Cost Comparison 2025

LondonvsOslo

United Kingdom
Norway

Overall

💰

0.0%

London is 0.0%same cost

Rent

🏠

-23.5%

Housing is 23.5% lower

Dining

🍽️

+5.3%

Restaurants 5.3% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+18.8%

Food shopping 18.8% more

Comparing the cost of living between London, United Kingdom and Oslo, Norway reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that London is similarly priced than Oslo. 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 London are higher than in Oslo by 31%. A one-bedroom apartment in London's city center costs around £2,500, while the same in Oslo is approximately NOK 14,000.

Dining out in London costs about the same compared to Oslo. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs £18 in London versus NOK 180 in Oslo.

Public transportation in London is more affordable, with monthly passes at £180 compared to NOK 770 in Oslo.

Grocery shopping in London is more affordable by approximately 16%. 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 London can expect to spend approximately £716 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 £2,505 monthly in London 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
London, United Kingdom
Oslo, Norway

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
£2,500
NOK 14,000
1BR Outside Center
£1,800
NOK 11,000
3BR City Center
£5,500
NOK 25,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
£18
NOK 180
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
£80
NOK 900
Cappuccino
£4
NOK 50
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
£6
NOK 90

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
£1
NOK 20
Bread (500g)
£2
NOK 28
Eggs (12)
£3
NOK 35
Cheese (1kg)
£10
NOK 100

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
£3
NOK 38
Monthly Pass
£180
NOK 770
Taxi Start
£4
NOK 120
Gasoline (1L)
£2
NOK 20

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
£200
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 Oslo to London, 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 London to Oslo 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

London

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index85
Purchasing Power Index90

Oslo

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is London more expensive than Oslo?

The cost of living in London and Oslo is relatively similar, with only minor differences in specific categories. Your actual expenses will depend on your lifestyle choices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 100% of your Oslo salary when living in London. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Oslo, you'd need about $50,000 in London for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between London and Oslo?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 31%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. 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 London if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Oslo for better value.

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

In London, a single person needs approximately £2,516 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about £6,005. 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 London and Oslo in 2025 shows moderate 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 London

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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