Oslo vs Sydney
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Oslo is ~3% 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
Sydney
Australia
COL+Rent
69.7
Rent Index
54.9
Groceries
86.8
Restaurant
78.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Oslo | Sydney | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,954 | $2,442 | $488 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,492 | $1,822 | $330 |
| Groceries | $604 | $483 | +$121 |
| Restaurant Meal | $28 | $25 | +$3 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $114 | $21 |
| Utilities | $195 | $171 | +$24 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Oslo | Sydney |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,315/mo | $2,545/mo |
| Typical | $3,266/mo | $3,585/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,100/mo | $4,423/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Oslo | ≈ in Sydney | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,551/mo | +$51 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,068/mo | +$68 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,102/mo | +$102 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Oslo vs Sydney for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Oslo is approximately 3% more affordable than Sydney when combining rent and daily living costs. Oslo's COL+Rent Index of 67.4 vs Sydney's 69.7 (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 $2,442/month in Sydney — giving Oslo a $488/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $5,856 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Oslo ($604/mo) vs Sydney ($483/mo) reflect Sydney's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $28 vs $25 show Sydney 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.