Gothenburg vs Oslo
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Gothenburg is ~45% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Gothenburg
Sweden
COL+Rent
37
Rent Index
18.5
Groceries
47.7
Restaurant
45
Oslo
Norway
COL+Rent
67.4
Rent Index
38.5
Groceries
98.2
Restaurant
106.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Gothenburg | Oslo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $819 | $1,954 | $1,135 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $644 | $1,492 | $848 |
| Groceries | $271 | $604 | $333 |
| Restaurant Meal | $14 | $28 | $14 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $93 | $18 |
| Utilities | $82 | $195 | $113 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Gothenburg | Oslo |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,047/mo | $2,315/mo |
| Typical | $1,457/mo | $3,266/mo |
| Comfortable | $1,844/mo | $4,100/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Gothenburg | ≈ in Oslo | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,732/mo | +$1,232 |
| $2,000/mo | $3,643/mo | +$1,643 |
| $3,000/mo | $5,465/mo | +$2,465 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Gothenburg vs Oslo for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Gothenburg is approximately 45% more affordable than Oslo when combining rent and daily living costs. Gothenburg's COL+Rent Index of 37 vs Oslo's 67.4 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Gothenburg costs $819/month versus $1,954/month in Oslo — giving Gothenburg a $1,135/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $13,620 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Gothenburg ($271/mo) vs Oslo ($604/mo) reflect Gothenburg's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $14 vs $28 show Gothenburg is the better value for dining out. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Gothenburg offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,457 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.