Cost Comparison 2025

Mexico CityvsOslo

Mexico
Norway

Overall

💰

+111.1%

Mexico City is 111.1%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+85.7%

Housing is 85.7% higher

Dining

🍽️

+150.0%

Restaurants 150.0% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+137.5%

Food shopping 137.5% more

Comparing the cost of living between Mexico City, Mexico and Oslo, Norway reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Mexico City is more expensive than Oslo by approximately 111.1%. 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 Mexico City are lower than in Oslo by 46%. A one-bedroom apartment in Mexico City's city center costs around MX$15,000, while the same in Oslo is approximately NOK 14,000.

Dining out in Mexico City offers significant savings compared to Oslo. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs MX$100 in Mexico City versus NOK 180 in Oslo.

Public transportation in Mexico City is more affordable, with monthly passes at MX$500 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 Mexico City.

Grocery shopping in Mexico City is more affordable by approximately 58%. 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 Mexico City can expect to spend approximately MX$5,050 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 MX$17,675 monthly in Mexico City 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
Mexico City, Mexico
Oslo, Norway

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
MX$15,000
NOK 14,000
1BR Outside Center
MX$8,000
NOK 11,000
3BR City Center
MX$30,000
NOK 25,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
MX$100
NOK 180
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
MX$700
NOK 900
Cappuccino
MX$60
NOK 50
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
MX$40
NOK 90

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
MX$25
NOK 20
Bread (500g)
MX$35
NOK 28
Eggs (12)
MX$35
NOK 35
Cheese (1kg)
MX$120
NOK 100

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
MX$5
NOK 38
Monthly Pass
MX$500
NOK 770
Taxi Start
MX$40
NOK 120
Gasoline (1L)
MX$23
NOK 20

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
MX$1,000
NOK 1,500
Internet (60 Mbps)
MX$500
NOK 500
Mobile Minute
MX$2
NOK 2

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Mexico City 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 Mexico City 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

Mexico City

Cost of Living Index45
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index45

Oslo

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mexico City more expensive than Oslo?

Yes, Mexico City is approximately 111.1% more expensive than Oslo overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Mexico City compared to Oslo?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 2.1x of your Oslo salary when living in Mexico City. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Oslo, you'd need about $105,556 in Mexico City for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Mexico City and Oslo?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 60%, 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 Mexico City if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Oslo for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Mexico City vs Oslo?

In Mexico City, a single person needs approximately MX$13,050 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about MX$35,675. 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 Mexico City 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 Mexico City

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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