Cost Comparison 2025

OslovsDoha

Norway
Qatar

Overall

💰

-31.6%

Oslo is 31.6%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-15.4%

Housing is 15.4% lower

Dining

🍽️

-35.0%

Restaurants 35.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-36.8%

Food shopping 36.8% less

Comparing the cost of living between Oslo, Norway and Doha, Qatar reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Oslo is more affordable than Doha by approximately 31.6%. 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 Doha by 18%. A one-bedroom apartment in Oslo's city center costs around NOK 14,000, while the same in Doha is approximately QAR 7,000.

Dining out in Oslo is notably more expensive compared to Doha. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs NOK 180 in Oslo versus QAR 35 in Doha.

Public transportation in Oslo is more expensive, with monthly passes at NOK 770 compared to QAR 200 in Doha.

Grocery shopping in Oslo is more expensive by approximately 58%. 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 Doha, the same lifestyle would cost around QAR 1,876. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about NOK 20,804 monthly in Oslo versus QAR 6,566 in Doha. 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
Doha, Qatar

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
NOK 14,000
QAR 7,000
1BR Outside Center
NOK 11,000
QAR 4,500
3BR City Center
NOK 25,000
QAR 14,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
NOK 180
QAR 35
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
NOK 900
QAR 200
Cappuccino
NOK 50
QAR 20
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
NOK 90
QAR 50

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
NOK 20
QAR 6
Bread (500g)
NOK 28
QAR 4
Eggs (12)
NOK 35
QAR 10
Cheese (1kg)
NOK 100
QAR 40

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
NOK 38
QAR 8
Monthly Pass
NOK 770
QAR 200
Taxi Start
NOK 120
QAR 10
Gasoline (1L)
NOK 20
QAR 2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
NOK 1,500
QAR 300
Internet (60 Mbps)
NOK 500
QAR 350
Mobile Minute
NOK 2
QAR 1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Doha 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 Doha 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

Doha

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index55
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oslo more expensive than Doha?

No, Oslo is approximately 31.6% cheaper than Doha. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 76% of your Doha salary when living in Oslo. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Doha, you'd need about $38,000 in Oslo for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Oslo and Doha?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 58%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Doha 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 cultural experiences, or Doha for better value.

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

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 Doha, these figures are QAR 6,376 for singles and QAR 15,566 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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