Hi!
Sorry in advance if this isn’t allowed in this sub. I am a Norwegian travelling to the US (Florida) this spring. I am wondering because I need quite a few things for my vacation, but I don’t know if I should buy them before I go or if it would be better to wait until I’m there. If you don’t know much about Norwegian prices, a general idea of what is expensive and not in the US compared to other countries is also much appreciated!
I guess alcohol, candy and fancy clothing brands from outlets are cheaper in the US, but what about other things? I’ll need new clothes (cheap, simple ones), shoes, hygiene and beauty items/products, some over the counter meds, sunglasses and a wallet. If anyone has any specific suggestions for where to get these things at a reasonable price in Florida that would also be great!
Thanks in advance!
21 comments
Pretty much everything you listed will be cheaper in the US. (Sticker shock in Norway almost killed me)
Target and Old Navy will be easy to find and convenient. If you want to be a true Euro tourist you can go to Walmart.
For most of those things the best price will be at like Walmart. Don’t go to a touristy place bc they’ll way up charge.
I can confidently say all those things will be cheaper in Florida, assuming you shop at normal stores and not high end boutiques or upscale grocery stores. Or, on the other end, a corner convenience store/gas station.
Stick to Publix for food and drinks and you’ll be fine.
For clothing, lots of options, but Target is good for womens clothes, less so for mens. Accessories like wallets and sunglasses are also found easily at Target.
WalMart will be even cheaper, but the quality is usually lacking.
Tobacco and alcohol for sure.
Gas. Apparently, their average is the equivalent of [$8.12 a gallon](https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/Norway/gasoline_prices/)(1.99 Euro per L), while ours nationally is less than half that at an average of [$3.43 per gallon](https://gasprices.aaa.com/)(.84 Euro per L) and often even lower than that. Like for instance, it only cost me $2.95 per gallon(.72 Euro per L) to fill my car up the other day.
I’d imagine that the vast majority of things are cheaper here though.
In general Norway is cheaper than the US – but that’s
really because rental and real estate prices are much cheaper there.
Buying stuff should be cheaper here.
Meals will be cheaper.
US brands definitely will be.
I don’t know kw why this is downvoted.
“United States is 16.4% more expensive than Norway.”
I agree with others that Target and Walmart will probably be your best options; both stores should have most items on your list. Kohl’s is another decent option for inexpensive clothing, and sometimes they have good prices on national name brands (e.g. Levi’s jeans).
For over-the-counter meds, many chain supermarkets and pharmacies will sell their store/own brand in addition to the national brand. The store brand is always cheaper and just as good (or at least it has been in my experience).
You can browse Walmart or Target online and see for yourself.
Outlet malls if you are looking for designer stuff cheap.
You want to really fall down, check the price difference when it comes to computer componants.
You can order stuff on Amazon US (easy to region switch on the mobile app) and have it delivered to a nearby Amazon Locker once you’re here. Particularly useful if you’re in a super touristy place with high tourist prices.
But uh…you don’t already have a wallet?
If you have a Costco membership, it still works here and gas is usually cheapest. Their OTC meds are also great deals.
I would not buy shoes here if only because you need to break them in before your trip. Especially if you’re doing Orlando theme parks because you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
RE: Walmart gets their low prices by usually being in cheaper areas on the edge of town. If you’re in a touristy place like near Orlando theme parks or Miami Beach, you’re more likely to find a CVS or Walgreens than you are a Walmart
Food, in general is cheaper, even when you tip at a restaurant. We spent a week in Norway last year and grossly underbudgeted for food.
If you are looking for American souvenirs, I hate to say it, but the local Target or Walmart are the cheapest. Depending on the location, there are a lot of Disney related items. So much of our items are made in China, thus reducing cost (and quality). So, check the tag if you are concerned.
Outlet malls/stores will have lower prices. We also have stores such as Ross, TJMaxx and Marshalls which tend to have overstock from department stores. Great prices on clothing and shoes (and household items).
What part of Florida are you visiting?
Aquavit isn’t popular here; you might be able to find one or two brands at the larger liquor stores but it’s uncommon.
To my American palate, it’s pretty much indistinguishable from kerosene.
Guns
Everything!
Bring your Norwegian money, turn it into dollars, and spend away.
Is Florida the only state you’ll be? FL taxes clothing at 6% plus, in some places, local sales tax. If you’re going to be in multiple states, then you might want to factor in sales tax differences.
As you travel to/from the U.S., don’t forget to avail yourself of Duty Free shopping at the airports. Alcohol and certain candy especially can be had tax free.
Vinmonopolet style stores are only a thing in some states and Florida is not one of them. But last I checked grocery stores only sell beer and wine except the loophole is that they have a separate exterior door for the liquor section so you just leave and go next door. It will be much, much cheaper. Things in general are cheaper but then Norway is a special case
We don’t do VAT and sales taxes in Florida are typically ~6%.
Ignoring if Norway is going to tax you on things you bring back, the answer is that basically everything you can buy is likely to be significantly cheaper here, short of it being a specific brand that’s positioned differently in Europe vs the US.
OTC meds are one you should certainly bring from home. While they are widely available, the brands are all different so it will be a learning curve to familiarize yourself with the ones here versus what you already know from back home. For example we don’t have paracetamol, but we have acetaminophen which is the exact same drug with a different name. From my experience overseas (haven’t been to Norway but have been to several other EU countries) I always make sure to pack my American meds when I travel, but that’s because it’s what I’m used to and what I know works well for me. American meds are also stronger generally, so just be aware of that.
For other items, if you want basics and aren’t concerned with brand names, you can probably get everything on your list in one trip to Target. Many many people shop on Amazon and delivery is convenient and quick if you want something you can’t easily find in a store (you can get a monthly membership so you can cancel when you leave, but it may not be necessary.) Walmart is great for super-essential basics and just for the cultural experience. If you want higher-end, plenty of malls for that stuff.
Temper your expectations for deals though, it may not be enough cheaper that it’s worth waiting to buy until you get here. I’d bring your essentials from home and get the nice-to-haves here in the US.
Walmart and Aldi will get you the cheapest stuff I’d assume