The Proof is in the Nine-dollar Pudding

We had heard that things here were expensive, but we were struck with a serious case of sticker shock the first time we visited our local grocery market.

A single chicken breast (pictured) is nearly 80NOK (about $16 US)! And a can of Campbell's soup is about 24NOK (about $4.75 US). A four-pack of individual servings of pudding is 45NOK---$9 US!

A liter of milk (pictured), which is about a 1/4 of a gallon, is over 18NOK (more than $3.25 US).

There are also a few things that are nearly impossible to find here, like American cheese, Dr. Pepper, and Mountain Dew (poor Kelly!).

Grocery shopping here is also very different than at home. Since most people walk to their local markets instead of driving (there is a small market about every 3 blocks), you go nearly every day and usually only get what you need for meals for that day.

It is not just the groceries that are expensive either. A meal at a casual restaurant is usually around $40, sodas at a restaurant are around $8 (and no free refills), and a large takeout pizza is around $45. Even a value meal at McDonald's will cost you about $16-$20!