Trondheim is Norway’s third largest city and a sweet spot for people who want a lively student town with real history, fjord views, and quick access to nature. The rental market is active year round thanks to NTNU and St. Olavs Hospital, but it’s not as cutthroat as Oslo. If you know where to look and what landlords expect, you can find a good place without too much drama.
If you are wondering what it costs to rent here, the short version is this: expect to pay from about 11,500 to 15,500 NOK per month for a 1 bedroom in central areas, a bit less outside the core, and more for newly built or waterfront apartments. Shared housing is the cheapest option, with rooms commonly between 5,000 and 8,000 NOK depending on location and standard. Two and three bedrooms range widely based on size and age of the building, but there are still fair deals if you widen your search radius.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of renting an apartment in Trondheim.
How the Trondheim rental market flows
Trondheim revolves around the student calendar. Peak competition happens from mid July to early September when new students arrive and leases turn over. There’s a smaller wave in January for spring semester. Outside these windows, you’ll often find more options and calmer viewings.
Most rentals are advertised online, and viewings are usually group appointments. Landlords move fast once they see a solid application, so having your documents ready makes a real difference.
Price examples you can actually use
Here are realistic ranges I see in Trondheim right now. These are examples, not guarantees, but they mirror what friends, colleagues, and tenants typically pay.
- Room in a shared apartment: 5,000 to 8,000 NOK in Moholt, Lademoen, Nardo, or Byåsen side streets. Central rooms around Bakklandet or Midtbyen can push higher if the standard is fresh.
- Studio: 9,000 to 12,500 NOK. Compact studios in older blocks land at the low end; new micro-apartments near Solsiden or Lade are at the top.
- 1 bedroom (separate bedroom): 11,500 to 15,500 NOK. Midtbyen, Bakklandet, and Solsiden sit higher, while Moholt, Lerkendal, and Lademoen are often a bit lower.
- 2 bedroom: 15,500 to 21,000 NOK. Older walk-ups in Ila or Lademoen might be more affordable; new builds at Lade or Ranheim with parking and elevators land in the upper bracket.
- 3 bedroom: 20,000 to 27,000 NOK depending on size, year built, and location. Families often look to Byåsen, Ranheim, or Heimdal for space and value.
Tip: Waterfront or freshly built apartments around Solsiden and parts of Lade usually command a premium. If your budget is tight, look one or two bus stops beyond the core and you can save thousands per month without giving up easy access.
Where to look and how to apply
Most people search on the big Norwegian portals and local Facebook groups. Listings move quickly, so set alerts and check daily. When you message, keep it short and practical: who you are, what you do, when you can move in, and for how long. Mention that you have references and payslips ready.
What to bring to a viewing or send beforehand
- ID and a short introduction
- Work contract or admission letter if you are a student
- Recent payslips or proof of funding
- References from a previous landlord if you have one
- Your preferred move-in date and lease length
A tidy application with proof you can pay rent on time beats a long essay every day of the week.
Deposits, guarantees, and what “3 months” actually means
Standard practice in Trondheim is a security deposit equal to up to 3 months’ rent. That money should be placed in a separate, locked deposit account in your name and the landlord’s, not into their personal account. You get it back with interest if there’s no damage or unpaid bills.
If you are new in Norway and waiting for BankID, some landlords accept a rental guarantee from an insurance provider instead of a cash deposit. It costs a fee, often a percentage of the deposit amount, and is non-refundable, but it can be a bridge if your BankID is delayed.
Contracts to expect
Leases are typically fixed-term for 1 to 3 years, or open-ended with notice periods. Read for:
- Notice period. One to three months is common.
- Maintenance. Minor wear and tear vs. tenant responsibility should be stated clearly.
- Subletting. Ask if allowed, especially if you travel or plan a semester abroad.
- Pets. Many buildings restrict pets. If you have one, mention it upfront and offer a pet clause with cleaning.
Always get a written contract. A handshake is friendly, but it does not protect you.
Utilities, internet, and hidden extras
Norwegian listings often say strøm ikke inkludert which means electricity is on top of your rent. In Trondheim winters, heating can be a meaningful cost, especially in older buildings without modern insulation.
- Electricity: The bill depends on apartment size, insulation, and how you heat. Many tenants see the highest bills from November to March.
- Internet: Fiber is widely available. Typical plans land around 500 to 800 NOK per month for a standard household connection.
- Municipal fees: In apartments, these are usually bundled into common costs paid by the owner, but confirm if anything flows through to you.
- Parking: Street parking is restricted in central zones. If you drive, check for a dedicated spot or a residential permit scheme.
Ask for the last 12 months of electricity figures if possible. A warm, new apartment can be cheaper long term than a “cheap” old one with high winter bills.
Furnished, partially furnished, or empty
In Trondheim, partially furnished is common. Expect white goods in the kitchen and maybe a wardrobe. Fully furnished places exist, especially near campuses, and cost a bit more but save you time. If the ad says umøblert, factor in starter costs for a bed, sofa, lights, and curtains. Norwegians love proper lighting, and many apartments are rented without ceiling lamps, so plan for that.
Neighborhoods at a glance
- Midtbyen: The historic center with everything on your doorstep. Smaller spaces, higher prices, older buildings with character. Excellent if you love walking everywhere.
- Bakklandet: Wooden houses, cobbled charm, cafes along the river. Beautiful and very popular, often pricier per square meter.
- Solsiden: Modern waterfront living with restaurants and nightlife. Expect premium pricing, lifts, and balconies.
- Lademoen and Ila: Older stock with character and better value, still close to town. Good for cyclists and those who enjoy parks.
- Moholt and Lerkendal: Student heavy, practical, and well connected to NTNU. Plenty of shared housing and functional 1 bedrooms.
- Lade: Newer developments, shopping, and sea views on the right streets. Family friendly with trail access.
- Byåsen: Hillside calm, larger flats and houses, great views. Longer bus rides, but space and neighborhood feel.
- Ranheim and Charlottenlund: East of center with newer builds and decent beach access in summer. Rail and bus links are fine for commuters.
- Heimdal and Tiller: Suburban options with shopping hubs. More space for the money if you don’t need to be downtown.
Timing strategies that actually work
If you can choose, start looking 4 to 6 weeks before your move-in date. In July and August, apply the same day you view. In quieter months, you can negotiate start dates and sometimes even minor rent adjustments.
For students, coordinate with the SIT student housing application, but also browse the private market early. If SIT waitlists are long, aim for Moholt or Lademoen first and back yourself with a ready-to-send application.
Viewings: how to stand out without trying too hard
Norwegians keep it low key. Show up on time, greet the landlord, and be direct. Mention your work or study situation and how long you plan to stay. If you like the place, say so and offer to send documents right after the viewing. Bring questions like:
- Is electricity included or separate, and what were last winter’s bills?
- How is the sound insulation?
- What storage is available for skis and bikes?
- Who handles snow clearing and sanding outside?
Red flags worth noting
- Landlord asks for the deposit into a private account instead of a proper deposit account.
- The contract excludes normal wear and tear or sets unusual penalties.
- No written contract or evasive answers when you ask for past electricity usage.
- An ad that feels too cheap for the area with pressure to transfer money quickly.
If anything feels off, it probably is. There are plenty of honest landlords in Trondheim; you don’t need to force a bad fit.
Commuting, snow, and everyday logistics
Trondheim is set up for cyclists and buses. If you live in Byåsen or Ranheim, check the specific bus lines and frequency, especially late evenings. In winter, bike studded tires are common and very useful. Many buildings have indoor bike rooms. If you plan to drive, confirm whether the building has a plowing arrangement and where snow is piled. These small things matter after the first heavy snowfall.
Families, schools, and pets
Family renters tend to look in Byåsen, Ranheim, and parts of Lade and Charlottenlund. Parks, playgrounds, and kindergartens are spread throughout the city. For pets, always ask in advance and offer extra cleaning on move-out. Some buildings and co-ops require board approval.
Can you negotiate rent in Trondheim
A little. You’ll have better luck negotiating start dates, included internet, or minor upgrades than shaving thousands off the monthly rent. If a unit has been listed for a while, you can try a modest counteroffer or propose a longer fixed term in exchange for a small reduction.
Moving in and protecting your deposit
On handover day, do a written condition report with photos. Test appliances, note any marks on floors and walls, and check windows for drafts. Read the electricity meter together and save the reading. If something breaks in the first weeks, tell the landlord quickly in writing. Norwegian landlords generally appreciate direct, calm communication and a practical attitude.
A simple budget example for a 1 bedroom
For a 12,500 NOK 1 bedroom in Lademoen:
- Rent: 12,500 NOK
- Electricity averaged over the year: 800 to 1,400 NOK per month
- Internet: 600 NOK
- Total typical monthly cost: 13,900 to 14,500 NOK
For a central 2 bedroom at 19,500 NOK shared by two people:
- Rent per person: 9,750 NOK
- Electricity per person averaged: 500 to 900 NOK
- Internet split: 300 NOK
- Total per person: 10,550 to 10,950 NOK
These ballpark figures help compare areas and apartment types without being surprised by the winter energy curve.
Final local tips
Bring indoor shoes and a coat hook. Trondheim apartments are cozy once you dial in the lighting and heat. Choose a location that fits your daily rhythm, not just the nightlife. If you land a place near a river path or a trail into Bymarka, you’ll thank yourself all year. And once you’ve found a good landlord, stay in touch and treat the apartment like your own. It pays off when you need a reference for your next move.