Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Norway Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Oslo's property market is included in our pack
If you're thinking about renting out a property in Oslo, you're probably wondering what tenants actually pay in 2026.
This article breaks down current Oslo rental prices, neighborhood trends, tenant preferences, and landlord costs using fresh data from Norway's official statistics and leading rental platforms.
We update this blog post regularly to keep the numbers accurate and useful.
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 Oslo.
Insights
- Oslo rents are growing 6 to 8% year-over-year in 2026, making it one of Norway's fastest-rising rental markets right now.
- A typical 2-bedroom apartment in Oslo costs around NOK 24,000 per month, which is roughly double what you'd pay in smaller Norwegian cities.
- The Oslo vacancy rate sits between 1.5% and 2.5% in January 2026, meaning landlords rarely struggle to find tenants.
- Frogner and Aker Brygge command Oslo's highest rents, with 1-bedroom apartments often exceeding NOK 23,000 per month.
- Unfurnished rentals dominate Oslo's market, and many tenants expect to bring their own furniture for long-term leases.
- Well-priced studios and 1-bedrooms in central Oslo typically rent within 7 to 14 days of being listed.
- August is Oslo's peak rental month due to the student intake, so landlords can often negotiate higher rents during this period.
- Oslo's rent per square meter ranges from NOK 300 to NOK 440 depending on unit size, with smaller apartments costing more per square meter.
- Rental income in Oslo is taxed at 22% for capital income, but renting part of your own home can be tax-free under certain conditions.
- Kitchen and bathroom upgrades deliver the best return on investment for Oslo landlords, as tenants compare dozens of similar units.
What are typical rents in Oslo as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Oslo is around NOK 15,000, which works out to approximately USD 1,350 or EUR 1,280.
That said, most Oslo studio listings fall between NOK 13,500 and NOK 17,500 per month (USD 1,200 to 1,580 or EUR 1,150 to 1,500), depending on what's included.
The main factors that push studio rents up or down in Oslo include location, whether utilities like heating and electricity are included, and whether the unit comes furnished or unfurnished.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Oslo is around NOK 20,000, which equals roughly USD 1,800 or EUR 1,700.
Most 1-bedroom rentals in Oslo fall within a range of NOK 18,000 to NOK 23,000 per month (USD 1,620 to 2,070 or EUR 1,540 to 1,970), so that's a realistic budget to work with.
For cheaper 1-bedroom options in Oslo, neighborhoods like Grorud and Stovner offer lower rents, while Frogner, Majorstuen, and Tjuvholmen sit at the expensive end of the scale.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Oslo is around NOK 24,000, which translates to approximately USD 2,160 or EUR 2,050.
The realistic range for most 2-bedroom rentals in Oslo spans from NOK 21,500 to NOK 28,000 per month (USD 1,940 to 2,520 or EUR 1,840 to 2,400), depending on the building and area.
Neighborhoods like Østensjø and Bjerke tend to have more affordable 2-bedroom options in Oslo, while premium areas like Frogner, Bjørvika, and St. Hanshaugen push rents toward the top of the range.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Oslo.
What's the average rent per square meter in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Oslo falls between NOK 330 and NOK 430 per month, which equals roughly USD 30 to 39 or EUR 28 to 37 per square meter.
Across different Oslo neighborhoods, you can expect rent per square meter to range from around NOK 300 in outer areas up to NOK 440 or more in central districts like Frogner and Sentrum.
Compared to other major Norwegian cities like Bergen or Trondheim, Oslo's rent per square meter is noticeably higher, often by 30 to 50% depending on the area.
In Oslo, the properties that push rent per square meter above average are typically smaller units in central locations, newer buildings with modern finishes, and apartments with balconies or included utilities.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Oslo in 2026?
As of early 2026, Oslo rents have increased by approximately 6 to 8% compared to one year ago, making it one of Norway's strongest rent growth periods in recent years.
The main factors driving this rent increase in Oslo are tight supply in central areas, strong tenant competition, and fewer small units being offered for rent as some owners choose to sell instead.
This year's rent growth in Oslo continues the momentum from 2025, which also saw significant increases, so the trend is not slowing down yet.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Oslo in 2026?
As of early 2026, the projected rent growth for Oslo over the coming year is expected to remain in the 6 to 8% range, driven by ongoing supply constraints.
The key factors likely to influence Oslo rent growth include limited new construction, population growth in the city, and interest rate decisions by Norges Bank that affect both landlords and tenants.
Within Oslo, neighborhoods like Grünerløkka, Bjørvika, and Majorstuen are expected to see the strongest rent growth due to high tenant demand and limited available units.
Risks that could change these projections for Oslo include a sudden increase in housing supply, an economic downturn that reduces tenant purchasing power, or policy changes affecting the rental market.
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 Oslo as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the three Oslo neighborhoods with the highest average rents are Frogner (including Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen), Sentrum, and Bjørvika, where 1-bedroom apartments often exceed NOK 23,000 (USD 2,070 or EUR 1,970) per month.
These Oslo neighborhoods command premium rents because they offer waterfront locations, walkability to jobs and restaurants, modern apartment buildings, and excellent public transport connections.
The typical tenants renting in these high-rent Oslo areas are expats, senior professionals, and affluent young couples who prioritize convenience and lifestyle over space.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Oslo.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Oslo right now?
The three Oslo neighborhoods most popular with young professionals are Grünerløkka, Sagene, and Majorstuen, all known for their vibrant atmosphere and short commutes to the city center.
Young professionals in these Oslo neighborhoods typically pay between NOK 18,000 and NOK 22,000 per month (USD 1,620 to 1,980 or EUR 1,540 to 1,880) for a 1-bedroom apartment.
What attracts young professionals to these Oslo areas is the mix of cafés, nightlife, coworking spaces, good metro connections, and a social scene with people in a similar life stage.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Oslo.
Where do families prefer to rent in Oslo right now?
The three Oslo neighborhoods most popular with families are Nordstrand, Ullern, and Østensjø, all offering more space, green areas, and a quieter environment than the city center.
Families renting 2 to 3 bedroom apartments in these Oslo neighborhoods typically pay between NOK 22,000 and NOK 30,000 per month (USD 1,980 to 2,700 or EUR 1,880 to 2,560).
What makes these Oslo areas attractive to families is the combination of larger apartments, access to parks and nature, good local schools, and a family-oriented community atmosphere.
Top-rated schools near these family-friendly Oslo neighborhoods include Nordstrand skole, Ullern videregående skole, and various international school options in the western districts.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Oslo in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three Oslo areas near transit hubs or universities that rent fastest are Blindern (near the University of Oslo), Nydalen (near BI Norwegian Business School), and Majorstuen (a major metro interchange).
Properties in these high-demand Oslo areas typically stay listed for just 7 to 14 days before being rented, compared to 30 days or more for less central locations.
The rent premium for being within walking distance of transit or universities in Oslo is roughly NOK 1,500 to NOK 3,000 per month (USD 135 to 270 or EUR 130 to 260), depending on the exact location.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Oslo right now?
The three Oslo neighborhoods most popular with expats are Frogner, Majorstuen, and St. Hanshaugen, all offering an international atmosphere and easy access to English-speaking services.
Expats renting in these Oslo neighborhoods typically pay between NOK 19,000 and NOK 26,000 per month (USD 1,710 to 2,340 or EUR 1,620 to 2,220) for a 1 to 2 bedroom apartment.
What attracts expats to these Oslo areas is the walkability, proximity to international schools and embassies, availability of furnished rentals, and a welcoming community of other internationals.
The expat communities most represented in these Oslo neighborhoods include professionals from the UK, Germany, the US, Sweden, and various Asian countries working in tech, energy, and consulting.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Oslo.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Oslo right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Oslo?
The three tenant profiles that dominate Oslo's rental market are students, young professionals, and expats or international arrivals, each with distinct housing needs.
In terms of market share, students make up roughly 30 to 35% of Oslo renters, young professionals account for about 35 to 40%, and expats plus families together represent the remaining 25 to 35%.
Students in Oslo typically seek studios or shared apartments, young professionals prefer 1 to 2 bedroom units in central neighborhoods, and families look for 3-bedroom apartments in quieter districts with good schools.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Oslo.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Oslo?
In Oslo, roughly 70 to 75% of long-term tenants prefer unfurnished rentals, while furnished units are more popular with short-term renters and expats who represent about 25 to 30% of the market.
The typical rent premium for a furnished apartment in Oslo is around NOK 2,000 to NOK 4,000 per month (USD 180 to 360 or EUR 170 to 340) compared to an equivalent unfurnished unit.
The tenant profiles most likely to prefer furnished rentals in Oslo are expats on temporary work assignments, students staying for one or two semesters, and corporate renters whose employers cover housing costs.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Oslo?
The five amenities that increase rent the most in Oslo are prime location with good transit access, in-unit laundry and dishwasher, a balcony with good daylight, an elevator in the building, and included heating or hot water.
In terms of rent premiums, a great location can add NOK 2,000 to 5,000 per month (USD 180 to 450 or EUR 170 to 430), while in-unit laundry adds around NOK 1,000 to 2,000, a balcony adds NOK 500 to 1,500, an elevator adds NOK 500 to 1,000, and included utilities can add NOK 1,000 to 2,500.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Oslo, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Oslo?
The five renovations that get the best return on investment for Oslo rental properties are kitchen upgrades, bathroom improvements, energy efficiency fixes like draft sealing, layout changes that create a proper bedroom, and better storage solutions.
A kitchen refresh in Oslo typically costs NOK 50,000 to NOK 150,000 (USD 4,500 to 13,500 or EUR 4,300 to 12,800) and can increase rent by NOK 1,000 to 2,500 per month, while bathroom upgrades cost NOK 40,000 to NOK 120,000 and add NOK 800 to 2,000 monthly.
Renovations that tend to have poor ROI in Oslo include overly luxurious finishes that exceed neighborhood standards, adding a second bathroom in small apartments, or installing smart home systems that tenants don't value.
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 Oslo as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated vacancy rate for rental properties in Oslo is between 1.5% and 2.5%, which indicates a tight market where landlords rarely struggle to find tenants.
Across different Oslo neighborhoods, vacancy rates range from under 1% in high-demand central areas like Grünerløkka and Frogner to around 3 to 4% in outer districts with more available units.
Compared to Oslo's historical average vacancy rate of roughly 3 to 4%, the current rate is notably lower, reflecting strong tenant competition and limited supply.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Oslo.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average number of days a rental property stays listed in Oslo is around 10 to 20 days, though this varies significantly by property type and location.
Well-priced studios and 1-bedrooms in central Oslo neighborhoods like Grünerløkka or Majorstuen typically rent within 7 to 14 days, while family-sized apartments in outer areas may take 20 to 30 days or longer.
Compared to one year ago, days-on-market in Oslo has decreased slightly due to increased tenant competition and fewer available units hitting the market.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Oslo?
The peak months for tenant demand in Oslo are July through September, especially August, when students arrive for the academic year and many professionals relocate after summer holidays.
The main factors driving this seasonal pattern in Oslo are the university intake cycle, job changes that often take effect in autumn, and the Norwegian tradition of moving during summer months.
The months with the lowest tenant demand in Oslo are typically November through February, when fewer people relocate and the market slows down during the dark winter months.
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What will my monthly costs be in Oslo as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Oslo should expect annual property taxes ranging from a few thousand NOK to around NOK 10,000 to 30,000 (USD 900 to 2,700 or EUR 850 to 2,560) depending on the property's assessed value.
The realistic range of annual property taxes in Oslo varies from nearly zero for lower-value homes that fall below allowance thresholds to NOK 50,000 or more (USD 4,500 or EUR 4,300) for high-value properties in premium areas.
Property taxes in Oslo are calculated based on the municipality's tax rate applied to a property's assessed taxable value, minus any applicable allowances or deductions set by the city.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Oslo, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Oslo right now?
The utilities that Oslo landlords most commonly pay on behalf of tenants are building common costs and sometimes heating when it's centrally supplied and not individually metered.
When landlords cover these utilities in Oslo, the typical monthly cost is around NOK 1,000 to NOK 3,000 (USD 90 to 270 or EUR 85 to 260) for common costs, and NOK 500 to NOK 1,500 for heating if included.
The common practice in Oslo is for tenants to pay their own electricity and internet directly, while landlords may include certain costs in the rent if they're not separately metered in the building.
How is rental income taxed in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, taxable rental income in Oslo is generally taxed at 22% as ordinary capital income, though renting out part of your own home can be completely tax-free under certain conditions.
The main deductions Oslo landlords can claim against taxable rental income include maintenance costs, insurance, property taxes, mortgage interest, and depreciation of furnishings or equipment.
A common tax mistake specific to Oslo landlords is not properly documenting the split between tax-free and taxable rental scenarios, especially when renting out part of a home you also live in.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Oslo.
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 Oslo, 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 this is the flagship dataset for rents. | We used it as the official baseline for rent levels by number of rooms and rent per square meter. We then adjusted from Oslo and Bærum to Oslo-only using market listing data to produce January 2026 estimates. |
| SSB Statbank Table 09895 | It's the underlying official database table behind SSB's published rent figures. | We pulled the latest published room-by-room rent levels and rent-per-sqm for Oslo and Bærum from this table. We used those to anchor our rent-per-sqm and to sanity-check our Oslo market-rent estimates. |
| SSB Geographic Rent Differences Article | It's SSB's own interpretation of the newest rent survey, written to explain what's happening. | We used it to support the narrative that Oslo has Norway's highest rents with big variation by area. We used it to justify neighborhood tiering between prime central and outer areas. |
| Eiendom Norge and FINN Rental Statistics | It's the industry body's regular rental statistics, widely cited and based on FINN listings. | We used it as a market-based cross-check against SSB's survey rents. We used it for recent momentum including year-over-year growth and average apartment rent levels in Oslo. |
| FINN Bolig til Leie Oslo | FINN is Norway's dominant property marketplace, so it's the best signal for what's available right now. | We used it to approximate active rental supply in Oslo as of the first half of 2026. We used it to support tight-market indicators like low availability relative to demand. |
| Hybel.no Oslo Rent Statistics | It's a major Norwegian rental platform and publishes transparent averages from listed rentals. | We used it to translate rooms into renter-friendly buckets like studio, 1-bed, and 2-bed equivalents. We used it as the second anchor for market asking rents to triangulate with SSB and FINN data. |
| Utleiemegleren 2026 Forecast | It's one of Norway's largest professional rental agencies, and it publishes clear market forecasts. | We used it to set a realistic 2026 rent-growth range for Oslo. We used that range to roll forward late-2025 levels into January 2026 estimates. |
| Norges Bank Monetary Policy Report 4/2025 | It's Norway's central bank and the most credible macro view on rates, inflation, and housing conditions. | We used it to frame the 2026 environment including rates and inflation that affect rents and supply. We used it to justify why rent pressure can stay high when housing supply is constrained. |
| SSB Rent Adjustment Calculator | It's an official tool based on the CPI and aligned with Norwegian rent-regulation practice. | We used it to explain how many Norwegian landlords adjust rents in practice through indexation. We used it to support our discussion of typical annual rent increase mechanisms. |
| Oslo Municipality Accommodation Guide | It's the city's official guidance for residents moving into Oslo's housing market. | We used it to state the local norm that many rentals are unfurnished in Oslo. We used it to guide what tenants typically expect and how listings are described. |
| Skatteetaten Rental Income Taxation | It's the official tax authority and the primary source for what is taxable and how. | We used it to explain when rental income is taxable versus tax-free depending on the home and use case. We used it to outline what landlords can typically deduct when income is taxable. |
| Skatteetaten Capital Income Tax Rate 2026 | It's the official statement of tax rates for the 2026 income year. | We used it to pin down the 22% rate for other capital income used for taxable net rental income in many cases. We used it to keep the tax section numeric and concrete. |
| Lovdata Husleieloven (Tenancy Law) | It's the official publication of Norwegian law. | We used it to state the legal upper limit for deposits at up to six months' rent. We used it to keep the monthly costs section legally accurate. |
| SSB Property Tax Statistics | It's the official statistical reference for how municipal property tax works in Norway. | We used it to explain that property tax is a municipal choice and varies by municipality. We used it to frame Oslo's property-tax discussion without relying on hearsay. |
| Smartepenger Oslo Property Tax 2026 | It's a long-running Norwegian personal-finance reference that typically cites municipal rules in a checkable way. | We used it for the specific Oslo 2026 rate and allowance numbers in a single place. We still cross-checked the concept and structure against SSB and Skatteetaten references. |
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