🇳🇴 Oslo vs 🇨🇭 Zurich
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇳🇴
Oslo
Norway
$2,923–$4,628/mo
kr32,121 – kr50,857 / month (local)
🇨🇭
Zurich
Switzerland
$3,538–$5,603/mo
CHF3,159 – CHF5,003 / month (local)
Zurich is 21% more expensive
Oslo wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Oslo (USD) | Zurich (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,192–$3,410 | $2,654–$4,128 | 🟢 Oslo |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,157–$1,827 | $1,401–$2,212 | 🟢 Oslo |
| Utilities | $91–$177 | $111–$214 | 🟢 Oslo |
| Groceries | $463–$694 | $560–$840 | 🟢 Oslo |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $61–$110 | $74–$133 | 🟢 Oslo |
| Public transport (monthly) | $116–$140 | $140–$170 | 🟢 Oslo |
| Internet & Mobile | $37–$61 | $44–$74 | 🟢 Oslo |
| Gym membership | $43–$79 | $52–$96 | 🟢 Oslo |
| Cinema ticket | $17–$22 | $21–$27 | 🟢 Oslo |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,923–$4,628 | $3,538–$5,603 | 🟢 Oslo |
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
Housing4.0 / 10 · 1.8 / 10
Oslo▲ better
Zurich
Safety9.1 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Oslo▲ better
Zurich
Healthcare9.1 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Oslo▲ better
Zurich
Education8.7 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Oslo▲ better
Zurich
Environment9.5 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Oslo▲ better
Zurich
Economy7.8 / 10 · 7.0 / 10
Oslo▲ better
Zurich
Culture8.4 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Oslo▲ better
Zurich
Internet8.8 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Oslo▲ better
Zurich
Who should choose which city?
Choose Oslo if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Zurich
- ✓Salaries
- ✓Fjords
- ✓Safety
- ✓Energy
Choose Zurich if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Zurich offers vs Oslo
- ✓Salaries
- ✓Nature
- ✓Safety
- ✓Finance
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📊
Full Oslo guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Oslo →📊
Full Zurich guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Zurich →