🇩🇰 Copenhagen vs 🇳🇴 Oslo

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇩🇰

Copenhagen

Denmark

$2,831–$4,482/mo

kr20,221 – kr32,014 / month (local)

🇳🇴

Oslo

Norway

$2,923–$4,628/mo

kr32,121 – kr50,857 / month (local)

Oslo is 3% more expensive

Copenhagen wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryCopenhagen (USD)Oslo (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$2,123–$3,303$2,192–$3,410🟢 Copenhagen
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,121–$1,769$1,157–$1,827🟢 Copenhagen
Utilities$88–$171$91–$177🟢 Copenhagen
Groceries$448–$672$463–$694🟢 Copenhagen
Eating out (mid-range meal)$59–$106$61–$110🟢 Copenhagen
Public transport (monthly)$112–$136$116–$140🟢 Copenhagen
Internet & Mobile$35–$59$37–$61🟢 Copenhagen
Gym membership$41–$77$43–$79🟢 Copenhagen
Cinema ticket$17–$21$17–$22🟢 Copenhagen
Monthly total (single)$2,831–$4,482$2,923–$4,628🟢 Copenhagen

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing3.4 / 10 · 4.0 / 10
Copenhagen
Oslo▲ better
Safety8.3 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
Copenhagen
Oslo▲ better
Healthcare8.3 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
Copenhagen
Oslo▲ better
Education7.9 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Copenhagen
Oslo▲ better
Environment8.7 / 10 · 9.5 / 10
Copenhagen
Oslo▲ better
Economy7.0 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Copenhagen
Oslo▲ better
Culture7.6 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Copenhagen
Oslo▲ better
Internet8.0 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Copenhagen
Oslo▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Copenhagen if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Oslo
  • ✓Bikes
  • ✓Design
  • ✓Happiness metrics
  • ✓Life sciences

Choose Oslo if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Oslo offers vs Copenhagen
  • ✓Salaries
  • ✓Fjords
  • ✓Safety
  • ✓Energy

You might also like…

📊

Full Copenhagen guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Copenhagen →

📊

Full Oslo guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Oslo →