Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Norway Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Norway Property Pack
If you're looking to rent or invest in rental property in Norway, you probably want to know what rents actually look like right now.
This blog post covers everything from average rents by apartment size to neighborhood demand, tenant preferences, and landlord costs across Norway in 2026.
We update this article regularly to make sure the numbers reflect what's happening in the Norwegian rental market today.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Norway.
Insights
- Rents in Oslo jumped about 6.6% from 2024 to 2025, but growth in Norway is expected to slow to around 3% to 5% in 2026 as interest rates ease.
- A 1-bedroom apartment in Oslo costs roughly NOK 15,300 per month, which is about 30% more than the same apartment in Bergen or Trondheim.
- Vacancy rates in Oslo hover around 1% to 2%, making it one of the tightest rental markets in Scandinavia right now.
- About one in ten rental listings has disappeared from the Norwegian market compared to previous years, according to FINN data reported by Finansavisen.
- Properties near universities like UiO in Oslo or NTNU in Trondheim often rent within 10 to 15 days during peak season.
- Energy upgrades such as heat pumps and better insulation are among the best renovations for Norwegian landlords because tenants care a lot about heating costs.
- Peak rental demand in Norway happens between July and September, driven by students arriving and job relocations starting after summer.
- Expats in Norway tend to cluster in Oslo's western neighborhoods like Frogner, Ullern, and Skøyen, where international schools and corporate offices are nearby.
- Rental income in Norway is generally taxed at 22% on net profit, but landlords can deduct expenses like insurance, maintenance, and agent fees.
What are typical rents in Norway as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Norway as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Norway is around NOK 9,100 (approximately USD 820 or EUR 770), based on official 2025 data with a projected 3.5% increase.
Most studios in Norway rent somewhere between NOK 7,000 and NOK 11,000 per month (roughly USD 630 to USD 990, or EUR 595 to EUR 935), depending on where you look.
The main factors that cause studio rents to vary across Norway are location (Oslo is far more expensive than smaller cities), building age, energy efficiency, and whether the unit includes amenities like a balcony or elevator access.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Norway as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Norway is around NOK 12,200 (approximately USD 1,100 or EUR 1,035), based on SSB's 2-room category with projected growth.
Most 1-bedroom apartments in Norway rent between NOK 9,500 and NOK 16,000 per month (roughly USD 855 to USD 1,440, or EUR 805 to EUR 1,360), with significant variation by city.
In Norway, the cheapest 1-bedroom rents are typically found in smaller towns and cities like Stavanger's outskirts, while neighborhoods in Oslo such as Frogner, Majorstuen, and Bjørvika command the highest prices, often exceeding NOK 15,000 per month.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Norway as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Norway is around NOK 14,400 (approximately USD 1,295 or EUR 1,220), based on SSB's 3-room category with projected growth.
Most 2-bedroom apartments in Norway rent between NOK 11,000 and NOK 20,000 per month (roughly USD 990 to USD 1,800, or EUR 935 to EUR 1,700), with Oslo clearly at the top of this range.
Cheaper 2-bedroom rentals in Norway are typically found in areas like Stavanger's suburbs or Bergen's outer districts, while Oslo's Frogner, Aker Brygge, and Tjuvholmen neighborhoods regularly see rents above NOK 19,000 per month.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Norway.
What's the average rent per square meter in Norway as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average rent per square meter in Norway is around NOK 262 per month (approximately USD 24 or EUR 22), based on SSB's 2-room benchmark with projected growth.
Rent per square meter in Norway ranges from about NOK 180 to NOK 400 per month (roughly USD 16 to USD 36, or EUR 15 to EUR 34), depending heavily on neighborhood and property quality.
Compared to other major Norwegian cities, Oslo stands out significantly, where rent per square meter averages around NOK 340 per month, roughly 30% higher than Bergen or Trondheim.
In Norway, properties with good energy efficiency, elevator access, balconies, and proximity to public transit typically push rent per square meter well above the city average.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, rents in Norway are estimated to have increased by around 3% to 5% compared to the previous year, a slowdown from the sharper rises seen in 2025.
The main factors driving rent changes in Norway this year include ongoing supply shortages (fewer rental listings), a weak construction pipeline, and the gradual easing of interest rates by Norges Bank.
This year's rent growth in Norway is notably slower than the 2024 to 2025 jump, which saw national 2-room rents rise by about 6.6%, reflecting the peak pressure from high interest rates and tight supply.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, rent growth in Norway is projected to be around 3.5% nationally, with Oslo and Bærum likely seeing slightly higher increases of 4% to 6% if supply remains tight.
The key factors likely to influence rent growth in Norway over the coming year include interest rate movements by Norges Bank, the number of new rental listings hitting the market, and whether housing construction picks up from its current low levels.
In Norway, neighborhoods with strong transit access and proximity to universities, such as Grünerløkka and Majorstuen in Oslo or Midtbyen in Trondheim, are expected to see the strongest rent growth due to persistent demand.
Risks that could cause rent growth in Norway to differ from projections include unexpected economic slowdowns, faster-than-expected rate cuts that encourage more buying over renting, or a sudden increase in new housing supply.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Norway. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Norway as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Norway as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Norway are Frogner (including Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen), Majorstuen, and Ullern in Oslo, where 2-bedroom apartments often exceed NOK 20,000 per month (roughly USD 1,800 or EUR 1,700).
These Oslo neighborhoods command premium rents because they combine waterfront or park access, historic architecture, excellent public transit, upscale dining and shopping, and proximity to corporate headquarters.
The typical tenants renting in these high-rent areas of Norway are senior professionals, executives, diplomats, and expats with corporate housing budgets who prioritize convenience and prestige.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Norway.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Norway right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Norway are Grünerløkka, Sagene, and Majorstuen in Oslo, known for their vibrant social scenes, walkability, and good transit connections.
Young professionals in these Norwegian neighborhoods typically pay between NOK 11,000 and NOK 16,000 per month (roughly USD 990 to USD 1,440, or EUR 935 to EUR 1,360) for a 1-bedroom apartment.
These neighborhoods attract young professionals in Norway because they offer a mix of cafes, bars, coworking spaces, fitness studios, and quick metro access to central business districts.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Norway.
Where do families prefer to rent in Norway right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Norway are Nordstrand and Ullern in Oslo, plus Bærum municipalities like Jar and Stabekk, which offer more space, greenery, and quieter streets.
Families renting 2 to 3 bedroom apartments in these Norwegian neighborhoods typically pay between NOK 16,000 and NOK 25,000 per month (roughly USD 1,440 to USD 2,250, or EUR 1,360 to EUR 2,125).
These neighborhoods attract families in Norway because they have larger apartments, good parks and outdoor areas, safe streets, and access to well-regarded public schools.
Top-rated schools near these family-friendly neighborhoods in Norway include Oslo International School in Bekkestua, Stabekk skole, and Nordstrand skole, all known for strong academic programs and community involvement.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, the areas near transit hubs or universities that rent fastest in Norway are Blindern and Majorstuen (near University of Oslo), Gløshaugen (near NTNU in Trondheim), and Nygårdshøyden (near University of Bergen).
Properties in these high-demand areas of Norway typically stay listed for just 10 to 20 days during peak season, compared to 30 days or more in less central locations.
The rent premium for properties within walking distance of transit or universities in Norway is typically NOK 1,000 to NOK 2,500 per month (roughly USD 90 to USD 225, or EUR 85 to EUR 210) above comparable units farther away.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Norway right now?
The top three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Norway are Frogner, Ullern, and Skøyen in Oslo, which offer proximity to international schools, corporate offices, and English-friendly services.
Expats in these Norwegian neighborhoods typically pay between NOK 18,000 and NOK 28,000 per month (roughly USD 1,620 to USD 2,520, or EUR 1,530 to EUR 2,380) for a furnished 2-bedroom apartment.
These neighborhoods attract expats in Norway because they have a high concentration of international amenities, including embassies, international grocery stores, and furnished rental options designed for shorter-term stays.
The expat communities most represented in these Norwegian neighborhoods include Americans, British, Germans, and Swedes, many working in oil and energy, finance, or tech sectors, along with a growing Asian expat community.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Norway.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Norway right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Norway?
The top three tenant profiles that dominate the rental market in Norway are young professionals and early-career workers, university students, and recent immigrants or internal movers who haven't yet bought property.
Young professionals make up roughly 35% to 40% of Norway's rental demand, students account for about 25% to 30%, and recent movers (including immigrants) represent around 20% to 25% of the market.
Young professionals typically seek modern 1 to 2 bedroom apartments near transit in Norway, students look for studios or shared housing close to universities, and families who rent usually need 3 or more rooms in quieter residential areas.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Norway.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Norway?
In Norway, roughly 70% to 75% of long-term tenants prefer unfurnished apartments, while about 25% to 30% seek furnished rentals, mainly for shorter stays or relocations.
Furnished apartments in Norway typically command a rent premium of NOK 1,500 to NOK 3,000 per month (roughly USD 135 to USD 270, or EUR 125 to EUR 255) compared to similar unfurnished units.
The tenant profiles that tend to prefer furnished rentals in Norway are expats on temporary assignments, international students, and professionals relocating for short-term projects who don't want the hassle of buying furniture.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Norway?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Norway are prime location with transit access, energy-efficient heating systems, elevator access, a private balcony or terrace, and parking with EV charging.
In Norway, transit-connected locations can add NOK 1,500 to NOK 3,000 per month, energy-efficient heating adds NOK 500 to NOK 1,500, elevator access adds NOK 500 to NOK 1,000, a balcony adds NOK 800 to NOK 1,500 (roughly USD 70 to USD 270 per feature, or EUR 65 to EUR 255), and parking with EV charging adds NOK 1,000 to NOK 2,000.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Norway, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Norway?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Norway are energy upgrades (windows, insulation, heat pumps), mid-range kitchen refreshes, bathroom modernization, durable flooring replacement, and fresh neutral paint throughout.
In Norway, energy upgrades typically cost NOK 50,000 to NOK 150,000 (roughly USD 4,500 to USD 13,500 or EUR 4,250 to EUR 12,750) and can justify NOK 500 to NOK 1,500 higher monthly rent; kitchen and bathroom refreshes cost NOK 30,000 to NOK 80,000 each and support NOK 400 to NOK 1,000 rent increases.
Renovations that tend to have poor ROI and should be avoided by landlords in Norway include ultra-luxury finishes that tenants won't pay extra for, purely cosmetic upgrades without functional improvement, and over-customized designs that limit tenant appeal.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Norway versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How strong is rental demand in Norway as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Norway as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated vacancy rate for rental properties in Norway is around 2% to 3% nationally, with Oslo and Bærum even tighter at roughly 1% to 2%.
Vacancy rates across different neighborhoods in Norway range from under 1% in high-demand central Oslo areas to around 4% to 5% in smaller towns or less connected suburbs.
The current vacancy rate in Norway is lower than the historical average of around 4% to 5%, reflecting the tight supply conditions driven by reduced rental listings and weak new construction.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Norway.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Norway as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average number of days rentals stay listed in Norway is around 15 to 25 days for well-priced units in major cities, though this varies by season and location.
Days on market across different property types and neighborhoods in Norway range from as few as 10 days in central Oslo to 45 days or more in smaller towns or less desirable areas.
The current days-on-market figure in Norway is similar to or slightly faster than one year ago, reflecting continued strong demand and tight supply that hasn't eased significantly.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Norway?
The peak months for tenant demand in Norway are July through September, when students arrive for the academic year and many professionals start new jobs after summer holidays.
The specific factors driving seasonal demand patterns in Norway include the university semester calendar starting in August, the common practice of job transitions after summer, and lease renewals timed around the traditional moving season.
The months with the lowest tenant demand in Norway are November and December, when fewer people relocate due to winter weather, holiday commitments, and the general preference to wait until the new year.
Buying real estate in Norway can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What will my monthly costs be in Norway as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Norway as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical annual property tax landlords should expect in Norway ranges from NOK 5,000 to NOK 25,000 (approximately USD 450 to USD 2,250, or EUR 425 to EUR 2,125), depending on municipality and property value.
Annual property taxes in Norway can range from zero in municipalities that don't charge eiendomsskatt to around NOK 40,000 or more (roughly USD 3,600 or EUR 3,400) for high-value properties in cities like Oslo.
Property taxes in Norway are calculated at the municipal level, based on a percentage (typically 0.1% to 0.4%) of the property's assessed taxable value, with each municipality setting its own rate and exemptions.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Norway, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Norway right now?
The estimated realistic annual maintenance budget for a typical rental apartment in Norway is around NOK 15,000 to NOK 30,000 (approximately USD 1,350 to USD 2,700, or EUR 1,275 to EUR 2,550), with houses requiring more.
Annual maintenance costs in Norway range from about NOK 10,000 for newer, well-maintained apartments to NOK 75,000 or more (roughly USD 900 to USD 6,750, or EUR 850 to EUR 6,375) for older detached houses needing regular upkeep.
Landlords in Norway typically set aside around 5% to 10% of annual rental income for maintenance, which helps cover routine repairs, appliance replacements, and periodic refreshes like painting.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Norway right now?
The utilities landlords most commonly pay on behalf of tenants in Norway are building insurance, common area maintenance fees (felleskostnader), and sometimes water and waste charges bundled into common costs.
In Norway, landlord-paid utilities typically cost NOK 1,500 to NOK 4,000 per month (roughly USD 135 to USD 360, or EUR 125 to EUR 340), depending on the property type and what's included in the common charges.
The common practice in Norway is for tenants to pay their own electricity, internet, and contents insurance, while landlords cover building-related costs; however, lease agreements should always clearly specify who pays for what.
How is rental income taxed in Norway as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Norway from letting out an entire property is generally taxed as capital income at a rate of 22% on net profit after deductible expenses.
The main deductions landlords can claim against rental income in Norway include maintenance and repair costs, insurance premiums, property management fees, mortgage interest, municipal charges, and depreciation on furnishings.
A common tax mistake specific to Norway that landlords should avoid is failing to properly document expenses or misunderstanding the threshold rules for tax-free rental of part of your own home, which can trigger unexpected tax bills.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Norway.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Norway compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Norway, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics Norway (SSB) Rental Market Survey | It's Norway's official statistics agency and publishes the country's flagship rent survey. | We used it as our anchor for national and city rent levels by apartment size. We also followed its definitions so our numbers are comparable across sources. |
| SSB Statbank Table 09895 | It's the official underlying dataset behind SSB's rent survey releases. | We pulled the latest full-year figures for 1-room, 2-room, and 3-room dwellings. We then translated those into studio, 1-bed, and 2-bed categories for readers. |
| Norges Bank Monetary Policy Report 4/2025 | It's Norway's central bank and the most cited official source on interest rates and the economy. | We used it to frame the 2026 rent outlook based on interest rate paths and macro conditions. We cross-checked with other Norges Bank reports to avoid over-relying on a single publication. |
| Norges Bank Web Report MPR 2/2025 | It's the central bank's plain-language explanation of rate paths and inflation assumptions. | We used it to explain why 2026 rent growth likely cools compared to 2025. We triangulated this with SSB's observed rent increases from 2024 to 2025. |
| Husleie.no Husleieindeksen Q1 2025 | It's a large private dataset with a structured index report covering rental market trends. | We used it as a private-sector cross-check on market direction and pressure. We also drew on its survey evidence about how viewings are conducted today. |
| E24 (reporting Eiendom Norge data) | Eiendom Norge is a central industry body, and E24 is a major Norwegian financial newspaper. | We used it to cross-check rent growth momentum outside SSB's annual survey timing. We treated it as a trend signal while keeping SSB as our level benchmark. |
| Finansavisen (FINN market shortage report) | Finansavisen is a major business outlet, and the data is attributed to FINN's rental listings. | We used it to support the tight supply narrative with fewer listings and more competition. We did not use it to set price levels since SSB does that. |
| SSB Housing Conditions Survey (EU-SILC) | It's an official, consistent survey series used across Europe for housing comparisons. | We used it to describe who rents in Norway, including household types and housing cost burden themes. We combined it with market sources for a full picture. |
| SSB Housing Conditions (Register-Based) | It's official register-based data covering the entire resident population, not just a sample. | We used it to support statements about tenure patterns and structural rental demand. We treated it as who lives how while SSB's rent survey covers what it costs. |
| Boligprodusentenes Forening (May 2025) | It's the leading industry source tracking housing starts and sales in Norway. | We used it to support the 2026 outlook since weak construction today usually means tight rental supply tomorrow. We triangulated with SSB stock data and Norges Bank assumptions. |
| Enova | Enova is the state enterprise for energy transition and household support schemes in Norway. | We used it to tailor renovation ROI advice to Norway's reality where energy costs matter a lot. We kept the advice practical by focusing on upgrades that reduce energy use. |
| Skatteetaten (Tax Rules for Letting) | It's Norway's tax authority and the official interpretation landlords must follow. | We used it to explain when rental income is taxable and what framework applies. We cross-checked with deduction and short-term rules to avoid oversimplifying. |
| Skatteetaten (Deductions for Letting) | It's the primary official list of what costs can be deducted against taxable rent. | We used it to build a realistic monthly costs section covering insurance, maintenance, and fees. We translated the rules into a simple checklist for non-professional landlords. |
| Oslo Kommune (Property Tax) | It's the municipality's official page for property tax in Norway's largest rental market. | We used it as a concrete example of how property tax works in practice. We then generalized carefully since other municipalities differ and explained what to look up locally. |
| Skatteetaten (Short-Term Letting Tax) | It's the official source on tax rates for different types of rental arrangements. | We used it to clarify the 22% capital income rate that applies to most straightforward letting. We noted where business taxation might apply at higher rates. |
| Skatteetaten (Letting Part of Home) | It's the official guide for tax-free thresholds when renting out part of your own residence. | We used it to explain the difference between letting an entire home versus part of your home. We highlighted the threshold rules landlords often misunderstand. |
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