Oslo vs Manila
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Manila is ~68% 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
Manila
Philippines
COL+Rent
21.8
Rent Index
9.8
Groceries
39.6
Restaurant
22.8
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Oslo | Manila | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,954 | $369 | +$1,585 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,492 | $238 | +$1,254 |
| Groceries | $604 | $230 | +$374 |
| Restaurant Meal | $28 | $6 | +$22 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $11 | +$82 |
| Utilities | $195 | $86 | +$109 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Oslo | Manila |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,315/mo | $520/mo |
| Typical | $3,266/mo | $786/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,100/mo | $977/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Oslo | ≈ in Manila | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $485/mo | -$1,015 |
| $2,000/mo | $647/mo | -$1,353 |
| $3,000/mo | $970/mo | -$2,030 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Oslo vs Manila for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Manila is approximately 68% more affordable than Oslo when combining rent and daily living costs. Oslo's COL+Rent Index of 67.4 vs Manila's 21.8 (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 $369/month in Manila — giving Manila a $1,585/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $19,020 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Oslo ($604/mo) vs Manila ($230/mo) reflect Manila's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $28 vs $6 show Manila 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, Manila offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $786 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.