Is Stavanger expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Yes, Stavanger is expensive, like the rest of Norway: eating out, alcohol and tours cost much more than in most of Europe. Expect about NOK 1,330 a day per person on a tight budget, about NOK 2,650 mid-range and NOK 4,800 or more for comfort. Hotels, restaurant meals and fjord trips take most of the money; the hikes and the old town are free.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | NOK550 | NOK950 | NOK1,800 |
| Food & drink | NOK450 | NOK850 | NOK1,400 |
| Sights & tickets | NOK200 | NOK550 | NOK1,000 |
| Local transport | NOK130 | NOK300 | NOK600 |
| Per person, per day | NOK1,330 | NOK2,650 | NOK4,800 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Stavanger day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Coffee | around NOK 45–55 |
| Casual lunch | NOK 180–250 |
| Fish soup at the Fisketorget | about NOK 200–250 |
| Dinner main course | NOK 300–400 |
| Beer in a bar | NOK 110–130 |
| Glass of wine | about NOK 140–170 |
| Kolumbus bus single / 24-hour ticket | about NOK 45–50 / roughly NOK 130 |
| Norwegian Petroleum Museum | roughly NOK 180–200 |
| Lysefjord cruise, about 3 hours | roughly NOK 700–900 |
| Summer bus to Preikestolen, return | roughly NOK 400–500 |
| Mid-range double room by Vågen | NOK 1,500–2,300 a night |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the largest cost: hostels and simple hotels near the railway station are about NOK 900–1,300 for a double, harbour hotels NOK 1,500–2,300 and design hotels with views NOK 2,500–4,500. Food and drink come next, because restaurant mains cost NOK 300–400 and alcohol is heavily taxed, with a beer at NOK 110–130. The fjord adds a lot: a Lysefjord cruise is roughly NOK 700–900 and the Preikestolen bus NOK 400–500 return, or parking at about NOK 300 a day if you drive, plus the tunnel toll. The good news is that the hikes, Old Stavanger and the views are free.
When it is cheaper
Hotel prices in Stavanger often depend more on business travel than tourism, so weekends and the summer holiday period can be cheaper than midweek in spring and autumn; check rates for your dates. Fjord services and Preikestolen buses run less often outside June–August.
How to spend less
- Buy lunch at supermarkets or fish counters — fish cakes and shrimp sandwiches — and save restaurants for one big meal.
- Carry a refillable bottle; tap water is excellent and bottled water is expensive.
- Buy beer in supermarkets before 20:00 on weekdays (18:00 on Saturdays), as bars charge NOK 110–130 a glass.
- Hike Preikestolen yourself by summer bus rather than booking a guided package.
- Use the Kolumbus 24-hour ticket (roughly NOK 130) on days with several bus trips.
- Climb the Valbergtårnet for a free view over the harbour instead of paying for viewpoints.
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Common questions
Is Stavanger expensive?
Yes. Expect about NOK 1,330 a day on a budget, about NOK 2,650 mid-range and NOK 4,800 or more for comfort.
How much is a beer in Stavanger?
About NOK 110–130 in a bar. Supermarkets sell beer only until 20:00 on weekdays and 18:00 on Saturdays.
How much is a Lysefjord cruise?
Roughly NOK 700–900 for a cruise of about 3 hours from the harbour.