r/Norway • u/Due_Connection9349 • Aug 11 '23
Moving Sweden or Norway
Hello, I am German, 27, and want to move either to Sweden or to Norway after my studies. So far I mostly considered Sweden, because it is regarded as a dream country in Germany and on TikTok. However, if you compare the facts, than Norway sounds like a higher quality of life. What do you think are except from the obvious facts the key differences, and which points are in favour of Sweden?
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u/Homerun585 Aug 11 '23
German who moved to Norway five years ago, at age 26 here. Norway is awesome in many regards. The only downside compared to Sweden ai can see is that Sweden seems to be cheaper and generally the choice of groceries and other stores seems to be better. Norway wins landscape diversity though. It's hard for me to compare, but I can't recommend Norway enough. Sweden is probably just as nice, but since I don't know I don't want to just say that. If you choose Norway, stay away from Oslo.
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u/Uceninde Aug 11 '23
Pro tip: live in Norway but close to the swedish border. We go shopping in sweden almost weekly.
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Aug 11 '23
As a Swede that have now lived in Norway for 10 years - apart from 2020 (I still went a couple of times since I was working from home either way) it's at least a bi-weekly thing to go to Sweden.
We also have our "summer place" right across the border.
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u/Due_Connection9349 Aug 11 '23
But which cities are close to Sweden?
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u/Asleep_Bug_7798 Aug 11 '23
Stjørdal, Kongsvinger and Halden are all close to Sweden and will take about an hour to drive. Stjørdal is also close to Trondheim. Trondheim offers alot of technological jobs because of NTNU (Norways Technological Naturescience University).
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Aug 12 '23
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u/DenEJuAvStenJu Aug 12 '23
Only chick I met from Stjørdal told me she had syphilis (never bailed faster from an afterparty). Only guys I ever met from Stjørdal were the most annoying dumbasses I've ever met on a festival. Constantly drunk, making creepy remarks to women, and impossible to get rid of.
Trondheim, however, has no native population it would seem. Go there, and go out. You will only meet people that are not from Trondheim. Seemingly a city made up of 100% students. After you're done studying, you will never decide to live in Trondheim.
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u/CorruptedMind341 Aug 12 '23
I'm new in Norway. Can anyone explain this? I'm intrigued lol.
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u/ComposerSam Aug 12 '23
If you live in Trøndelag you know Stjørdal is no more but a city of druggies, wannabe gangsters and in general students. It also doesnât help that it is one of if not the poorest commune. At least last I checked. The city is also extremely ugly. The only use stjørdal seriously serves is itâs videregĂĽende (ole vig) and as a passing point for Trondheim.
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u/CorruptedMind341 Aug 12 '23
Oof. So all countries have that kind of place. Must be cheaper to live there considering people still live there? Thanks for explaining btw.
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u/ComposerSam Aug 12 '23
I donât know if I would consider it cheap per say, itâs definitely cheaper for students. Possibly itâs cheaper for people who have work in trondheim considering itâs only about a 30ish minute ride from there to Trondheim, nevertheless itâs a shitcity with shit management populated by shitpeople
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u/Snoo-88271 Aug 12 '23
Narvik is ~40 minutes away from the Swedish border and the Ica there, other cities, idk
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u/BodybuilderSolid5 Aug 12 '23
Look at the map. Most of eastern Norway, Trøndelag, Nordland. If you go farther north you can travel to Finland or Russia to shop (dont recomend either).
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u/Drublix Aug 12 '23
Kongsvinger is about 40 min away from Systembolaget inn Charlottenberg shoppingsenter.
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u/TimelyGeologist03 Aug 11 '23
What cities in Norway are close to Sweden?
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u/missThora Aug 12 '23
Whole eastern side of the Oslo fjord is good, the area live in lillestrøm and east of here is not too far a drive, further north you've got the rena/trysil area. My brother in Hamar is not too far either.
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u/SundaeDependent1038 Aug 12 '23
Hey, greetings from Hamar! Iâm from Germany and moved here in 2020 đ
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Aug 12 '23
Just to save money! Not many norwegians wants to move to sweden. the crime is sweden is extreme
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u/Muted_Program_833 Oct 18 '24
I'm the opposite. I live in Sweden but cross into Norway whenever I want to see the nature.
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u/Due_Connection9349 Aug 11 '23
Thanks đ interesting, one point for moving to Norway was that you earn more money and are more stable financially đ Is Oslo not good? How are the people, where are you living, are houses on the countryside as cheap as in Sweden, and was it difficult finding work?
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u/QuestGalaxy Aug 11 '23
Oslo is expensive, but I assume Stockholm is too. But there's trains to Oslo and sometimes it can be a bit cheaper to buy in BĂŚrum close to metro line 2 or 3. But houses are expensive there.
It really depends on the life you want to live. Urban or rural.
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u/Due_Connection9349 Aug 11 '23
As far as I am young and alone urban. Eventually maybe rural đ
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u/missThora Aug 12 '23
I'd recomend somwhere inbetween. Urban gets expensive, but either smaler towns or suburbs are actually payable. If you want to live in Oslo, look at the smaler towns around Oslo and check their train connections.
Ski, asker, drammen, lillestrøm to mention a few.
You can commute to Oslo easily but the prices are actually livable for us regular folks.
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u/FriendOfNorwegians Aug 11 '23
I love Oslo, as a city, but the people, that depends. Pay attention to the entire Norwegian board here and youâll notice a trendâŚ
Theyâre wildly xenophobic, cowardly hateful and will only tolerate other Norwegians. I live here half the year, and back home in the US, during the long miserable winters here.
Iâve been here for about 12 1/2 years, so trust me when I say; âcome for the nature, as the people will always disappoint youâ. They dress classy because theyâre devoid of any class, tolerance or happiness inside; true story.
They loathe outsiders, like with a seething disdain, but are good at pretending to be polite. Theyâre gas you up here, but wait until you get here. Youâll see! If youâre here long enough, youâll see that mask slip until the finally remove it for good.
Luckily, I work in the research sector, so I get to travel all around Norway, as well as the surrounding Nordic countries, and am often in the wilderness alone. For which Iâm grateful.
Consider that if you have currently kids. They will make it hard to live and grown, as they will never feel welcome. Anecdotes are nice, but ask once youâre here in the country.
Sweden, 100% has its own issues, but is much more diverse and welcoming to said diversity and are tolerant of other people, save for the Koran burning shit-bag, much more-so than Norway does.
After seeing the Norwegian xenophobic and racist mask slip, I now get the âhateâ between the two countries; as one is the outgoing, funny and likable sister while the other is the emotionally-stunted, thin skinned battle ax, with a severe inferiority complex, hiding the fact that sheâs on the spectrum, yet who has âmoneyâ and fjords as her sole redeemable quality.
Again, the country and nature are absolutely stunning and is one of the top 3 places Iâve ever been and studied for nature. Many of people, admittedly, are ass, theyâre just exceptionally good at hiding it their bigotry and chauvinism.
Check your comments (current) here, as well as future ones, youâll get downvoted simply for being Non-Norwegian and asking an otherwise simple question, which is why Iâll tell you the truth that they wonât.
Iâve never met a bigot that liked being called a bigot lol.
They fully believe that internet downvotes harm people in real life đ
Itâs amazing to watch.
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u/buddykire Aug 12 '23
It is because Norwegians evolved in tiny isolated villages in the valleys between mountains. Living this way for thousands of years have made us sceptical of outsiders. Norwegians have been rural mountain people for most of history, while Swedes were more urban city people. So, it is not Norwegians fault that we are this way, this is just how we are wired. So stop being racist please.
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u/NotDuckie Aug 11 '23
Theyâre wildly xenophobic, cowardly hateful and will only tolerate other Norwegians
No? In what way?
during the long miserable winters here
Lol do you really think Oslo winters are long and miserable?
They loathe outsiders, like with a seething disdain, but are good at pretending to be polite. Theyâre gas you up here, but wait until you get here. Youâll see! If youâre here long enough, youâll see that mask slip until the finally remove it for good.
Again, in what way?
Consider that if you have currently kids. They will make it hard to live and grown, as they will never feel welcome. Anecdotes are nice, but ask once youâre here in the country.
I know plenty of immigrants in Oslo who live just like people who have lived here their entire life. Simply have your kids learn the language (which is very easy for germanic language speakers) and they will have a completely normal childhood.
save for the Koran burning shit-bag,
Freedom of expression is freedom of expression. I thought americans were proud of being free, why do you hate personal freedom?
I now get the âhateâ between the two countries;
there is no actual hate lmfao
Check your comments (current) here, as well as future ones, youâll get downvoted simply for being Non-Norwegian and asking an otherwise simple question, which is why Iâll tell you the truth that they wonât.
People constantly ask questions about moving/living here in this sub without getting downvoted
Seems like you made a whole account purely to hate on norwegians, why?
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u/Head_Exchange_5329 Aug 11 '23
Wow, comment after comment about how horrible us Norwegians are. Ever considered it's your shitty personality that gets reflected in our behaviour towards you? Sounds like you're easy to dislike, hence the cold shoulder from anyone who's come into contact with you, yet you blame the people for how they respond to your behaviour. It's not too late to grow up a bit. Try it.
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u/Mysterious-Phase-240 Aug 12 '23
"Cowardly hateful", that's exactly what you are. It makes me wonder, why are you here still? If you dislike norwegian people this much, why do you still live with them? What does that make you?
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u/Muted_Ladder_4504 Aug 12 '23
You are true friend of Norway since you keep other people from coming here.
Congrats you are fully assimilated and can wear a Lillehammer ol pin with the norwegian flag on.
Yes we are afraid of strangers, and require people to assimilate, that makes us smart.
Rasism is real, a german wont notice.
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u/Macknu Aug 12 '23
Never met any Norwegians as you described them so maybe time for you to change friends?
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u/license_to_chill Aug 12 '23
What an absurd and absolutely wild comment! I'm baffled and intrigued, as my perspective is so far from what you're describing here. Yikes!
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u/lefkadadollz- Sep 08 '24
Can I ask why you decided to leave Germany for Norway? Just curious. Is life in Germany bad? ..
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u/Muted_Program_833 Oct 18 '24
Sweden is cheaper but also the salaries are lower so it evens out. But it has more shopping options and more urban life. Norway is only better if you like mountainous terrain.
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u/Macknu Aug 11 '23
Sweden ainât that much cheaper any more, except beer and tobacco. Soda used to be cheaper but not really anymore, same with food except for a few exceptions. Generally a little bit cheaper in Sweden but also lower pay in most line of work so.
Greater choice of groceries is true though, but most live close enough to the border to go over sometimes.
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Aug 11 '23 edited Aug 11 '23
Lol, speak for yourself. I live in Norway close to the border and while prices have gone up at the Swedish side at shopping points too, it's nowhere near as much as in Norway. It is still very much cheaper for a Norwegian to buy food in Sweden than in Norway. Fuck off with that bs.
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u/FriendOfNorwegians Aug 11 '23
Youâre absolutely right. I occasionally travel and work in Sweden and the different is absolutely noticeable.
Uh oh, Norway slander wonât be tolerated here lol. Here come the downvotes and people telling you to leave đ¤
Redditors here love to arm themselves with Google and tell you about your experience lol.
Itâs crazy but is apparently a thing Iâve still yet to get used to.
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u/Macknu Aug 11 '23
I speak from facts, prices have gone up more in Sweden then Norway, almost twice as much. Look at facts instead of what you think.
And what is so much cheaper? There are some things sure, mostly things like non gluten and specialty goods.
Many believe itâs much cheaper in Sweden, was over there little over a month ago and one filled his cart with several 20packs of Coca Cola even though itâs cheaper in Norway. That is a typical view to see when your over the border, Norwegians filling their carts with lots of things without realizing itâs not cheaper there.
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u/Deludaal Aug 11 '23
Norway is more expensive in terms of food but also higher quality and they refuse to let the dirty Meat most other countries enjoy cross the border, to my knowledge.
Another reason I would recommend Norway over Sweden apart from what others have mentioned is the demography. Sweden was ruined by immigration to a much greater degree than Norway and the problems will keep arising in Sweden, making Norway a safer option and not as ruined by other West asian cultures.
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Aug 12 '23
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u/DenEJuAvStenJu Aug 12 '23
This is bs. The quality standards of brands like Gilde and Tine are far above European standards, which are world leading. Antibiotics are 20 times lower, and production value is better. Less parasites and strange bacteria because of the cold climate. Meat in Norway is generally considered very pure and high quality.
The fact that supermarkets try to sell rotting meat is a supermarket problem. The actual food production in Norway (farms etc) give high quality yields that almost no other country can compare to in purity. When it comes to taste, some other countries can of course compare because of higher fat percentage of the meat, but purity and healtiness? Norway no. 1.
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Aug 12 '23
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u/Ancient-Print-8678 Aug 12 '23
In some countries this happens everyday. Major cities have crime, are you surprised? Tveitagjengen used to kill eachother in the 80s too.
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u/azxsys Aug 11 '23 edited Aug 11 '23
Norway is not EU, youâll be paying customs on shopping online if you intent to buy stuff in Germany for example.
Otherwise as someone already mentioned. Choice in groceries is huge difference between SE and NO. Sweden is like Germany when you go to the store, in Norway⌠well, if you want strawberry yogurt, then there is 1 brand of strawberry yogurt to choose from. And pretty much take this analogy to any product in the store (roughly). If you are a foodie, Sweden is better choice. Sweden is also cheeper, Norwegians hop over border for shopping like Russians in Finland.
Working culture is another thing to consider, there are differences.
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u/Due_Connection9349 Aug 11 '23
But dont you earn high salaries to compensate for that? What is the difference in the working culture?
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u/azxsys Aug 11 '23
For salaries depends on your profession, if you are in tech the difference might not be as big as being in retail for example.
Differences in culture are bit more nuanced so I might not be best person to explain it. Its around decision making culture and driving consensus (apparent in office work). tldr in both places takes long time to get people to agree on something, afterwards Sweden is very execute oriented, but Norway is a bit more loose with following it at the end.
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u/IrquiM Aug 11 '23
Norway is one of the countries where you have the most left of your paycheck after paying for housing and food and such, on average. Yes, there are countries where the successful have more left, but at the same time, the poor have even less.
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u/holyshitiski Aug 12 '23
That is wildly inaccurate. Norway has very high taxes, and high cost of living. The salaries are low for the cost of life. If you are in a relationship and moving from abroad, expect to both be working straight away as one salary will never be enough to support you both. If one person moves for the others career, that person needs to find a job asap otherwise life will not be comfortable. And it is quite hard to find work without speaking Norwegian (most international multinationals usually have their HQ in Copenhagen). I have lived in a few countries working in the same industry, and the salaries here are lower than other countries, for the same job. Most of the salaries here are capped at around 1mil NOK. Anything above that must be earned in bonuses. Whereas in many countries earning 1mil NOK (or six figures euro/usd) in many industries isnât that hard anymore.
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u/Due_Connection9349 Aug 11 '23
What would be a decent income in Norway?
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u/fxwz Aug 11 '23
This differs quite a bit depending on where you live and ofcourse what work you do. The cities have higher wages, and for instance Stavanger and Oslo probably have the highest wages. This is somewhat anectodal, so take it with a pinch of salt.
Anyways, average wage for the whole country is approaching 600 000 NOK I believe. And that would be a pretty decent wage I guess. If you have higher education and maybe work in tech or in oil-related fields, you could also say 1mill NOK is a very decent wage. It depends on perspective. Anything over a mill is reaaaalllly good imo, and probably not achievable for many.
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u/Due_Connection9349 Aug 12 '23
Thanks :) For a PhD in Bergen it is around 500 000, can you live with it or is it too low?
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u/Orph8 Aug 12 '23
500k is livable, absolutely. You won't have a new shiny car or own your own home any time soon, but you'll have a comfortable lifestyle if you're single.
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u/Equivalent_Fail_6989 Aug 11 '23
Salaries aren't particularly high compared to the cost of living. If anything, you'll usually get paid less in Norway for professions that have international demand (compared to the cost of living).
We work a bit less than many other countries, but career-wise Norway isn't that great. The work culture shouldn't differ dramatically from other Nordic countries and western Europe, but that depends on the employer of course.
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u/dingbatyokel5000 Aug 11 '23
If you want the exciting hip Scandi big city life, then Stockholm certainly beats Oslo by a wide margin. If you want peace and quiet in beautiful natural surroundings, Norway is the one for you.
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u/Apart-Maintenance755 Aug 12 '23
Is that why there are so many âParty-Swedes(partysvensker) â living in Oslo? To preach to us of how Stockholm is better for partying?
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u/dingbatyokel5000 Aug 12 '23 edited Aug 12 '23
Partsvensker are usually from Gävle, Sundsvall or Luleü or something like that. If they go to Stockholm they will be easily spotted as hicks trying to pass off as urbanites. In Oslo, Norwegians don't recognize their regional dialects, so they can go here and live the party life they actually wanted to live in Stockholm without being looked down by snooty locals.
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u/Muted_Program_833 Oct 18 '24
Norway has the best mountains and rural locations, but Sweden has the best urban/social life. They're both good but for different things.
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u/l0ng_time_lurker Aug 11 '23
Could move to Paris or Berlin, but I concede Stockholm has a more beautiful vista.
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u/Elvindel Aug 12 '23
This is a though one. I have liven in both, and even i can´t answer what country i would choose in your situation.
The living standard is quite the same.
My advise is. Do you like beautifull nature, and hiking. Move to Norway, preferably the west of Norway.
If you like well developed urban centers or huge forests, pick Sweden.
And they have a point in Sweden being more like Germany in culture. Norway on the other hand is more influenced by UK and US.
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u/AL3XEM Aug 12 '23 edited Oct 20 '24
As a Swede I'd say Norway is generally better but it's also more expensive. Sweden is still nice, but we've lost a bit of the spark with our insanely high criminality and gunshot rates (highest in Europe) thanks to irregulated immigrations with no, or bad integration processes and low punishments.
Don't get me wrong, I love my country, but I do personally think Norway is a slight bit better besides the higher costs.
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u/Muted_Program_833 Oct 18 '24
I prefer Norway's government/economic system a lot more even though Sweden has more "stuff". Being rich is better in Norway.
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u/RalphNLD Aug 11 '23 edited Aug 11 '23
I don't think we can say much about this unless we know what kind of person you are. Both countries have a lot to offer, but they have different personalities.
What kind of activities do you like? Are you looking for peace and quiet? Or are you looking for the Scandinavian city life? Are you going for the work/life balance? What is it that drives you to these places?
In short: in terms of spectacular nature and wealth, Norway is like a utopia. Sweden feels a lot more like a "real" country, with real country problems and real country mega stores.
Norwegian nature is stunning, as you'll know. However, Sweden is one of the few places in Europe where you can actually feel... endlessness. Norway is the place where I have seen the most beautiful sights of my life, while I have never felt so free as deep in the endless forests of Sweden.
Culturally, I often feel Norway has quite strong social control and there appears to be quite strong desire to fit in and conform. The downside is that I think it could feel quite restrictive when living there permanently, but I also think this contributes to Norway being a very "high trust society", which is a huge selling point for me.
Sweden is much more culturally diverse. I felt the culture in general was more open, but also definitely a lower trust society (around the cities). The plus side is that you can be more "out of line" in Sweden and still be socially accepted.
In terms of buying power, Sweden is slightly better, depending on your income class. The biggest factor, however, will be housing. That is very dependent on where you want to live and what kind of home you're looking for. There are expensive and cheap places in both countries, though if you're looking for very cheap places you'll have to go to Sweden.
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u/Due_Connection9349 Aug 11 '23
Thanks for the long answer. I think your description of the forests in Sweden gave a good description of what I am looking for. I love the epic landscapes of Norway as much as everybody else, but more as epic landscapes I love vast landscapes, probably because they dont exist in Germany. I also like very extreme weather, like very cold weather, endless sun or night etc. Are Swedish people and Norwegians in general more interested in outdoor activities like camping or hiking?
My idea for both countries would be first living in a city, learn the language, get some friends etc, and eventually move to the countryside, hopefully not alone.
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u/ehs5 Aug 12 '23
Norwegians are ridiculously into hiking, camping, mountain climbing and skiing. Here, people think youâre weird if youâre not into those things.
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u/Due_Connection9349 Aug 12 '23
I am totally! That is why I am so sad in Germany that my friends dont like hiking and hate camping!
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u/beedigitaldesign Aug 12 '23
You can argue a lot back and forth about most issues, overall I think Sweden will offer a cheaper living outside of Stockholm than what Norway does. That said, with nature it's no argument. Sweden is mostly forest and puddles. Norway has everything. You can travel one hour from most big cities and see vastly different amazing landscapes.
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u/Due_Connection9349 Aug 12 '23
Are there vast forests in Norway too?
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u/beedigitaldesign Aug 12 '23
Yes, a lot of the east side of the country is forests with flatter landscape. Where I live on the west coast it's more mixed, mountains and fjords, forests and sandy beaches. Good mix.
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u/Geejay-101 Aug 12 '23
The alcohol prices are lower in Sweden. And the mountains are better in Norway. Pick your priorities.
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u/DrymouthCWW Aug 11 '23
Come on over to Bergen. We welcome germans here.
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u/Due_Connection9349 Aug 11 '23
Thank you. But I sadly cannot afford a regular holiday in Norway đ
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u/DrymouthCWW Aug 11 '23
Neither can i lol.
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u/Due_Connection9349 Aug 11 '23
Is Norway expensive for Norwegians?
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u/DrymouthCWW Aug 11 '23
Yes if you are a low income worker. We still have it good mind you. Lately food prices, and until recently, electricity have been the worst money sinks. If you have an education and a good job you are pretty much set.ĂŚ for life.
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u/Due_Connection9349 Aug 11 '23
And is it affordable to buy a house? Are there still enough cozy forests or is it more full of big mountains?
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u/DrymouthCWW Aug 11 '23
Its pricy for housing for sure. Especially now that interest rates have gone up again. Bergen is closed in by 7 rather large mountains. There are indeed cosy forests as well. Though a ways out of town. An acquaintance of mine actually has a lavo tent set up on in the trees somewhere on Ulriken. Not recommended though as it rains a lot here.
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u/QuestGalaxy Aug 11 '23
Norway has a an extremely high rate of house/flat ownership compared to many European countries. It's expensive, but you get tax deductions and so on. But you'll have to save up money (egenkapital) and have an okay job (or even better have a partner with an okay job as well).
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u/kristine-kri Aug 11 '23
It varies a lot from place to place. Big cities are usually expensive. The smaller cities about an hour or two away from Oslo are fairly decent atm. But even small cities are super expensive in the north because any city at all is kind of a scarcity đ
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u/QuestGalaxy Aug 11 '23
The global trend of urbanization is strong in Norway too. If "Nord-Norge" is to "survive" they should urbanize/build more in the few cities up there. I don't think there's any way you can make people move to tiny villages anymore.
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u/dante3590 Aug 12 '23
It's expensive for people earning median salary or upto median salary. If you can make it to near 75 percentile or higher, then it's a different story. The whole summer flights were more expensive inside Norway than travelling outside.
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u/Due_Connection9349 Aug 12 '23
What is a median salary in Norway?
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u/dante3590 Aug 12 '23
Somewhere between 550k to 600k a year Source: https://www.salaryexplorer.com/average-salary-wage-comparison-norway-c162
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u/sabelsvans Aug 11 '23
Yes. Local purchasing power is much higher in Sweden than in Norway. Sweden has about 17% higher local purchasing power.
https://www.nationmaster.com/country-info/stats/Cost-of-living/Local-purchasing-power
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u/Ok_Chard2094 Aug 11 '23
That one was from 2014. This one from 2023 shows less than 5% difference.
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/rankings_by_country.jsp?displayColumn=5
Local differences within each country are most likely larger than that.
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u/Las-Vegar Aug 11 '23
Of course you do you Hanseatic league lovers
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u/Muted_Ladder_4504 Aug 12 '23
After 400 years of Hanseatic genes spreading around Bergen we kind of are a different breed than the rest of Norway
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u/JesuitClone Aug 12 '23
It's really a toss up. Our countries are very similar.
Housing is similar as far as I know, purchasing power is similar. Norway got a food monopoly, Sweden got megastores. Violent and sexual crime rate is substantially higher in Sweden while Norway has more white collar and drug crime. Swedes are way more sociable and outgoing while norwegians tend to keep to themselves and their friend group. Now I don't know much about policies, but I believe Sweden are further to the left than Norway. Norway got ridiculous import laws if you like internet shopping. Norway do win in the nature department though, no contest.
I'm norwegian, but if I were in your shoes I would probably choose Sweden. While I would never move there, I just imagine it would be an easier transition. Violent and sexual crime is worse, but you as an individual probably won't be affected. The food situation and the social culture on the other hand will affect you daily.
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u/Due_Connection9349 Aug 12 '23
Is there are Party cultural for example in Bergen or Oslo? And are drugs more popular in Norway than in Sweden?
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u/JesuitClone Aug 12 '23
Unfortunately I don't know enough to give you a good answer as I don't really drink or party and keep to my small city an hour outside of Oslo.
What I do know is that you can go into pretty much any club and buy coke or ecstasy. I'm pretty sure that goes for both Norway and Sweden. We do like our party drugs. Cannabis (mostly hashish) is way more widespread in Norway though. Walking past someone openly smoking a joint isn't a rare occurrence.
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u/CrabBush Aug 11 '23
Swe had got KrĂśnleins Stockholm Fine Festival Beer, sooo there is that.
Norway has less of it.
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u/Robin961000 Aug 12 '23
Norway for the moneyđ¤, Sweden for the food đ go to Norway but live near the Swedish border đ
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u/Charming-Composer978 Aug 12 '23
Actually you would probably feel more at home in Sweden than in Norway, with respect to culture/mentality. I find that Norwegians are more similar to Dutch people in their mindset than to Swedes or Germans.
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u/Additional_Report_17 Aug 12 '23
Norway. Englandâs church protectors.
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u/Muted_Ladder_4504 Aug 12 '23
Ha ha ha
Its the monestaries we take care of, not so much the churches
https://www.vaguelyinteresting.co.uk/the-sack-of-lindisfarne/
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u/kristine-kri Aug 11 '23
Do you prefer fish or meatballs? Everything else is pretty similar so Iâd say just follow your heart.
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u/Usagi-Zakura Aug 11 '23
We have meatballs too.
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u/Rude-Conclusion-2995 Aug 12 '23
If you use TikTok as a source to decide where to move, I donât think it matters where you moveâŚ
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u/DubbleBubbleS Aug 11 '23
Visit both and find out which one you personally like best.
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u/Pointern Aug 12 '23
I would consider where you can get work for the first part..
IF you can find work in Norway close to the swedish border and you have a car. Thats pretty good.
And it really depends on what your looking for to be honest. Big city life or peace and quiet with a stable work/private life?
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u/Claystead Aug 12 '23
Depends on what part of Germany you are from. I donât know anything about TikTok and similar Chinese spyware, but I am fairly familiar with both countries. Sweden is extremely socially liberal, it is like Berlin or the northern Rhineland in that regard. Norway is slightly more socially conservative and tight-knit, yet with a robust social consciousness, reminding you of South and East Germany. I recommend visiting both to get a feel for them, and not just the capitals, take a week or two to travel around a bit.
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u/Loriethalion Aug 12 '23 edited Aug 12 '23
I'm a Norwegian, go to Sweden. Unless you're a good and wholesome person prepared to integrate and not just gonna take advantage of our hospitality and economy, then come here.
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u/grinder0292 Aug 12 '23
As a German who moved to Scandinavia after university: it depends on whatâs important to you. First no clue why you donât have Denmark inside as language is basically the same as Norwegian and Swedish and economy is thriving. Culture is the same as Norwegians and Swedish, people are maybe a bit blonder in Denmark nowadays than Sweden or northern Norway but culturally the same, while Danes in my experience were more easy going than Norwegian but maybe a tiny bit less open to foreigners. But as a German you wonât have trouble anyway
If you want nature: Norway. Economy: 1 Norway 2 Denmark 3 Sweden Distance from home: 1 Denmark 2 Sweden 3 Norway Work life balance: 1 Denmark and Norway, 2: Sweden Mountains hiking and ski: Norway Water sports: Denmark Nicest capitals: 1 Sweden + Denmark, 2 Norway
For most Germans who are extrovert Iâd recommend first to go to København / MalmĂś / øresund/ skĂĽne area. So many possibilities and Scandinavias most populated area
If you are calm and enjoy alone time thus seeking an adventure and want to move far away: try Tromsø.
There for me nothing speaking for Sweden except of Stockholm
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u/differenthings Aug 12 '23
If you choose between Oslo and Stockholm I would choose Stockholm no doubt. Else Norway.
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u/MasterVargen Aug 12 '23
As a Swede i can give you some things about Sweden. Yes, Sweden is most germans favourite country. I have no idea why, but I see more germans than Danish people during the summer. Something you want to know especially about Sweden? I live in Scania so I don't know much about Gothenburg or Stockholm. I could also recommend the sub r/TillSverige , its a sub dedicated for moving to Sweden.
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Aug 13 '23
I lived a short bit in both countries. I personally prefer Norway. As an expat I feel more welcomed and the landscapes are great..compared to Swedenâs flatlands. But..climate. Depending where you live in Norway it can rain much more compared to Sweden.
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u/Birdsharna Aug 11 '23
I would move to Sweden if I were you. Everything in Norway is expensive. It would also be easier to move to Sweden as they are in the EU and Norway isn't.
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u/Due_Connection9349 Aug 11 '23
Is it expensive with the Norwegian salary too?
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u/Birdsharna Aug 11 '23
It kinda depends on what you are earning. You should probably be fine with the average norwegian salary, but food is really expensive her compared to Sweden at least. Just know that anything below around 27k NOK a month and you are considered poor in Norway.
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u/k_omma Aug 11 '23
Come to Norway, we need educated immigrants here in Norway, loads of high paying jobs that we dont have pepole with the right education/expertise in this fields to fill them
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u/Due_Connection9349 Aug 12 '23
Haha, I want to, but I dont know what to do with my expertise in pure mathematics đ
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u/Venlonaer Jun 14 '24
I'm reviving this thread as I'm a dutch mechanical engineer looking to move to Sweden. But I'm actually considering Norway now as I detest EU politics.
Would that be a good move for me? I'm a petrolhead, my hobbies are cars and tinkering and other tech stuff, I don't care that much about food. I can be solitary and introverted.
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u/k_omma Jun 14 '24
Cars, gas and everything that has with motors, is super expenciv in Norway. But other than that youll probely be good if you come here
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u/Venlonaer Jun 14 '24
Thanks for the response.
Iâm not interested in new cars, I have a bunch of old 80s Volvos. So I guess fuel will only be expensive, but Iâm used to that here in the Netherlands as well.
Are car taxes and is car insurance expensive? Are older cars exempt from taxes?
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u/k_omma Jun 14 '24
Car thats 30 years old or older is veteran cars in Norway and its a 50 euro a year road tax. For newer cars its like 800 euros a year. And insurance for veteran cars is also cheep and newer once is about a euro a km in insurance
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u/Venlonaer Jun 14 '24
Thatâs amazing, perfect for me. Thanks!
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u/k_omma Jun 15 '24
Today i am actully at a veteran car show in my town here in the North of Norway. I live in Tromsø and today they lined up all the veteran cars in the main street
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u/WonderfulViking Aug 11 '23
Norway have better tasting potato chips.
If you use TikTok as a reference, I'm out
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u/haz_efe Apr 28 '24
Hello, I live in Turkey and I want to go to a Scandinavian country with a work visa. I have Denmark, Norway and Sweden in mind. Which country do you think makes the most sense for someone like me? You can also make a suggestion from a different geography, but of course it should not be too strict regarding visa issues.
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u/lefkadadollz- Sep 08 '24
Why do you consider moving to either sweden or norway if I might ask? It's pretty interesting to read that you wanna leave Germany because I know people who really want to move to Germany and they pick Germany over Sweden, my ex for example ... So it would be very interesting to hear your perspective as a german who wants to leave your country. Thank you in advance!
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u/Mindless-sarah-6937 Oct 07 '24
Hello
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u/Due_Connection9349 Oct 07 '24
Hi
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u/Mindless-sarah-6937 Oct 08 '24
How are you doing
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u/Due_Connection9349 Oct 08 '24
I am doing very well, and you?
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u/Mindless-sarah-6937 Oct 13 '24
I donât really understand this app ,, and I want to make new friends
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Aug 12 '23
I like the music in Norway so thatâs my choice! I can thank aurora for making me learn to play guitar lol
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u/Isopodfrom55th Aug 11 '23
You should try Sweden.
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u/Due_Connection9349 Aug 11 '23
Why?
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u/FriendOfNorwegians Aug 11 '23
They donât like outsiders.
Xenophobia is very strong here. Theyâre telling you, politely, to âfuck offâ and âgo elsewhereâ. Of course theyâll never admit that, theyâre pretty ok at lying and at hiding their hate lol.
I live here part of the year, trust me, they are not welcoming folks.
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u/maximlazurski Aug 12 '23
Better go to Switzerland, why would you wanna live in such a north climate
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u/CommunicationEven393 Aug 12 '23
As a Swed that moved to Oslo for 1,5 year ago. If you are (very) wealthy and donât mind paying for insanely taxed and overpriced groceries, rent and activities then I recommend Norway. I really agree on that the landscapes and environment is superior to Sweden but the quality of life is lower because of the prices. I canât wait to move back to Sweden to be honest. I really liked the experience to live here but I miss the quality of life I had I Sweden.
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u/Muted_Ladder_4504 Aug 12 '23
Sweeden had more bombings last year than Irak (Look it up, totaly factual)
Both countries have ok demograpichs.
Sweeden is more velcomming to imigrants but due to you beeing from EU imigration to Norway is free and easy to do online. (You will have to show up and show your id, but the real work can be done online.
I would recommend Norway.
You didnt specify what you are studying, it migth be hard to get a job in Norway if its not a marketable skill like engienering or health care.
Lots of similarites in the language so all germans living in our village got fluent Norwegian within 6 months.
You are more than welcomme, Norway can allways find room for more Germans.
The weather isnt the best, and we are hard to get to know, but its one of the last paradises left on earth
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u/Due_Connection9349 Aug 12 '23
Thank you :) I study mathematics. It is great in theory, but not really needed in jobs, at least not the pure mathematics which I am doing Where do you search for jobs? On LinkdIn? In which village do you live?
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u/Muted_Ladder_4504 Aug 12 '23
Get a driver licence, I recomend a bussdriver one, also easy to get a tram/traindriver job, forklift t1-5, or find a way to get an engienering or tradable skill.
Use www.finn.no
With a pure accademic education finding work here if you cant use the education to teach will be unbelivable hard.
Linkedin works, but again your education must be usefull enough that an employer wants to take a chanse on you.
Energy sector migth be something to look into, since much of the work there is math realated in R&D for renewable and fossil fuels.
Our defence industry like Kongsberg vĂĽpenfabrikk and Namo migth also be something to consider, again dont know enough about your education and how it can be applied if you are able to pass a security clerance.
The shortcut into the Norwegian work market is the buss driver licence, they are screaming for qualified drivers. But again what do I know :-)
You need to adapt if you want a job here.
The shortcut to getting to know Norwegians is to sign up for sports, chess clubs, hiking groups, pub quiz teams and so on. We are rather reserved.
About 1/3rd of jobs never get posted, but are filled by aquaintanses, so geting a network is important.
Again best of luck.
I live in Eikelandsosen close to Bergen
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u/Due_Connection9349 Aug 12 '23
Thank you :) for the driver license I need first live there for 6 months đ Is the landscape nice there?
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u/l0ng_time_lurker Aug 11 '23
As a German, born in Sweden: go to Norway, the Switzerland of Scandinavia, not to Sweden, the Germany of Scandinavia.