City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Portugal
COL index 71.2
Norway
COL index 92.8
Lisbon vs Oslo — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Lisbon is 23.3% cheaper than Oslo for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Lisbon | Metric | Oslo | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 71.2 | Cost of living index | 92.8 | +30.3% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €32,496 | Net at €50,000 gross | €35,802 | +10.2% |
| €1,450 | Rent — 1BR centre | €2,280 | +57.2% |
| €2,014 | Monthly COL (single) | €3,256 | +61.7% |
| €45,641 | PPP — net / COL | €38,580 | -15.5% |
| 35.0% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 28.4% | -18.9% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Portugal = €2,321 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Oslo, you would need roughly €59,150 gross in Norway (≈ €3,530 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
Affiliate disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. WorthOf may earn a commission if you sign up. This does not affect our data, our methodology, or our editorial independence.
Pros & cons
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€1,450)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (62.5%)
- +14-month salary structure
- −High cost of living (index 93)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (76.4%)
The verdict
Across the data, Oslo delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Lisbon carries a lower cost-of-living index; Oslo has the lighter effective tax burden; Lisbon wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Lisbon edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Lisbon cheaper than Oslo?+
Lisbon is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Lisbon 71.2, Oslo 92.8 — a 23.3% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Lisbon and Oslo?+
Lisbon sits at 71.2 on our COL index, Oslo at 92.8. That works out to roughly 23.3% — Lisbon being the cheaper of the two.
Is Lisbon a good place to live compared to Oslo?+
It depends on priorities. Lisbon delivers €32,496 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 35.0% effective tax rate. Oslo delivers €35,802 at 28.4%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,450 vs €2,280.
How do salaries compare in Lisbon vs Oslo?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €32,496/year (€2,321/month) in Lisbon and €35,802/year (€2,984/month) in Oslo.
Which city has lower taxes, Lisbon or Oslo?+
Norway has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Portugal 35.0%, Norway 28.4%.