Oslo vs Gothenburg
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Gothenburg is ~45% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Oslo
Norway
COL+Rent
67.4
Rent Index
38.5
Groceries
98.2
Restaurant
106.4
Gothenburg
Sweden
COL+Rent
37
Rent Index
18.5
Groceries
47.7
Restaurant
45
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Oslo | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,954 | $819 | +$1,135 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,492 | $644 | +$848 |
| Groceries | $604 | $271 | +$333 |
| Restaurant Meal | $28 | $14 | +$14 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $75 | +$18 |
| Utilities | $195 | $82 | +$113 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Oslo | Gothenburg |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,315/mo | $1,047/mo |
| Typical | $3,266/mo | $1,457/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,100/mo | $1,844/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Oslo | ≈ in Gothenburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $823/mo | -$677 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,098/mo | -$902 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,647/mo | -$1,353 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Oslo vs Gothenburg for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Gothenburg is approximately 45% more affordable than Oslo when combining rent and daily living costs. Oslo's COL+Rent Index of 67.4 vs Gothenburg's 37 (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 Oslo costs $1,954/month versus $819/month in Gothenburg — 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 Oslo ($604/mo) vs Gothenburg ($271/mo) reflect Gothenburg's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $28 vs $14 show Gothenburg offers cheaper dining. 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.