Oslo vs Stockholm
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Stockholm is ~24% 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
Stockholm
Sweden
COL+Rent
51
Rent Index
32.7
Groceries
59.6
Restaurant
62.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Oslo | Stockholm | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,954 | $1,449 | +$505 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,492 | $1,139 | +$353 |
| Groceries | $604 | $339 | +$265 |
| Restaurant Meal | $28 | $17 | +$11 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $93 | $0 |
| Utilities | $195 | $103 | +$92 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Oslo | Stockholm |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,315/mo | $1,640/mo |
| Typical | $3,266/mo | $2,239/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,100/mo | $2,779/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Oslo | ≈ in Stockholm | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,135/mo | -$365 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,513/mo | -$487 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,270/mo | -$730 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Oslo vs Stockholm for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Stockholm is approximately 24% more affordable than Oslo when combining rent and daily living costs. Oslo's COL+Rent Index of 67.4 vs Stockholm's 51 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a meaningful difference that adds up over months of living expenses.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Oslo costs $1,954/month versus $1,449/month in Stockholm — giving Stockholm a $505/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $6,060 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Oslo ($604/mo) vs Stockholm ($339/mo) reflect Stockholm's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $28 vs $17 show Stockholm 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, Stockholm offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,239 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.