Is Tromso expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Yes, Tromsø is expensive, like the rest of Norway, and pricier still in the winter aurora season. A realistic budget day is about NOK 1,460 per person, mid-range about NOK 3,450, and the money goes mostly on guided excursions (aurora chases, huskies, whales), rooms, restaurant meals and alcohol.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | NOK550 | NOK1,000 | NOK2,200 |
| Food & drink | NOK450 | NOK800 | NOK1,500 |
| Sights & tickets | NOK400 | NOK1,500 | NOK2,500 |
| Local transport | NOK60 | NOK150 | NOK400 |
| Per person, per day | NOK1,460 | NOK3,450 | NOK6,600 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Tromso day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Waffle with brown cheese | about NOK 40–70 |
| Fish soup lunch | about NOK 200–300 |
| Main course in a restaurant | about NOK 300–450 |
| Large beer in a bar | about NOK 110–150 |
| Fjellheisen cable car, return | about NOK 450–550 (check current price) |
| Northern lights chase by minibus | about NOK 1,500–2,500 per person |
| Half-day husky sledding | about NOK 2,000–3,000 |
| Mid-range double in the centre | about NOK 1,600–2,600 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Excursions are the biggest cost: an aurora chase, husky trip, reindeer camp visit or whale-watching boat costs roughly NOK 1,500–3,000 each, and most visitors do several. Accommodation is next, from NOK 900–1,500 in hostels and guesthouses to NOK 3,000–7,000 for harbourfront hotels or glass-roof cabins. Restaurant mains run NOK 300–500 and alcohol is heavily taxed, with wine and spirits sold only in Vinmonopolet shops. Sights such as Polaria (about NOK 300–400) and the cable car also add up. Norway plans a local tourist tax in some areas; ask your hotel if one applies.
When it is cheaper
Summer (roughly June to August) is usually cheaper for hotels and needs fewer paid tours, since you can hike under the midnight sun; in winter, late November to early December and the Christmas weeks are among the most expensive, and prices stay high from January to March.
How to spend less
- Eat your main meal at lunch, when fish soup and lunch menus cost much less than dinner.
- Shop at supermarkets such as Rema 1000, Kiwi or Coop for breakfast, picnics and drinks.
- Choose one aurora chase early in your stay; many companies offer a discount or second night if it is cloudy.
- Look for the aurora yourself from Telegrafbukta beach or Prestvannet lake on strong nights.
- Walk up the Sherpa stairs in summer instead of taking the cable car.
- Buy beer at supermarkets before the evening cut-off rather than drinking in bars.
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Common questions
How much does a day in Tromsø cost?
About NOK 1,460 per person on a budget, NOK 3,450 mid-range and NOK 6,600 in comfort, sharing a double room; excursions are most of the cost.
How much is a northern lights tour in Tromsø?
About NOK 1,500–2,500 per person for a minibus chase, usually from about 18:00 to 1:00.
Why is alcohol so expensive in Tromsø?
Norway taxes alcohol heavily; a large beer in a bar costs about NOK 110–150, and wine and spirits are sold only in Vinmonopolet shops.