Oslo vs London
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Oslo is ~8% 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
London
United Kingdom
COL+Rent
72.9
Rent Index
56.2
Groceries
73.9
Restaurant
93.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Oslo | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,954 | $2,503 | $549 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,492 | $1,960 | $468 |
| Groceries | $604 | $422 | +$182 |
| Restaurant Meal | $28 | $28 | $0 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $113 | $20 |
| Utilities | $195 | $258 | $63 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Oslo | London |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,315/mo | $2,738/mo |
| Typical | $3,266/mo | $3,716/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,100/mo | $4,596/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Oslo | ≈ in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,622/mo | +$122 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,163/mo | +$163 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,245/mo | +$245 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Oslo vs London for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Oslo is approximately 8% more affordable than London when combining rent and daily living costs. Oslo's COL+Rent Index of 67.4 vs London's 72.9 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Oslo costs $1,954/month versus $2,503/month in London — giving Oslo a $549/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $6,588 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Oslo ($604/mo) vs London ($422/mo) reflect London's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $28 vs $28 show London 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, Oslo offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $3,266 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.