Osaka vs Oslo
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Osaka is ~57% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Osaka
Japan
COL+Rent
28.9
Rent Index
12.1
Groceries
46.3
Restaurant
32.2
Oslo
Norway
COL+Rent
67.4
Rent Index
38.5
Groceries
98.2
Restaurant
106.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Osaka | Oslo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $533 | $1,954 | $1,421 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $344 | $1,492 | $1,148 |
| Groceries | $267 | $604 | $337 |
| Restaurant Meal | $7 | $28 | $21 |
| Transit Pass | $54 | $93 | $39 |
| Utilities | $152 | $195 | $43 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Osaka | Oslo |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $765/mo | $2,315/mo |
| Typical | $1,111/mo | $3,266/mo |
| Comfortable | $1,349/mo | $4,100/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Osaka | ≈ in Oslo | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $3,498/mo | +$1,998 |
| $2,000/mo | $4,664/mo | +$2,664 |
| $3,000/mo | $6,997/mo | +$3,997 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Osaka vs Oslo for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Osaka is approximately 57% more affordable than Oslo when combining rent and daily living costs. Osaka's COL+Rent Index of 28.9 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 Osaka costs $533/month versus $1,954/month in Oslo — giving Osaka a $1,421/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $17,052 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Osaka ($267/mo) vs Oslo ($604/mo) reflect Osaka's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $7 vs $28 show Osaka 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, Osaka offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,111 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.