Cost Comparison 2025

SingaporevsOslo

Singapore
Norway

Overall

💰

0.0%

Singapore is 0.0%same cost

Rent

🏠

-27.8%

Housing is 27.8% lower

Dining

🍽️

+25.0%

Restaurants 25.0% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+11.8%

Food shopping 11.8% more

Comparing the cost of living between Singapore, Singapore and Oslo, Norway reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Singapore is similarly priced than Oslo. 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 Singapore are higher than in Oslo by 38%. A one-bedroom apartment in Singapore's city center costs around SGD 3,500, while the same in Oslo is approximately NOK 14,000.

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

Public transportation in Singapore is more affordable, with monthly passes at SGD 120 compared to NOK 770 in Oslo.

Grocery shopping in Singapore is more affordable by approximately 11%. 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 Singapore can expect to spend approximately SGD 777 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 SGD 2,720 monthly in Singapore 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
Singapore, Singapore
Oslo, Norway

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
SGD 3,500
NOK 14,000
1BR Outside Center
SGD 2,500
NOK 11,000
3BR City Center
SGD 7,000
NOK 25,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
SGD 15
NOK 180
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
SGD 100
NOK 900
Cappuccino
SGD 6
NOK 50
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
SGD 10
NOK 90

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
SGD 3
NOK 20
Bread (500g)
SGD 3
NOK 28
Eggs (12)
SGD 4
NOK 35
Cheese (1kg)
SGD 20
NOK 100

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
SGD 2
NOK 38
Monthly Pass
SGD 120
NOK 770
Taxi Start
SGD 4
NOK 120
Gasoline (1L)
SGD 3
NOK 20

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
SGD 200
NOK 1,500
Internet (60 Mbps)
SGD 50
NOK 500
Mobile Minute
SGD 0
NOK 2

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Oslo to Singapore, 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 Singapore to Oslo 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

Singapore

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index90
Purchasing Power Index100

Oslo

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Singapore more expensive than Oslo?

The cost of living in Singapore and Oslo is relatively similar, with only minor differences in specific categories. Your actual expenses will depend on your lifestyle choices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 100% of your Oslo salary when living in Singapore. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Oslo, you'd need about $50,000 in Singapore for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Singapore and Oslo?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 38%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Singapore 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 Singapore if you prioritize earning potential, or Oslo for affordability.

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

In Singapore, a single person needs approximately SGD 3,277 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about SGD 7,220. 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 Singapore and Oslo in 2025 shows moderate 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 Singapore

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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