affordwhere
DestinationsBlogAboutData Sources
affordwhere

Oslo vs Stavanger: Cost of Living Compared

A side-by-side comparison of rent, daily expenses, and quality-of-life factors in Oslo (Norway) and Stavanger (Norway). Data sourced from official government statistics, updated 2026.

CategoryOsloStavanger
CountryNorwayNorway
CurrencyNOK (kr)NOK (kr)
1BR Rent Rangekr13,000 - kr23,000kr11,000 - kr20,000Cheaper
2BR Rent Rangekr17,000 - kr34,000kr15,500 - kr28,000Cheaper
Groceries / mokr4,500kr4,400Cheaper
Transport Pass / mokr850kr820Cheaper
Dining Out / mokr3,500kr3,400Cheaper
English Level5/5 (Excellent)5/5 (Excellent)
Neighborhoods Tracked55
Healthcare SystemPublic (Helfo)Public (Helfo)

Verdict

Overall, Stavanger tends to be more affordable when comparing rent, groceries, transport, and dining costs. However, the two cities use the same currency, so exchange rates and local salary levels also play a significant role. Use our calculator to see what your specific salary means in each city.

Explore Oslo

5 neighborhoods, rent data, and full cost breakdown in Norway

View Oslo details

Explore Stavanger

5 neighborhoods, rent data, and full cost breakdown in Norway

View Stavanger details

Calculate your salary in both cities

Enter your gross salary to see net pay, rent affordability, and savings potential in Oslo and Stavanger.

Open the comparison calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oslo or Stavanger cheaper to live in?

Based on our data, Stavanger is generally cheaper to live in when comparing rent, groceries, transport, and dining costs. However, costs vary significantly by neighborhood and lifestyle.

What is rent like in Oslo vs Stavanger?

In Oslo, 1-bedroom rents range from kr13,000 to kr23,000 per month across 5 neighborhoods. In Stavanger, 1-bedroom rents range from kr11,000 to kr20,000 per month across 5 neighborhoods.

How do transport costs compare in Oslo vs Stavanger?

A monthly public transport pass costs kr850 in Oslo and kr820 in Stavanger. Both cities have well-developed public transit systems.

Which city is better for expats, Oslo or Stavanger?

Oslo has an English proficiency rating of 5/5 (Excellent) and Stavanger rates 5/5 (Excellent). Oslo uses Public (Helfo) healthcare, while Stavanger uses Public (Helfo). Both factors are important for expats considering a move.

affordwhere

Know what your salary buys before you move. Take-home pay, neighborhoods, and savings across 175+ cities in 33 countries.

Updated Mar 2026

Explore

  • Calculator
  • Blog
  • Data sources
  • Benchmarks

Countries

AustraliaAustriaBelgiumCanadaCyprusCzechiaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyHong KongIndiaIndonesiaIrelandItalyJapanMalaysiaMexicoNetherlandsNew ZealandNorwayPolandPortugalSingaporeSpainSwedenSwitzerlandTaiwanThailandUAEU.K.U.S.A.Vietnam

Company

  • About
  • Testimonials
  • FAQ

Legal

  • Privacy
  • Terms

© 2026 AffordWhere. Estimates only, not financial advice.

2026 tax rules • Mar 2026 rent data