Cost Comparison 2025

ParisvsOslo

France
Norway

Overall

💰

+11.8%

Paris is 11.8%more expensive

Rent

🏠

-7.1%

Housing is 7.1% lower

Dining

🍽️

+17.6%

Restaurants 17.6% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+5.6%

Food shopping 5.6% more

Comparing the cost of living between Paris, France and Oslo, Norway reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Paris is more expensive than Oslo by approximately 11.8%. 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 Paris are higher than in Oslo by 8%. A one-bedroom apartment in Paris's city center costs around €1,800, while the same in Oslo is approximately NOK 14,000.

Dining out in Paris offers significant savings compared to Oslo. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €15 in Paris versus NOK 180 in Oslo.

Public transportation in Paris is more affordable, with monthly passes at €86 compared to NOK 770 in Oslo.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Paris can expect to spend approximately €558 per month (excluding rent), while in Oslo, the same lifestyle would cost around NOK 5,944. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €1,952 monthly in Paris versus NOK 20,804 in Oslo. 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
Paris, France
Oslo, Norway

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,800
NOK 14,000
1BR Outside Center
€1,200
NOK 11,000
3BR City Center
€4,000
NOK 25,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€15
NOK 180
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€70
NOK 900
Cappuccino
€4
NOK 50
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€7
NOK 90

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
NOK 20
Bread (500g)
€2
NOK 28
Eggs (12)
€4
NOK 35
Cheese (1kg)
€18
NOK 100

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€2
NOK 38
Monthly Pass
€86
NOK 770
Taxi Start
€5
NOK 120
Gasoline (1L)
€2
NOK 20

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€170
NOK 1,500
Internet (60 Mbps)
€30
NOK 500
Mobile Minute
€0
NOK 2

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Paris 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 Paris 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

Paris

Cost of Living Index85
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index85

Oslo

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paris more expensive than Oslo?

Yes, Paris is approximately 11.8% more expensive than Oslo overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Oslo salary when living in Paris. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Oslo, you'd need about $55,882 in Paris for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Paris and Oslo?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 15%, 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 Paris if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Oslo for better value.

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

In Paris, a single person needs approximately €1,758 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €4,452. In Oslo, these figures are NOK 16,944 for singles and NOK 39,804 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Paris and Oslo in 2025 shows notable 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 Oslo to maintain your lifestyle from Paris

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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