Tønsberg, Vestfold og Telemark, Norway
Norway's oldest city, a coastal town with Viking history, a medieval castle ruin, and a lively harbor.
Overview
Tønsberg is a city in Vestfold og Telemark with a population of 52,000. Norway’s oldest city, a coastal town with Viking history, a medieval castle ruin, and a lively harbor. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5b growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Above Average vs Norway Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Tønsberg vs Norway Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: None
- VAT: 25.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: NOK 390,000
- Unemployment: 3.5%
- Population: 52,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 170/year
- Summer High: 68°F
- Winter Low: 26°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Housing
- Median Home: kr3,200,000
- 1BR Rent: kr9000/mo
Cost of Living
Tønsberg's cost of living index is 105 (Norway average = 100).
| Category | Tønsberg | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 105 | 100 | +5.0% |
| Housing | 108 | 100 | +8.0% |
Data source: SSB / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | kr3,200,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | kr9000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | kr11,250/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | kr2,133 |
Data source: Finn / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Tønsberg:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | kr1500 | |
| Heating & Cooling | kr175 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | kr500 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | kr600 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | kr2775 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: NVE, Statnett, Telenor 2025
Remote Work Score
Tønsberg scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Tønsberg has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 46°F | 26°F | 2.5" |
| April | 53°F | 41°F | 2.8" |
| July | 68°F | 43°F | 1.5" |
| October | 48°F | 44°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Tønsberg faces the following natural hazards:
Norway experiences severe winter storms.
Mountainous region with frequent avalanches.
River and coastal flooding.
Mountainous region with landslides.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- Income Tax: 0% (None)
- VAT: 25%
- Property Tax: ~0.3% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Tønsberg per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Eurostat
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Høstferie (autumn break) in October (1 week).
Demographics
The population of Tønsberg is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Statistics Norway (2022)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Tønsberg, Vestfold og Telemark, Norway?
The cost of living index in Tønsberg is 105, which is Higher the Norway national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Tønsberg?
The median home price in Tønsberg is kr3,200,000. The housing index is 108.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Tønsberg is approximately kr9000/mo.
Does Tønsberg, Vestfold og Telemark have income tax?
Tønsberg is in Vestfold og Telemark, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Tønsberg?
Tønsberg enjoys approximately 170 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 68°F, while winter lows can drop to around 26°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: SSB / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Finn / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: SSB Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities NVE, Statnett, Telenor 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.