City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Norway
COL index 92.8
Sweden
COL index 84.2
Oslo vs Stockholm — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Stockholm is 9.3% cheaper than Oslo for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Oslo | Metric | Stockholm | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 92.8 | Cost of living index | 84.2 | -9.3% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €35,802 | Net at €50,000 gross | €31,620 | -11.7% |
| €2,280 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,920 | -15.8% |
| €3,256 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,736 | -16.0% |
| €38,580 | PPP — net / COL | €37,553 | -2.7% |
| 28.4% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 36.8% | +29.5% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Norway = €2,984 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Stockholm, you would need roughly €51,367 gross in Sweden (≈ €2,707 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- −High cost of living (index 93)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (76.4%)
- +Lower rent (€1,920 vs €2,280)
- −High cost of living (index 84)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (72.9%)
The verdict
Across the data, Oslo delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Stockholm carries a lower cost-of-living index; Oslo has the lighter effective tax burden; Oslo wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Oslo edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Oslo cheaper than Stockholm?+
Stockholm is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Oslo 92.8, Stockholm 84.2 — a 9.3% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Oslo and Stockholm?+
Oslo sits at 92.8 on our COL index, Stockholm at 84.2. That works out to roughly 9.3% — Stockholm being the cheaper of the two.
Is Oslo a good place to live compared to Stockholm?+
It depends on priorities. Oslo delivers €35,802 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 28.4% effective tax rate. Stockholm delivers €31,620 at 36.8%. Centre 1-bed rent: €2,280 vs €1,920.
How do salaries compare in Oslo vs Stockholm?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €35,802/year (€2,984/month) in Oslo and €31,620/year (€2,635/month) in Stockholm.
Which city has lower taxes, Oslo or Stockholm?+
Norway has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Norway 28.4%, Sweden 36.8%.