I moved over to Norway in September for much the same reasons as you are considering. I live in kristiansand a little further south than stavanger, but I have to say you will not regret it. I agree with the earlier comments regarding living in norway on a uk wage, but have to say that if you are earning a norwegian wage it the cost of living should be no issue at all, typically speaking food is expensive, but I would say not much more than buying all your shopping as marks and sparks not asda.
Cars are crazy expensive over here, double to triple the cost, but you can bring a uk car over for up to two years if you want. No Permit required the first year the second year you need a permit and it depends on your work contract, though I would strongly advise you bring your car with you.
The fishing over here is awesome, its impossible not to catch something.
Buying out door equipment is not that much of an issue, the out doors are taken seriously by the norwegians and there are several large shops like xxl gsport and the like selling outdoor kit, its normal to see high end stuff like norrona, fjell raven and the like in normal camping shops. Price wise the kit is slightly higher than the uk but the special offers usually make the prices comparable with the uk. Ive bought tons of kit since I got here all on offer and normally the skandiavian kit is much better quality than the uk market. Cant think of much else to say, dont worry about the language barrier, everyone speaks perfect english and you would pick norwegian up if you wanted.
Anyhow Ive traveled a very similar journey to what your considering so if there are any specific questions just send me a pm.
Just out of curiosity what line of work are you in?
Matthew.
On a separate note, I wish I had moved over here years ago its the best thing I have ever done.
