Cost Comparison 2025

OslovsKuwait City

Norway
Kuwait

Overall

💰

-36.8%

Oslo is 36.8%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-30.8%

Housing is 30.8% lower

Dining

🍽️

-40.0%

Restaurants 40.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-42.1%

Food shopping 42.1% less

Comparing the cost of living between Oslo, Norway and Kuwait City, Kuwait reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Oslo is more affordable than Kuwait City by approximately 36.8%. 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 Oslo are higher than in Kuwait City by 44%. A one-bedroom apartment in Oslo's city center costs around NOK 14,000, while the same in Kuwait City is approximately KWD 450.

Dining out in Oslo is notably more expensive compared to Kuwait City. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs NOK 180 in Oslo versus KWD 3 in Kuwait City.

Public transportation in Oslo is more expensive, with monthly passes at NOK 770 compared to KWD 15 in Kuwait City.

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 Kuwait City, the same lifestyle would cost around KWD 170. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about NOK 20,804 monthly in Oslo versus KWD 595 in Kuwait City. 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
Kuwait City, Kuwait

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
NOK 14,000
KWD 450
1BR Outside Center
NOK 11,000
KWD 300
3BR City Center
NOK 25,000
KWD 900

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
NOK 180
KWD 3
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
NOK 900
KWD 15
Cappuccino
NOK 50
KWD 2
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
NOK 90
KWD 4

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
NOK 20
KWD 1
Bread (500g)
NOK 28
KWD 0
Eggs (12)
NOK 35
KWD 1
Cheese (1kg)
NOK 100
KWD 3

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
NOK 38
KWD 0
Monthly Pass
NOK 770
KWD 15
Taxi Start
NOK 120
KWD 1
Gasoline (1L)
NOK 20
KWD 0

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
NOK 1,500
KWD 25
Internet (60 Mbps)
NOK 500
KWD 25
Mobile Minute
NOK 2
KWD 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Kuwait 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 Kuwait 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

Oslo

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index95

Kuwait City

Cost of Living Index60
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oslo more expensive than Kuwait City?

No, Oslo is approximately 36.8% cheaper than Kuwait City. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 73% of your Kuwait City salary when living in Oslo. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Kuwait City, you'd need about $36,538 in Oslo for a comparable lifestyle.

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

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 73%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Kuwait City 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 Kuwait City for affordability.

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

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 Kuwait City, these figures are KWD 470 for singles and KWD 1,195 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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