Cost Comparison 2025

SantiagovsOslo

Chile
Norway

Overall

💰

+72.7%

Santiago is 72.7%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+85.7%

Housing is 85.7% higher

Dining

🍽️

+100.0%

Restaurants 100.0% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+72.7%

Food shopping 72.7% more

Comparing the cost of living between Santiago, Chile and Oslo, Norway reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Santiago is more expensive than Oslo by approximately 72.7%. 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 Santiago are lower than in Oslo by 46%. A one-bedroom apartment in Santiago's city center costs around CLP 500,000, while the same in Oslo is approximately NOK 14,000.

Dining out in Santiago offers significant savings compared to Oslo. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CLP 7,000 in Santiago versus NOK 180 in Oslo.

Public transportation in Santiago is more expensive, with monthly passes at CLP 33,000 compared to NOK 770 in Oslo.

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

Grocery shopping in Santiago is more affordable by approximately 42%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Santiago can expect to spend approximately CLP 286,600 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 CLP 1,003,100 monthly in Santiago 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
Santiago, Chile
Oslo, Norway

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CLP 500,000
NOK 14,000
1BR Outside Center
CLP 350,000
NOK 11,000
3BR City Center
CLP 900,000
NOK 25,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CLP 7,000
NOK 180
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CLP 40,000
NOK 900
Cappuccino
CLP 3,000
NOK 50
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CLP 3,000
NOK 90

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CLP 900
NOK 20
Bread (500g)
CLP 1,000
NOK 28
Eggs (12)
CLP 2,500
NOK 35
Cheese (1kg)
CLP 8,000
NOK 100

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CLP 800
NOK 38
Monthly Pass
CLP 33,000
NOK 770
Taxi Start
CLP 700
NOK 120
Gasoline (1L)
CLP 1,200
NOK 20

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CLP 80,000
NOK 1,500
Internet (60 Mbps)
CLP 20,000
NOK 500
Mobile Minute
CLP 100
NOK 2

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Santiago 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 Santiago 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

Santiago

Cost of Living Index55
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index50

Oslo

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santiago more expensive than Oslo?

Yes, Santiago is approximately 72.7% more expensive than Oslo overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.7x of your Oslo salary when living in Santiago. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Oslo, you'd need about $86,364 in Santiago for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Santiago and Oslo?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 50%, 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 Santiago if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Oslo for better value.

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

In Santiago, a single person needs approximately CLP 636,600 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about CLP 1,653,100. 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 Santiago and Oslo 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 Oslo to maintain your lifestyle from Santiago

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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