Cost Comparison 2025

AtlantavsOslo

United States
Norway

Overall

💰

+26.7%

Atlanta is 26.7%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+8.3%

Housing is 8.3% higher

Dining

🍽️

+42.9%

Restaurants 42.9% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+26.7%

Food shopping 26.7% more

Comparing the cost of living between Atlanta, United States and Oslo, Norway reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Atlanta is more expensive than Oslo by approximately 26.7%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Atlanta are lower than in Oslo by 8%. A one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta's city center costs around $1,900, while the same in Oslo is approximately NOK 14,000.

Dining out in Atlanta offers significant savings compared to Oslo. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $16 in Atlanta versus NOK 180 in Oslo.

Public transportation in Atlanta is more affordable, with monthly passes at $95 compared to NOK 770 in Oslo.

Purchasing power in Atlanta is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Oslo.

Grocery shopping in Atlanta is more affordable by approximately 21%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Atlanta can expect to spend approximately $572 per month (excluding rent), while in Oslo, the same lifestyle would cost around NOK 5,944. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about $2,003 monthly in Atlanta versus NOK 20,804 in Oslo. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Atlanta, United States
Oslo, Norway

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
$1,900
NOK 14,000
1BR Outside Center
$1,400
NOK 11,000
3BR City Center
$3,500
NOK 25,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$16
NOK 180
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$80
NOK 900
Cappuccino
$5
NOK 50
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$6
NOK 90

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
$1
NOK 20
Bread (500g)
$3
NOK 28
Eggs (12)
$4
NOK 35
Cheese (1kg)
$12
NOK 100

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$3
NOK 38
Monthly Pass
$95
NOK 770
Taxi Start
$4
NOK 120
Gasoline (1L)
$1
NOK 20

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$130
NOK 1,500
Internet (60 Mbps)
$60
NOK 500
Mobile Minute
$0
NOK 2

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Atlanta to Oslo, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Oslo to Atlanta requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Atlanta

Cost of Living Index75
Rent Index60
Purchasing Power Index108

Oslo

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta more expensive than Oslo?

Yes, Atlanta is approximately 26.7% more expensive than Oslo overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Atlanta compared to Oslo?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.3x of your Oslo salary when living in Atlanta. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Oslo, you'd need about $63,333 in Atlanta for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Atlanta and Oslo?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 30%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Atlanta offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Oslo provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Atlanta if you prioritize earning potential, or Oslo for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Atlanta vs Oslo?

In Atlanta, a single person needs approximately $1,972 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $4,503. In Oslo, these figures are NOK 16,944 for singles and NOK 39,804 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Atlanta and Oslo in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Oslo to maintain your lifestyle from Atlanta

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers