🇪🇸 Madrid vs 🇳🇴 Oslo
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇪🇸
Madrid
Spain
$2,092–$3,313/mo
€1,937 – €3,068 / month (local)
🇳🇴
Oslo
Norway
$2,923–$4,628/mo
kr32,121 – kr50,857 / month (local)
Oslo is 40% more expensive
Madrid wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Madrid (USD) | Oslo (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,569–$2,441 | $2,192–$3,410 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $828–$1,308 | $1,157–$1,827 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Utilities | $65–$126 | $91–$177 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Groceries | $331–$497 | $463–$694 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $44–$78 | $61–$110 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Public transport (monthly) | $83–$100 | $116–$140 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Internet & Mobile | $26–$44 | $37–$61 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Gym membership | $31–$57 | $43–$79 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Cinema ticket | $12–$16 | $17–$22 | 🟢 Madrid |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,092–$3,313 | $2,923–$4,628 | 🟢 Madrid |
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
Housing6.0 / 10 · 4.0 / 10
Madrid▲ better
Oslo
Safety9.3 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
Madrid▲ better
Oslo
Healthcare9.3 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
Madrid▲ better
Oslo
Education8.9 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Madrid▲ better
Oslo
Environment8.0 / 10 · 9.5 / 10
Madrid
Oslo▲ better
Economy8.0 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Madrid▲ better
Oslo
Culture8.6 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Madrid▲ better
Oslo
Internet9.0 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Madrid▲ better
Oslo
Who should choose which city?
Choose Madrid if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Oslo
- ✓Lifestyle
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Nightlife
- ✓EU mobility
Choose Oslo if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Oslo offers vs Madrid
- ✓Salaries
- ✓Fjords
- ✓Safety
- ✓Energy
You might also like…
📊
Full Madrid guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Madrid →📊
Full Oslo guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Oslo →