Cost Comparison 2025

BrisbanevsOslo

Australia
Norway

Overall

💰

+15.9%

Brisbane is 15.9%more expensive

Rent

🏠

0.0%

Housing is 0.0% same

Dining

🍽️

+25.0%

Restaurants 25.0% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+21.8%

Food shopping 21.8% more

Comparing the cost of living between Brisbane, Australia and Oslo, Norway reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Brisbane is more expensive than Oslo by approximately 15.9%. 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 Brisbane are similar than in Oslo. A one-bedroom apartment in Brisbane's city center costs around A$2,200, while the same in Oslo is approximately NOK 14,000.

Dining out in Brisbane offers significant savings compared to Oslo. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs A$20 in Brisbane versus NOK 180 in Oslo.

Public transportation in Brisbane is more affordable, with monthly passes at A$175 compared to NOK 770 in Oslo.

Grocery shopping in Brisbane is more affordable by approximately 18%. 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 Brisbane can expect to spend approximately A$791 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 A$2,769 monthly in Brisbane 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
Brisbane, Australia
Oslo, Norway

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
A$2,200
NOK 14,000
1BR Outside Center
A$1,700
NOK 11,000
3BR City Center
A$3,800
NOK 25,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
A$20
NOK 180
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
A$100
NOK 900
Cappuccino
A$5
NOK 50
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
A$10
NOK 90

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
A$2
NOK 20
Bread (500g)
A$3
NOK 28
Eggs (12)
A$5
NOK 35
Cheese (1kg)
A$11
NOK 100

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
A$5
NOK 38
Monthly Pass
A$175
NOK 770
Taxi Start
A$5
NOK 120
Gasoline (1L)
A$2
NOK 20

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
A$180
NOK 1,500
Internet (60 Mbps)
A$80
NOK 500
Mobile Minute
A$0
NOK 2

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Brisbane 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 Brisbane 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

Brisbane

Cost of Living Index82
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index102

Oslo

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brisbane more expensive than Oslo?

Yes, Brisbane is approximately 15.9% more expensive than Oslo overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.2x of your Oslo salary when living in Brisbane. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Oslo, you'd need about $57,927 in Brisbane for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Brisbane and Oslo?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 20%, 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?

Brisbane 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 Brisbane if you prioritize earning potential, or Oslo for affordability.

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

In Brisbane, a single person needs approximately A$2,491 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about A$5,569. 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 Brisbane and Oslo in 2025 shows notable 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 Brisbane

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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