Cost Comparison 2025

OslovsTaipei

Norway
Taiwan

Overall

💰

-31.6%

Oslo is 31.6%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-38.5%

Housing is 38.5% lower

Dining

🍽️

-45.0%

Restaurants 45.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-21.1%

Food shopping 21.1% less

Comparing the cost of living between Oslo, Norway and Taipei, Taiwan reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Oslo is more affordable than Taipei 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 Taipei by 63%. A one-bedroom apartment in Oslo's city center costs around NOK 14,000, while the same in Taipei is approximately NT$25,000.

Dining out in Oslo is notably more expensive compared to Taipei. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs NOK 180 in Oslo versus NT$120 in Taipei.

Public transportation in Oslo is more affordable, with monthly passes at NOK 770 compared to NT$1,280 in Taipei.

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

Grocery shopping in Oslo is more expensive by approximately 27%. 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 Taipei, the same lifestyle would cost around NT$9,880. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about NOK 20,804 monthly in Oslo versus NT$34,580 in Taipei. 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
Taipei, Taiwan

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
NOK 14,000
NT$25,000
1BR Outside Center
NOK 11,000
NT$15,000
3BR City Center
NOK 25,000
NT$50,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
NOK 180
NT$120
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
NOK 900
NT$800
Cappuccino
NOK 50
NT$120
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
NOK 90
NT$80

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
NOK 20
NT$95
Bread (500g)
NOK 28
NT$50
Eggs (12)
NOK 35
NT$80
Cheese (1kg)
NOK 100
NT$600

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
NOK 38
NT$25
Monthly Pass
NOK 770
NT$1,280
Taxi Start
NOK 120
NT$85
Gasoline (1L)
NOK 20
NT$32

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
NOK 1,500
NT$2,500
Internet (60 Mbps)
NOK 500
NT$900
Mobile Minute
NOK 2
NT$5

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Taipei 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 Taipei 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

Taipei

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index70

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oslo more expensive than Taipei?

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

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

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

What are the biggest cost differences between Oslo and Taipei?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 82%, 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 Taipei for affordability.

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

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 Taipei, these figures are NT$24,880 for singles and NT$64,580 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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