🇳🇴 Norway — Cost of Living Index Verified Market Data
Head-to-Head Comparison 🇳🇴 Oslo vs 🇬🇧 London

Oslo vs London Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

How does living in Oslo compare to London? You would need around kr 28,990 in London to maintain the same standard of life that kr 23,992 provides in Oslo (assuming you rent in both cities).

Verified Official & Market SourcesLast verified: October 2026
Rent: Housing & Rental Benchmarks Transit: Public Transit Tariffs Groceries: Supermarket Price Tracking Health: Healthcare Benchmarks
Cost of Living IndexNYC Base 100.0
88.7
Oslo is ~11.3% more affordable than New York City.
Single (Excl. Rent):kr 10,910/mo
1-Bed City Centre Rent:kr 13,082.41/mo
Family of 4 (Excl. Rent):kr 35,102/mo
Single Total (Inc. Rent):kr 23,992/mo
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways 2026 Household Budget Models

Summary: What is the Monthly Cost of Living in Oslo?

Living expenses in Oslo (Norway) reflect current local price levels across housing, groceries, transit, and amenities. The table below outlines canonical monthly budgets across different household setups.

Single (No Rent)
kr 10,910
Groceries, bills, transit, leisure
Single (1-Bed Centre)
kr 23,992
Complete solo city living
Family of 4 (No Rent)
kr 35,102
2 Adults + 2 Kids baseline
Family (3-Bed Centre)
kr 58,650
Family accommodation & living
Data Governance & Methodology: Operating figures are aggregated and verified from official government statistics agencies, regional transport tariffs, utility provider rates, and verified local consumer submissions.
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Compare Oslo with Another CityCompare rent, groceries, restaurants, and salaries side-by-side

Oslo Cost of Living & Salary Calculator

Estimate your net take-home salary after Norway progressive income taxes, housing expenses, and monthly savings.

Real-time 2026 Engine
kr
Presets:

Monthly Calculation

MonthlyWeekly
Estimated Net Income
kr 45,558kr 10,513
Total Expenses
kr 23,992kr 5,541
Net Disposable Savings
kr 21,566kr 4,981
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Detailed Monthly Budget Breakdown

Comfortable Budget
Calculated for: Oslo (October 2026 Verified Data)

Based on your income parameters, your estimated living expenses in Oslo total kr 23,992 per month:

Category (Click to jump ↓)YearlyMonthlyWeekly
Net Take-Home Paykr 546,700kr 45,558kr 10,513
Total Living Expenses (78%)kr 287,904kr 23,992kr 5,541
➔Housing / Rentkr 156,988.92kr 13,082.41kr 3,021
➔Groceries & Foodkr 42,477.96kr 3,539.83kr 818
➔Utilities & Broadbandkr 38,616kr 3,218kr 743
➔Public Transit / Commutekr 14,738.52kr 1,228.21kr 284
➔Dining, Health & Leisurekr 27,612kr 2,301kr 531
➔Clothing & Shoeskr 7,476kr 623kr 144
➔Childcare & Educationkr 0.00kr 0.00kr 0.00
Net Savings / Buffer (22%)kr 258,796kr 21,566kr 4,981

How Much Salary Do You Need to Live in Oslo?

Direct Answer: A single person needs a minimum net salary of kr 29,990/month (approx. kr 514,000 gross/year) to live comfortably in a private 1-bedroom apartment in Oslo, covering all utilities, groceries, transit, and modest savings. Flatsharing or living outside the centre lowers the requirement to ~kr 16,635/month net.
Household Setup & HousingRecommended Net MonthlyEstimated Total ExpensesApprox. Gross Salary / Year
University Student (Shared / Dorm)Shared room, local student transit pass, self-catered grocerieskr 7,475kr 6,229kr 106,000
Single (Shared Flat / Co-living)Private bedroom in shared apartment / flatsharekr 15,286kr 12,229kr 245,000
Single (1-Bed Outside Centre)Suburban residential district, standard commuting distancekr 16,635kr 13,308kr 277,000
Single (1-Bed City Centre)Prime downtown district, walk-to-work or rapid transitkr 29,990kr 23,992kr 514,000
Couple (2 Adults, 1–2 Bed Flat)Dual income or single earner, shared living costskr 45,260kr 36,208kr 776,000
Family of Four (2 Adults + 2 Children)3-bedroom family home, schooling, family grocerieskr 73,313kr 58,650kr 1,353,000

Is a Specific Salary Enough to Live in Oslo?

Click on any annual gross salary benchmark below to inspect take-home pay under progressive taxation and lifestyle suitability in Oslo:

Is kr 781k a Good Salary in Oslo?

High purchasing power in Oslo (~kr 46,860/mo net). Easily supports prime residential accommodation, comprehensive private health coverage, travel, and substantial savings.

Estimated Monthly Net: kr 46,860
Single Essentials Total: kr 23,992
Monthly Surplus: kr 22,868
Affordability Rating
Upper Professional / High Savings
Provides ample financial buffer for rent, dining out, and regular savings in Oslo.
Annual Gross BenchmarkTake-Home / Mo (Net)Lifestyle RatingHousing ModeTarget Household Profile
kr 329,000kr 22,482Tight for Solo / Ideal for SharedShared Flat / SuburbsStudent / Junior Entry
kr 535,000kr 32,100Manageable Entry BudgetSuburban 1-Bed ApartmentEarly Career Solo
kr 781,000kr 46,860Upper Professional / High SavingsPrime 2-Bed ApartmentSenior Specialist / Couple
kr 1,110,000kr 55,500Upper Professional / High SavingsPrime 2-Bed ApartmentSenior Specialist / Couple
kr 1,560,000kr 78,000Established Family Tier3-Bed Family Home / VillaFamily of 3–4
kr 2,260,000kr 113,000Senior Executive LeadershipLuxury Home / Prime PenthouseExecutive / Director
Head-to-Head Comparison 2026 Verified Cost Benchmarks

Oslo vs London Cost of Living Comparison

Executive Comparison Summary:

You would need around kr 28,990 in London to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with kr 23,992 in Oslo (assuming you rent in both cities).

Cost of living in Oslo is 3% higher than London Rent in Oslo is 38% lower Groceries in Oslo are 26.9% higher
Cost Index (NYC Base)
88.7 vs 86.1
+3% Higher
1-Bed City Centre Rent
kr 13,082.41
London: kr 21,110.64
38% Cheaper
Monthly Groceries
kr 3,539.83
London: kr 2,790.40
+26.9% Higher
Average Net Salary
kr 23,980
London: kr 25,070
4.3% Lower
Category / Expense ItemOsloLondonDifference
Housing & Rent
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre)kr 13,082.41kr 21,110.64 -38%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside of Centre)kr 2,398kr 2,616 -8.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre)kr 23,548kr 37,999 -38%
Groceries & Food
Monthly Grocery Basket (Basic Essentials)kr 3,539.83kr 2,790.40 +26.9%
Restaurants & Dining Out
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurantkr 224.54kr 159.14 +41.1%
Meal for 2 People (Mid-Range Restaurant, 3 Courses)kr 1,011.30kr 748.18 +35.2%
Transportation & Utilities
Monthly Public Transit Passkr 1,228.21kr 1,190.61 +3.2%
Basic Utilities (Gas, Water, Electricity, Heating - 85m²)kr 1,929.81kr 1,809.07 +6.7%
Childcare & Apparel
Preschool / Kindergarten (Monthly Full Day)kr 11,188.41kr 8,625.72 +29.7%
1 Pair of Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar)kr 623.48kr 458.78 +35.9%
Salaries & Purchasing Power
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)kr 23,980kr 25,070 -4.3%

Itemized Cost of Living in Oslo (Verified Prices)

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Accommodation & Rent in Oslo

Housing & Rental Benchmark
Average 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: kr 13,082.41/month. Suburban 1-bedroom apartments average kr 2,398/month.

Standard residential leases in Oslo typically require a 1 to 2 month refundable security deposit. Rental rates vary significantly between prime central districts and residential suburban areas.

Housing TypeAverage Monthly Rent
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre / Prime)kr 23,548
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburban / Outside Centre)kr 3,837
2-Bedroom Apartmentkr 17,661
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre)kr 13,082.41
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Centre)kr 2,398
Shared Room / Student Room (Co-housing)kr 1,319
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Food & Supermarket

Local Supermarkets
Monthly single grocery bill: kr 3,539.83
ItemAverage Price
Loaf of Fresh Bread (500g)kr 43.82
12 Medium/Large Eggskr 45.67
1 Liter Fresh Milkkr 13.63
1 kg White Ricekr 54.17
1 kg Local Cheesekr 141.92
1 kg Chicken Filletskr 144.32
1 kg Appleskr 61.91
1.5L Mineral Waterkr 25.40
Domestic Beer (0.5L / Bottle)kr 30.63
Bottle of Mid-Range Winekr 177.56
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Public Transit & Travel

Oslo Transit
Monthly transit pass: kr 1,228.21
Ticket / OptionPrice
Monthly Public Transit Pass (Unlimited)kr 1,228.21
Student / Youth Monthly Passkr 614.11 / mo
Single Transit Ticket (One-way)kr 39.24
10-Journey / Multi-Trip Cardkr 353.16
Taxi Starting Tariffkr 50.03
Taxi 1km Tariffkr 23.65
Gasoline (1 Liter Unleaded)kr 14.72
City Bike Share Membershipkr 307.05 / mo
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Utilities & Telecoms

Local Utilities
Total utilities & web: kr 3,218
Utility ServiceMonthly Cost
Basic Utilities (Gas/Heating/Water/Electricity - 85m²)kr 1,929.81
Fiber Internet (100+ Mbps Unlimited)kr 742.94
Mobile Plan (20GB 5G / Unlimited Calls)kr 545.11
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Dining Out & Leisure

Market Averages
Inexpensive meal / Lunch: kr 224.54
Activity / ItemAverage Price
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurantkr 224.54
Meal for 2 People (Mid-Range Restaurant, 3 Courses)kr 1,011.30
McDonald's Combo Meal (or Fast-Food Meal)kr 129.60
Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter Draught)kr 89.71
Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle)kr 202.09
Cappuccino (Regular Size)kr 75.32
Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33L Bottle)kr 30.74
Bottled Water (0.33 Liter Restaurant)kr 11.23
Monthly Fitness Club / Gym (1 Adult)kr 681.03
Cinema Ticket (International Release, 1 Seat)kr 198.49
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)kr 328.20
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Childcare & Education

School Benchmarks
Preschool / Kindergarten: kr 11,188.41 / mo
Level / ProgramAverage Cost
Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten (Monthly per Child)kr 11,188.41
International Primary School (Annual Tuition per Child)kr 197,714.66 / yr
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Clothing & Shoes

Retail Benchmarks
Jeans / Running Shoes: kr 623.48
Apparel ItemAverage Price
1 Pair of Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar)kr 623.48
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, etc.)kr 449.52
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)kr 1,021.98
1 Pair of Men's Leather Business Shoeskr 1,453.19
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Salaries & Financing

Financial Benchmarks
AVERAGE MONTHLY NET SALARY
kr 23,980
Take-home pay after taxes and social security contributions
20-YEAR MORTGAGE INTEREST RATE
4.50%
Annual fixed interest rate for home loans
Financial Indicator / Property TypeBenchmark Value
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)kr 23,980 / mo
Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed)4.50%
Price per Sq Metre / Sq Ft to Buy Apartment in City Centrekr 45,788.44
Price per Sq Metre / Sq Ft to Buy Apartment Outside of Centrekr 7,673.60
Tax & Net Pay Engine 2026 Fiscal Rates

Norway Take-Home Salary Calculator

Calculate your estimated take-home pay after Norway progressive income taxes, social security, and deductions:

Estimated City Net Benchmark:kr 23,980 / mo
Single Person Living Baseline (Inc. Rent):kr 23,992 / mo
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Student Cost of Living in Oslo

Key living considerations for students and academics residing in Oslo (Norway).

  • Monthly Budget: kr 6,229 – kr 7,475/month (shared room / student dorm baseline).
  • Student Room / Partition: kr 1,319/month on average.
  • Public Transit: kr 614.11/month .
  • Food & Groceries: ~kr 3,009/month with student cooking.
  • Shared Utilities & Wi-Fi: ~kr 1,287/month (pro-rated per student).
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Childcare & Education in Oslo

Educational institutions and childcare availability across Oslo.

  • Preschool / Kindergarten: Full-day private nurseries average kr 11,188.41/month.
  • International Primary School: British, American, and IB curriculum schools average kr 197,714.66/year.
  • School Structure: Public and private institutions subject to local educational standards.
  • Family Apartment (3-Bed): Average rent kr 23,548/month in central residential areas.
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Norway Healthcare & Medical Access

Medical care, statutory health coverage, and private insurance norms in Oslo.

  • Doctor (GP) Visit: Standard consultation typically ~kr 337.
  • Health Insurance Mandate: Expat policies range ~kr 885 to kr 1,947/month.
  • Prescription Medicine: Essential pharmaceuticals covered with 10%–20% copay under standard networks.
  • Hospital Network: World-class medical centers including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), and Burjeel.
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Relocation Setup & Living Tips in Oslo

Upfront relocation costs and essential initial budgeting items:

  • Rental Deposit & Cheques: Typically 1 to 2 months of base rent (approx. kr 19,624).
  • Registration & Agency Fees: Fast broadband ~kr 742.94/month.
  • Utility Connection (ADDC): Unlimited voice + 20GB+ data ~kr 545.11/month.
  • Initial Household Setup: Budget ~kr 6,541 for furnishing basics and appliances.
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Expert Money-Saving Tips in Oslo

1. Smart Supermarket Tiering Shop at local discount grocery chains and weekly open-air neighborhood produce markets for savings of 20–35% on fresh foods.
2. Monthly Transit Passes Opt for monthly or annual contactless public transportation passes over single pay-as-you-go tickets for maximum daily commuting value.
3. Energy Efficiency Monitor heating and air conditioning usage during seasonal extremes to keep residential utility charges predictable.

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Oslo

The estimated monthly cost of living in Oslo for a single individual is approximately kr 23,992 including a private 1-bedroom city centre apartment, groceries, utilities, high-speed internet, and local public transit. Excluding rent, baseline monthly living costs are approximately kr 10,910.

To live comfortably as a single person in Oslo with private accommodation, regular dining out, leisure activities, and savings, a recommended net monthly income of at least kr 29,990 to kr 35,988 is recommended.

Average rent in Oslo varies by location and unit size:
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre): kr 13,082.41/mo
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Centre): kr 2,398/mo
  • Shared Room / Flatshare: kr 1,319/mo
  • 3-Bedroom Family Apartment (City Centre): kr 23,548/mo
  • 3-Bedroom Family Apartment (Outside Centre): kr 3,837/mo

Public transportation in Oslo is accessible and economical. A regular monthly transit pass averages kr 1,228.21, while single one-way tickets cost around kr 39.24.

Monthly grocery costs in Oslo average between kr 3,539.83 for a single adult and approximately kr 9,912 for a family of four. Shopping at local supermarkets and neighborhood markets helps optimize your budget.

The primary monthly expenses are housing and rent (typically 35%–45% of total budget), groceries (18%–25%), basic utilities and broadband (8%–12%), transport (5%–8%), and dining & leisure activities (10%–15%).

Methodology, Sources & Editorial Verification

Cost of living benchmarks for Oslo are compiled using official regulatory schedules, statutory municipal fees, public transit tariffs, and verified local expat expenditure surveys.

Data aggregated from municipal utilities, official transit operators, statistical agencies, and verified user submissions.

Reviewed by: Relocation & Expat Economics Editorial Team
Last Recalibrated: October 2026
Update Cycle: Monthly dynamic sampling

2026 Audit Changelog

  • October 2026: Aligned Abu Dhabi municipality housing fee to statutory 3% ADDC rate (Resolution 13/2016). Removed single-person childcare default in calculator. Updated ITC Hafilat AED 80 pass & ADDC Green Slab cooling advice.
  • September 2026: Standardized GCC cost-of-living index baseline (Abu Dhabi 58.2 vs Dubai 65.8). Integrated UAE Labour Law No. 33 of 2021 gratuity (EOSG) formulas.
  • June 2026: Added 9-area neighbourhood rental breakdown (Al Reem, Saadiyat, Yas, Khalifa City, Masdar, MBZ, Al Raha, Corniche, Mussafah).