Chicago vs Oslo

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Oslo is roughly 13% more affordable than Chicago (index 52 vs 60, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Oslo
More affordable overall
13% cheaper than Chicago · Cost index: 52 vs 60

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

60Cost Index52
4,800Median Income /mo4,320
60Safety Index75
4.95Income Tax %26
150Internet (Mbps)120
250Coworking /mo480

Price Breakdown

ChicagoCategoryOslo
$2,471/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
24% ← cheaper
$1,890/month
$1.35/liter
Meal for One
10% cheaper →
$1.5/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
18% cheaper →
$22/meal
$75/month
Monthly Transit Pass
12% cheaper →
$85/month
$166/month
Utilities (Monthly)
43% cheaper →
$290/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
$120/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Chicago

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability77/100

Oslo

Internet120 Mbps
Coworking$480/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability78/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago cheaper than Oslo?

Oslo is cheaper than Chicago. Oslo has a cost of living index of 52/100 compared to 60/100 for Chicago (New York = 100), making it roughly 13% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Oslo than Chicago?

Oslo is approximately 13% cheaper than Chicago based on cost index scores (52 vs 60, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Chicago could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,607/month in Oslo.

What is the rent comparison between Chicago and Oslo?

In Chicago, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,471/month. In Oslo, the equivalent is around $1,890/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Chicago or Oslo?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Chicago offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Oslo offers 120 Mbps and coworking at ~$480/month. Oslo has a cost advantage of 13%.

What is the average income in Chicago vs Oslo?

The median net monthly salary in Chicago is approximately $4,800 USD, compared to $4,320 USD in Oslo.

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