  • ✓ Strong defense-tech job market
  • ✓ Scenic valley setting

Cons

  • ✗ Very high cost of living
  • ✗ Small city with limited entertainment
  • ✗ Long winters

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
1228 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

Grimstad, NorwayKristiansand, NorwayAttractiveness Score: 74.4Coffs Harbour, AustraliaLiving in Coffs Harbour offers coastal living with practical amenities in Australia. Ideal for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle, but rent prices may surprise.Airdrie, CanadaLiving in Airdrie offers suburban affordability near Calgary, Canada, with a young demographic and manageable costs. Ideal for families, less so for urbanites.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Kongsberg

Click any question to expand the answer.

Kongsberg has a population of approximately 29,169 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $3,250 per month in Kongsberg, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1300/month.

The nearest airport to Kongsberg is OSL, approximately 100km away.

Kongsberg is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 88.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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