Cost Comparison 2025

OslovsRio de Janeiro

Norway
Brazil

Overall

💰

-52.6%

Oslo is 52.6%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-56.9%

Housing is 56.9% lower

Dining

🍽️

-62.0%

Restaurants 62.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-55.8%

Food shopping 55.8% less

Comparing the cost of living between Oslo, Norway and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Oslo is more affordable than Rio de Janeiro by approximately 52.6%. 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 Rio de Janeiro by 132%. A one-bedroom apartment in Oslo's city center costs around NOK 14,000, while the same in Rio de Janeiro is approximately R$2,500.

Dining out in Oslo is notably more expensive compared to Rio de Janeiro. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs NOK 180 in Oslo versus R$30 in Rio de Janeiro.

Public transportation in Oslo is more expensive, with monthly passes at NOK 770 compared to R$190 in Rio de Janeiro.

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

Grocery shopping in Oslo is more expensive by approximately 126%. 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 Rio de Janeiro, the same lifestyle would cost around R$1,114. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about NOK 20,804 monthly in Oslo versus R$3,899 in Rio de Janeiro. 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
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
NOK 14,000
R$2,500
1BR Outside Center
NOK 11,000
R$1,600
3BR City Center
NOK 25,000
R$5,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
NOK 180
R$30
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
NOK 900
R$140
Cappuccino
NOK 50
R$7
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
NOK 90
R$8

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
NOK 20
R$5
Bread (500g)
NOK 28
R$7
Eggs (12)
NOK 35
R$9
Cheese (1kg)
NOK 100
R$38

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
NOK 38
R$5
Monthly Pass
NOK 770
R$190
Taxi Start
NOK 120
R$6
Gasoline (1L)
NOK 20
R$6

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
NOK 1,500
R$250
Internet (60 Mbps)
NOK 500
R$90
Mobile Minute
NOK 2
R$1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro 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

Rio de Janeiro

Cost of Living Index45
Rent Index28
Purchasing Power Index32

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oslo more expensive than Rio de Janeiro?

No, Oslo is approximately 52.6% cheaper than Rio de Janeiro. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Oslo compared to Rio de Janeiro?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 66% of your Rio de Janeiro salary when living in Oslo. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Rio de Janeiro, you'd need about $32,759 in Oslo for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Oslo and Rio de Janeiro?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 163%, 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 Rio de Janeiro for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Oslo vs Rio de Janeiro?

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 Rio de Janeiro, these figures are R$2,714 for singles and R$6,899 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Oslo and Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro to maintain your lifestyle from Oslo

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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