Tax Atlas

Norway vs United States: tax comparison for expats

On income tax alone, United States comes out lower at a typical $100,000 income — but it depends on your income and regime. Here is the head-to-head on residency rules, rates and special regimes, each figure sourced.

Effective income tax by income

Gross annual incomeNorwayUnited States
$50,00023.9%11.8%
$100,00028.3%16.9%
$200,00033.9%20.5%

Effective rate = total income tax ÷ gross income, run through each country’s full statutory scale (standard resident regime). Income tax only — excludes social security, deductions and sub-national taxes; cross-currency incomes use an indicative FX snapshot dated 2026-08-20. Try your own income and toggle special regimes →

Norway vs United States, side by side

 NorwayUnited States
Top income tax rate47.4%PwC Tax Summaries“For income exceeding NOK 1,467,201, the bracket tax rate is 17.8%.”View source · accessed 2026-08-2037%PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries“For individuals, the top federal income tax rate for 2025 is 37%, except for long-term capital gains and qualified dividends”View source · accessed 2026-08-20
Tax-residency day threshold183 daysPwC Tax Summaries“Resident status is obtained when an alien resides in Norway more than 183 days in the course of any 12-month period or 270 days in any 36-month period.”View source · accessed 2026-08-20183 daysInternal Revenue Service (IRS)“You will be considered a United States resident for tax purposes if you meet the substantial presence test for the calendar year. To meet this test, you must be physically present in the United States (U.S.) on at least:”View source · accessed 2026-08-20
Signature tax regimeWealth tax: 1%PwC Tax Summaries“Total net wealth tax in 2026 is unchanged at 1%/1.1%.”View source · accessed 2026-08-20Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: USD 132,900 / yearInternal Revenue Service (IRS)“For tax year 2026, the foreign earned income exclusion is $132,900 up from $130,000 for tax year 2025.”View source · accessed 2026-08-20
Digital nomad visaNoNo
Nomad-visa income requirement——

Every figure links to its source and verification date. Full guides: Norway · United States.

Frequently asked questions

Is Norway or United States better for tax?

On income tax alone, United States has the lower effective rate at a $100,000 income (16.9% vs 28.3%). But the right answer depends on your income level, which special regime you qualify for, social security, and treaty relief — see the full comparison below.

Which has the lower tax-residency threshold, Norway or United States?

Norway treats you as tax resident after 183 days, and United States after 183 days. But ties like a home, family or economic centre can trigger residency on fewer days — never rely on a day count alone.

Does Norway or United States have a digital nomad visa?

Norway has no dedicated digital-nomad visa; United States has no dedicated digital-nomad visa. See the "Digital nomad visa" row below for the sourced detail.

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