Cost Comparison 2025

OslovsBangkok

Norway
Thailand

Overall

💰

-47.4%

Oslo is 47.4%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-46.2%

Housing is 46.2% lower

Dining

🍽️

-65.0%

Restaurants 65.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-42.1%

Food shopping 42.1% less

Comparing the cost of living between Oslo, Norway and Bangkok, Thailand reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Oslo is more affordable than Bangkok by approximately 47.4%. 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 Oslo are higher than in Bangkok by 86%. A one-bedroom apartment in Oslo's city center costs around NOK 14,000, while the same in Bangkok is approximately THB 20,000.

Dining out in Oslo is notably more expensive compared to Bangkok. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs NOK 180 in Oslo versus THB 80 in Bangkok.

Public transportation in Oslo is more affordable, with monthly passes at NOK 770 compared to THB 1,200 in Bangkok.

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

Grocery shopping in Oslo is more expensive by approximately 73%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Oslo can expect to spend approximately NOK 5,944 per month (excluding rent), while in Bangkok, the same lifestyle would cost around THB 8,710. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about NOK 20,804 monthly in Oslo versus THB 30,485 in Bangkok. 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
Oslo, Norway
Bangkok, Thailand

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
NOK 14,000
THB 20,000
1BR Outside Center
NOK 11,000
THB 10,000
3BR City Center
NOK 25,000
THB 50,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
NOK 180
THB 80
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
NOK 900
THB 800
Cappuccino
NOK 50
THB 80
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
NOK 90
THB 80

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
NOK 20
THB 50
Bread (500g)
NOK 28
THB 40
Eggs (12)
NOK 35
THB 50
Cheese (1kg)
NOK 100
THB 350

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
NOK 38
THB 30
Monthly Pass
NOK 770
THB 1,200
Taxi Start
NOK 120
THB 35
Gasoline (1L)
NOK 20
THB 40

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
NOK 1,500
THB 2,500
Internet (60 Mbps)
NOK 500
THB 600
Mobile Minute
NOK 2
THB 2

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Bangkok 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 Bangkok 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

Oslo

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index95

Bangkok

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index40

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oslo more expensive than Bangkok?

No, Oslo is approximately 47.4% cheaper than Bangkok. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 68% of your Bangkok salary when living in Oslo. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Bangkok, you'd need about $33,929 in Oslo for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Oslo and Bangkok?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 186%, 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 Oslo if you prioritize earning potential, or Bangkok for affordability.

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

In Oslo, a single person needs approximately NOK 16,944 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about NOK 39,804. In Bangkok, these figures are THB 18,710 for singles and THB 55,485 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Oslo and Bangkok 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 Bangkok to maintain your lifestyle from Oslo

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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