Drammen is a riverside city 44 km southwest of Oslo that has reinvented itself from an industrial town into one of Norway's most liveable commuter cities. With significantly lower rents than the capital, fast train connections, the Drammen River running through its heart, and a growing international community, Drammen offers a practical and affordable entry point for expats who want Norwegian quality of life without Oslo's price tag.
Drammen at a Glance
Why Move to Drammen
- Affordability: Rent is 30–40% cheaper than Oslo while the commute is only 30–40 minutes.
- Family-friendly: Excellent schools, parks, and safe neighbourhoods at a fraction of Oslo costs.
- Revitalised centre: New riverside promenades, restaurants, and cultural venues.
- Easy Oslo access: Vy trains every 10–20 minutes during peak hours.
- Quality of life: Forests, the river, and Spiralen viewpoint all within the city.
Finding Housing in Drammen
Average Rents
How to Find Housing
- Finn.no: The primary platform for all Drammen rentals and purchases.
- Hybel.no: Good for shared flats and smaller units.
- Facebook groups: "Bolig i Drammen" and similar groups post regularly.
- Drammen Eiendom: Municipal housing company with some affordable options.
Tips for Expats
- Drammen's proximity to Oslo means you can work in the capital and live affordably.
- Vy commuter trains are fast — Oslo S takes 33–40 minutes.
- Housing is less competitive than Oslo, but good Bragernes and Strømsø properties move quickly.
- A fødselsnummer speeds up the rental process.
- Most apartments are unfurnished — budget for furniture or search for møblert (furnished) listings.
- Parking is easier and cheaper than Oslo — many apartments include a parking space or offer one for NOK 500–1,000/month.
Neighborhoods Guide
- Bragernes: Historic centre with Norway's largest town square (Bragernes Torg), restaurants, and riverside promenade. Mid rent.
- Strømsø: Around the train station — ideal for commuters. Being redeveloped. Low-to-mid rent.
- Konnerud: Hilltop residential with schools and forests. Popular with families. Low-to-mid rent.
- Åssiden: West of the river, diverse and affordable. Growing international community. Low rent.
- Gulskogen: Near shopping centre. Family-friendly with parks. Low-to-mid rent.
- Bragernesåsen: Forested hillside with hiking trails and panoramic views. Mid rent.
- Skoger: Southern suburb with rural charm, larger properties, and a quieter pace. Low-to-mid rent.
Cost of Living in Drammen
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Day-to-Day Costs
- Coffee: NOK 42–55
- Lunch (casual): NOK 130–170
- Monthly Vy pass (Drammen–Oslo): NOK 1,600–2,000
- Beer (bar): NOK 80–105
- Cinema ticket: NOK 130–150
- Loaf of bread: NOK 28–42
- 1 litre of milk: NOK 18–22
- Monthly gym membership: NOK 350–550
- Takeaway pizza: NOK 170–240
- Bottle of wine (Vinmonopolet): NOK 150–250
- Monthly mobile plan: NOK 250–400
Getting Around Drammen
- Public transport: Brakar operates local buses. Vy runs commuter trains to Oslo, Kongsberg, and beyond.
- Cycling: Relatively flat along the river. Bike lanes limited outside the centre.
- Driving: E18 motorway to Oslo (40 min). Parking is easier and cheaper than Oslo.
- Airport: Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) reachable by Vy train in ~90 minutes. Torp Sandefjord (TRF) 80 km south.
- Intercity: Vy trains to Oslo (33–40 min), Kongsberg, Vestfold. Brakar buses to surrounding areas.
Healthcare in Drammen
- Hospitals/Clinics: Drammen Hospital (Vestre Viken) is the main hospital for Buskerud. GP clinics throughout.
- English-speaking doctors: Available at most clinics.
- Pharmacies: Apotek 1 and Vitusapotek in the centre and shopping areas.
- Emergency number: 113 (ambulance), 110 (fire), 112 (police).
- GP registration: Choose your fastlege at Helsenorge.no.
Visas and Residency
- Work Visa (skilled worker): Requires a job offer.
- Skilled Worker Permit (non-EU/EEA): Norway is not an EU member and does not issue EU Blue Cards. Non-EU/EEA skilled workers apply through UDI's Skilled Worker permit — requires a job offer and relevant qualifications.
- Student Visa: For those admitted to Norwegian institutions.
- Family Immigration Permit: For close relatives of Norwegian residents.
- Commuter permit: Many Drammen residents work in Oslo on the same visa framework.
EU/EEA citizens can live and work freely but must register within 3 months.
Visa information: https://www.udi.no/en/want-to-apply
Utilities and Internet
- Electricity: Providers include Fjordkraft, Tibber, and Hafslund. Average NOK 700–1,300/month depending on season and apartment size.
- Internet: Telenor, Telia, and Altibox offer fiber in most areas. Expect NOK 450–650/month for 100–500 Mbps.
- Water and waste: Typically included in municipal fees or building costs.
- Heating: Electric radiators standard. Drammen's inland location means colder winters than coastal cities — budget accordingly.
Culture & Lifestyle
- Spiralen: A unique corkscrew tunnel with panoramic views — a must-see attraction.
- Ypsilon Bridge: Iconic Y-shaped pedestrian bridge over the river.
- Aass Brewery: Norway's oldest surviving brewery (est. 1834) — tours and tastings.
- Drammen River: Revitalised riverfront with walking paths, parks, and summer swimming.
- Bragernes Torg: Norway's largest town square with markets, concerts, and seasonal events.
Food & Dining
- Growing restaurant scene along Bragernes Torg and the river promenade.
- Try Aass Brewery craft beer paired with traditional Norwegian dishes.
- Budget options: Bakeries and casual eateries from NOK 110–150. Kebab shops from NOK 90–120.
Expat Community
- Drammen international groups: Smaller but growing — many are Oslo commuters.
- School networks: Families connect through school communities.
- Facebook and Meetup groups: Social and language exchange groups.
- Diversity: About 27% of residents have immigrant backgrounds — one of Norway's most diverse cities.
Job Market in Drammen
- Main industries: Manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, public sector, retail. Many residents commute to Oslo.
- Major employers: Vestre Viken Health Trust, Drammen Kommune, local logistics firms, Østlands-Posten (media), retail and manufacturing companies.
- Average salaries by sector (monthly gross):
- Job search resources: Finn.no/jobb, Nav.no, LinkedIn, Drammens Tidende listings.
Education in Drammen
- International schools: None in Drammen. Oslo International School (Bekkestua) accessible by train. Norwegian public schools provide language support.
- Universities: None in Drammen. University of South-Eastern Norway (USN) campuses in nearby Kongsberg and Vestfold.
- Language schools: Folkeuniversitetet, Drammen Kommune Norwegian classes.
Banking and Registration
Open a bank account with: passport, fødselsnummer or D-number, proof of address, and proof of employment or study. Register at Skatteetaten for your fødselsnummer — essential for banking, healthcare, and tax.
Moving Your Belongings to Drammen
Drammen residents typically ship to Oslo's port and truck items the final 40 km. Shipping costs:
Norway is not in the EU — import duty 0–10% + 25% VAT on CIF value applies. Used household goods owned 6+ months may qualify for duty-free import if you lived abroad 12+ months.
Bringing a Car to Drammen
Importing a vehicle requires customs declaration, 25% VAT, and registration tax (engangsavgift). Imported cars must pass technical inspection. EU/EEA driving licences are valid without exchange. Non-EU licences must be exchanged within 12 months.
Bringing Pets to Drammen
Pets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and have an EU health certificate or Pet Passport. Non-EU pets need a veterinary certificate issued within 10 days. Certain dog breeds are banned in Norway. Pets from outside EU/EEA enter through designated points and may be checked by Mattilsynet.
Tax Obligations in Drammen
Tax residents (183+ days/year) are taxed on worldwide income. Progressive rates: approximately 22%–45%. Social contributions around 8% of income. Double tax treaties with 90+ countries.
Norwegian Language and Integration
- Is Norwegian necessary? Many Drammen residents commute to Oslo where English is widely used at work. However, learning Norwegian is essential for local community integration, school communication, and long-term career growth.
- Free courses: Drammen Kommune offers free Norwegian classes for registered residents. Folkeuniversitetet provides paid courses.
- Online resources: Duolingo (Norwegian Bokmål), NTNU's free Norwegian course, and Memrise.
- Language levels: B1–B2 expected within 1–2 years. Citizenship requires A2 oral and written.
- Diversity advantage: Drammen's multicultural population means you may find speakers of your native language for informal support while learning Norwegian.
Related Guides
- Moving to Norway — comprehensive country guide
- Moving to Oslo — capital city guide
- Moving to Bergen — gateway to the fjords
- Moving to Trondheim — tech and university hub
- Moving to Stavanger — Norway's oil capital
- Moving to Tromsø — life above the Arctic Circle