What's considered a good salary in Trondheim?
Trondheim is a charming city in central Norway, located along the scenic Trondheimsfjord.
On a nice day, during a walk in the Nidaros Cathedral area, you would be forgiven for thinking it is the most beautiful place in the country.
With a population of over 210,000, it is Norway's third-largest city and is renowned for its rich culture and historical importance. Founded over 1,000 years ago, it was once the country's Viking capital.
Today, it remains a hub of Norwegian heritage, filled with historical landmarks, such as the colourful wooden buildings along its waterfront.
A vibrant job market
Trondheim is home to the prestigious Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), which attracts students and researchers from around the world, adding to its reputation as a centre for education and technological innovation.
The city enjoys a solid job market, ranging from academia and research to tech startups and public services. It also has a reputation for attracting Norway's elite who buy up the area's most high-end properties.
Trondheim's allure, combined with Norway's high living standards, raises the question: what constitutes a "good salary" in this city?
Trondheim's salary landscape
According to Statistics Norway (SSB) figures, the average annual pre-tax salary across the country was approximately 668,400 kroner in 2023.
In comparison, the average monthly wage in Trondheim stood at 57,220 kroner, or around 1,500 kroner more per month than the national average.
Despite this slightly higher local wage, Trondheim doesn't crack the top ten when it comes to the local authorities in Norway with the highest monthly wage. It does, however, belong to a group of 13 municipalities where workers pay checks are larger than the national average.
Statistics Norway keeps figures on the average wages for different industries in Trøndelag County, where Trondheim is located. You can click here to view it.
Trondheim's average salaries are somewhat lower compared to other major cities like Oslo and Bergen. This variation largely depends on the type of labour market in each municipality.
For example, Oslo and Bærum (the two areas in Norway with the highest average wages) were home to corporate head offices and jobs in financial services, while jobs in Stavanger and Sola (where the average wage was also higher than in Trondheim) were linked to the lucrative oil industry.
Living costs in Trondheim
Understanding what makes a "good salary" also involves examining the cost of living.
In Trondheim, the average rental cost is around 15,963 kroner per month, based on data from the rental agency Utleiemegleren.
This is slightly less than Bergen's average of 16,197 kroner and significantly less than Oslo's 19,586 kroner monthly average.
For those seeking a smaller living space, a two-room apartment in Trondheim costs approximately 12,080 kroner per month, as per figures from Hybel, a rental agency (however, renting a room in a flatshare could halve your monthly housing expenses).
If you're considering purchasing property, be prepared for significant investments.
A freehold apartment in Trondheim costs around 64,829 kroner per square meter. Consequently, a 70-square-meter apartment would cost about 4.53 million kroner, while a more spacious 100-square-meter apartment could set you back 6.48 million kroner.
Norway's mortgage rules stipulate that your total debt cannot exceed five times your annual income, and a minimum 15 percent deposit is usually required (though some banks - such as DNB, the country's largest - might ask for 20 percent)
The Local has an in-depth guide on what foreign residents in Norway need to know to get a mortgage, which you can find here.
Meeting these criteria, monthly mortgage payments in Trondheim would be around 22,906 kroner for a 70-square-meter flat and 33,700 kroner for a 100-square-meter flat.
Other living costs include childcare, which is relatively affordable in Trondheim, with kindergarten fees averaging 2,927 kroner per month.
Additionally, if you live centrally, the city's efficient public transport system could save you from the significant expenses associated with car ownership.
So, what's considered a good wage?
Determining a "good" wage in Trondheim depends on multiple factors, including your lifestyle, family situation, and housing needs and preferences - among others.
Generally, an above-average salary is necessary to cover living expenses comfortably and still have funds for savings or investments.
The average wage in Trondheim should be sufficient for single people or those without dependent family members or partners, especially if you are open to renting a room in a shared flat.
However, if you have a family and are the primary breadwinner, a salary exceeding one million kroner annually would likely be needed to cover a comfortable lifestyle, as the higher income would allow for greater flexibility in housing, childcare, and other essential expenses.
So, while Trondheim may not top the charts for the highest wages in Norway, its slightly lower cost of living compared to Oslo and Bergen, coupled with its high quality of life, makes it an attractive place to call home – especially if you're working in academia or tech.
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