Rent a car in Oslo » Blog » What are the costs of owning a car in Norway?

What are the costs of owning a car in Norway?

what are the costs of owning a car in Norway

Norway is famous for its stunning landscapes and high standard of living, but also for expenses that can surprise drivers. Fuel, insurance, taxes, and road tolls make the cost of owning a car in Norway among the highest in Europe. That is why many people wonder whether it is better to buy a car, use public transport, or perhaps rent one periodically. Find out how much you really need to spend to drive your own car in Norway.

What determines the cost of owning a car in Norway?

The cost of owning a car in Norway depends on many factors that are worth knowing before buying a vehicle. The first is the purchase price – in addition to the value of a specific model, you must take into account the MVA tax (Norwegian VAT) and the high registration fee known as engangsavgift. Car insurance also plays a major role, with premiums calculated individually depending on the driver’s history and declared mileage.

On top of that come fuel expenses, which are among the highest in Europe, as well as mandatory periodic vehicle inspections (periodisk kjøretøykontroll). Drivers also need to consider road tolls, which in major cities can significantly increase monthly expenses. Strict traffic regulations in Norway mean that neglecting any of these obligations may result in heavy fines.

What is the average cost of owning a car in Norway?

The LeasePlan CarCost Index shows that the cost of owning a car in Norway is among the highest in Europe. On average, drivers spend around €708 per month to use a petrol car, while in Poland the amount is about €426. Several key factors influence the final cost:

  • Car purchase price – new cars in Norway are among the most expensive in Europe. Import taxes and VAT play a big role. Used cars may be more affordable, but they are still pricier than in Poland.
  • Fuel – although Norway is an oil producer, fuel prices are among the highest in Europe. In 2024, a liter of petrol costs around 20–22 NOK (8–9 PLN).
  • Inspections and repairs – regular technical checks and servicing are expensive due to high labor costs. Maintaining an older car can quickly become a financial burden.
  • Road tolls – the AutoPASS system charges for using many roads, tunnels, and bridges. High rates can significantly raise monthly expenses, especially for daily commuters.
  • Parking fees – in larger cities, parking is particularly costly. For example, monthly parking in central Oslo with a subscription can cost several thousand NOK. This is one of the expenses most keenly felt by residents of the capital.
  • Insurance – liability premiums are calculated individually and depend on driving history, the driver’s age, and expected annual mileage.

For many people planning a longer stay, car rental is a viable alternative. Short-term rental allows them to avoid large upfront costs related to buying a car and paying taxes. This solution is especially popular among those staying in Norway for a few months or tourists.

how to reduce the cost of owning a car in Norway

How to reduce the cost of owning a car in Norway?

Owning a car in Norway comes with high expenses, but drivers have several ways to reduce them. It’s worth considering the choice of vehicle, how you refuel and use toll roads, as well as insurance options. More and more people are also turning to car rental, which helps avoid part of the costs that come with ownership.

Choosing the right car

Electric cars are an everyday reality in Norway. Drivers benefit from lower operating costs, cheaper charging, and in many cases, discounts on road tolls and parking fees. This makes EVs a solution that can significantly reduce monthly expenses.

Fuel and road tolls

Fuel prices in Norway are among the highest in Europe, so it pays to plan your routes carefully and avoid roads with high tolls. It’s also worth checking local discounts – for example, in Oslo, electric car drivers can charge their vehicles at lower rates during evening hours, which further reduces travel costs.

Insurance

Liability insurance policies in Norway are expensive, but rates vary depending on the insurer and the driver’s profile. This is why it’s worth comparing offers from several companies to find the most cost-effective solution. In the long run, this can lead to significant savings.

Car rental

An alternative to buying a car is renting, which eliminates many expenses associated with ownership. Drivers don’t have to pay for insurance, servicing, or inspections, and fuel and parking costs depend solely on how the car is used. Long-term rental is especially popular in Oslo, where residents can enjoy the benefits of having a car without the burden of high taxes and registration fees.

Can renting be a cheaper alternative to owning a car in Norway?

The high costs of purchasing, insuring, and maintaining a car mean that more and more people are choosing flexible solutions such as short- or long-term rentals. Renting allows you to use a car without the risk of unexpected expenses and without long-term commitments.

It’s a convenient option that lets you enjoy the freedom of traveling around Norway while still keeping your budget under control.

See also:

Testimonials

Clients about us

See more
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer hourly rental for the cars?

Unfortunately, our minimum rental period is one day

How do you define the weekend?

We consider the weekend from Friday at 4:00 PM to Monday at 8:00 AM

Can I return the car outside of business hours?

Yes. Please arrange with us when picking up the car.

Do you have weekend hours?

We are open on Saturdays. It's possible to pick up a car on Sundays (by appointment). On Saturdays, our opening hours are from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

How big a car can I drive with a class B license?

The weight limit for a class B driver's license is 3,500 kg. In terms of volume, the largest vehicle in our class B category is the 14m3 Crafter. This is a large van that can carry around 1150 kg of payload. In general, the total weight of the vehicle (driver, passengers, cargo, fuel, etc.) must not exceed 3500 kg. If you overload the vehicle and are stopped by the police or the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, you can receive a fine of up to 5,000 NOK. You can read more on the Norwegian Public Roads Administration's website as well: What are you allowed to drive? Drive safely!

Do the rental cars have an electronic toll tag (bombrikke)?

Our cars have an electronic toll tag for toll booths in Oslo and Bærum. Toll charges will be billed afterwards.

Can I pay with cash?

No extra fees for tolls! Only at Oslo Bilutleie!Unfortunately, we only accept card payments. You must have a physical card when picking up the car

Can I pick up the car at Oslo Airport Gardermoen?

For an additional fee, the rental car can be delivered to and picked up from Gardermoen Airport. The current fee is 1400 to 2000 NOK for airport service.

The deductible in case of damage

You can reduce the deductible for an additional fee. Without deductible reduction, our deductibles are 20,000 NOK for body damage and/or damage to other cars/property.

Is that price inclusive of 2 drivers?

No, it costs an additional 100 NOK per day, with a maximum price of 1500 NOK.

No 'young driver' fee?

You must be 24 years old to rent a car from us. It's possible to rent from age 18 for an additional fee of 100 NOK per day, with a maximum of 1500 NOK

The most frequently rented cars in Oslo?

As a car rental company, we will always assist you in choosing the right car tailored to your needs and expectations. If you are in Oslo for a business trip or need a comfortable car for city driving, opt for an economical and compact car. These cars are available in various models, allowing you to easily customize the vehicle size to your requirements. You can also choose your favorite brand without any hassle.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Oslo?

Our car rental always offers attractive, competitive prices and promotions, so driving around the city won't break the bank. Our prices start at around 230 NOK per day for a safe and comfortable rental car in Oslo.

How much does it cost to rent a minibus in Oslo?

Our minibuses are designed for larger groups, and you can expect to pay around 400-660 NOK per day, so it doesn't cost much per passenger

How much does it cost to rent a van in Oslo?

The price depends on the size of the vehicle, the number of days, and the number of kilometers.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Oslo?

Our offer includes several comfortable city cars of various brands that you can easily customize to your needs. Prices start from just 230 NOK per day, so you can travel affordably.

How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Oslo?

The price for a week's car rental depends on the vehicle model. For a small city car, you can expect to pay from 2500 NOK per week. Larger cars and minibuses will be proportionally more expensive.

How much does it cost to rent a car for a month in Oslo?

A month's rental of a selected vehicle consists of a monthly subscription with limited mileage and an additional fee for any excess. The cheapest option comes to 7000 NOK + 3 NOK for each additional kilometer over 15,000 km, which is included.

What car should you rent in Oslo?

Our car rental offering includes over 100 cars, allowing you to easily choose a car tailored to your needs. Our cars are known for their comfort and safety, making them the best choice for both individuals and companies. Private individuals often opt for various brands of passenger cars from us. The cars available with us are perfectly suited for driving both in the city center and on the outskirts of the city. Enthusiasts of luxury cars will also find interesting offers with us. This option is most commonly used by companies looking to make a good impression on their business partners.

What is the speed limit in Oslo?

In Norway, the speed limits are as follows: • 50 km/h in built-up areas, • 80 – 90 km/h on roads outside built-up areas, • 90 – 100 km/h on motorways.

What costs fuel in Oslo?

One liter of gasoline costs approximately 25 NOK, and one liter of diesel costs about 25 NOK. Prices may vary depending on the gas station and the area

Where is the best place to park in Oslo

In both Oslo and many Norwegian cities, parking is often subject to fees, and payment is typically made at parking meters. So, be prepared for additional expenses. It's also essential to remember that, like in other European cities, you'll find several no-parking signs in the city center of Oslo. The horizontal marking signs – white lines painted along the road – indicate places where parking is allowed

What do I need to rent a car?

To rent a car with us, you need to have a driver's license that has been valid for at least one year, an identity document, and a valid credit/debit card. Families traveling with children should also ensure they have secure child seats

How to pick a right car?

Before deciding to rent a vehicle, it's worth carefully considering your needs and expectations. If you find it difficult to determine which car will work best for you, you can always seek advice from one of our staff members. Together, we will find the best solution.

Do I have to pay a deposit when i rent a car in Oslo?

Yes, you can expect a deposit ranging from 3,000 to 20,000 NOK when renting a car with us

Do rental cars in Oslo come with a limited mileage?

Yes, most of our cars come with a mileage limit of 100 km (for rentals up to 18 days). For each additional kilometer, you will be charged 3-5 NOK.

Can i rent a Diesel car in Oslo?

Yes, we offer cars with economical diesel engines. However, for environmental reasons, it is preferred to use electric cars for driving in the city center of Oslo.

Can i rent a car with automatic transmition in Oslo?

"Our car fleet consists of over 160 vehicles, and among them, you can find many practical and comfortable cars with automatic transmission. The choice is always up to you, but we are happy to assist you in selecting the best solution that will provide you with maximum driving pleasure