> 23k seems like a lot,

That is because it's wrong. Sorry, just woke up. I'm in Norway, and it's 23k NOK, or $2300.

The shop said filling my system back up with refrigerant if it was empty would be around $1.3k, and based on what I've heard I don't think that's off by much.

Oh I don’t know how I missed that unless you made an edit, but I also just woke up :) This price makes more sense.

23k didn’t sound too far off what an American installer would try charge for a new system in a high cost of living area, so this wasn’t too unbelievable.

Yeah edited it, should have clarified.

> 23k didn’t sound too far off what an American installer would try charge for a new system in a high cost of living area

I've heard these insane prices. I think 2.3k is pricey enough, you can get cheaper units here but SO wants the pretty indoor unit so pretty indoor unit she gets.