Cost Comparison 2025

LisbonvsOslo

Portugal
Norway

Overall

💰

+63.8%

Lisbon is 63.8%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+30.0%

Housing is 30.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+100.0%

Restaurants 100.0% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+90.0%

Food shopping 90.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Lisbon, Portugal and Oslo, Norway reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Lisbon is more expensive than Oslo by approximately 63.8%. 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 Lisbon are lower than in Oslo by 23%. A one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon's city center costs around €1,300, while the same in Oslo is approximately NOK 14,000.

Dining out in Lisbon offers significant savings compared to Oslo. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €10 in Lisbon versus NOK 180 in Oslo.

Public transportation in Lisbon is more affordable, with monthly passes at €40 compared to NOK 770 in Oslo.

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

Grocery shopping in Lisbon is more affordable by approximately 47%. 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 Lisbon can expect to spend approximately €352 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 €1,233 monthly in Lisbon 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
Lisbon, Portugal
Oslo, Norway

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,300
NOK 14,000
1BR Outside Center
€900
NOK 11,000
3BR City Center
€2,500
NOK 25,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€10
NOK 180
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€50
NOK 900
Cappuccino
€2
NOK 50
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€3
NOK 90

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
NOK 20
Bread (500g)
€1
NOK 28
Eggs (12)
€2
NOK 35
Cheese (1kg)
€9
NOK 100

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€2
NOK 38
Monthly Pass
€40
NOK 770
Taxi Start
€4
NOK 120
Gasoline (1L)
€2
NOK 20

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€100
NOK 1,500
Internet (60 Mbps)
€35
NOK 500
Mobile Minute
€0
NOK 2

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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

Lisbon

Cost of Living Index58
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index65

Oslo

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lisbon more expensive than Oslo?

Yes, Lisbon is approximately 63.8% more expensive than Oslo overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.6x of your Oslo salary when living in Lisbon. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Oslo, you'd need about $81,897 in Lisbon for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Lisbon and Oslo?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 50%, 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?

Oslo 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 Lisbon if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Oslo for better value.

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

In Lisbon, a single person needs approximately €1,252 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €2,933. 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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