Townleap

Cost of Living: Bologna vs Oslo (2026)

Italy vs Norway — relocation comparison

Your passport:
69
Livability Score
🇮🇹 Bologna
Italy
Full profile
73
Livability Score
🇳🇴 Oslo
Norway
Full profile
Bologna
Oslo
$1130/mo
Rent
$2004/mo
69/100
Livability
73/100
84/100
Safety
99/100
76/100
Healthcare
5 yr
PR path
Internet
258 Mbps
Regime Forfettario
Freelance setup

Wise ✓

Impatriati Regime, Regime Forfettario, New Residents Flat Tax, 7% Retiree Flat Tax
Tax breaks

Open incentive regimes for newcomers

TL;DRBologna is 44% cheaper on rent ($1130/mo vs $2004/mo). Oslo scores 9.8 vs 7.6 on democracy. Both are solid options for settling down — the spreadsheet won't save you from this one.
Too close to call — 73 vs 69. Oslo has a slight edge, but Bologna might suit you better depending on your priorities.
Household
Bologna
Metric
Oslo
$1130/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$2004/mo
$724/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$1105/mo
$6,884
🧳
Cost to land
0.6 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
0.1 / 100k
31°C
☀️
Summer high
21°C
2°C
❄️
Winter low
-5°C
Internet speed
258 Mbps
15 μg/m³
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
7.6 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
9.8 / 10
29/100
🗣️
Street English
73/100
$62k
💼
GDP per capita
$102k
1.0% · Practically frozen
📈
Inflation
3.1% · Boringly steady
69 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
73 / 100
5 years
📋
Time to PR
💰
Cost of Living
Bologna
$874/mo cheaper on rent alone
🔒
Safety
Oslo
0.1 homicides per 100k
🗳️
Democracy
Oslo
9.8/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
31°C vs 21°C summers
🗣️
English
Oslo
higher proficiency score

Settler Essentials

stable
Inflation trend
5 yrs
Time to PR
Moderate
🇺🇸 Your visa
Easy
EU visa
Complex
RU visa
Easy
UA visa
Impatriati Regime, Regime Forfettario, New Residents Flat Tax, 7% Retiree Flat Tax
Tax breaks

Visa stamps:Easy <90 daysModerate 3–6 moComplex 6+ mo

Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals

Reproductive Rights

Because your body shouldn't need a visa too

On request
Abortion access
12 wk
Gestational limit

On request up to 90 days. 7-day waiting period. High rates of conscientious objection limit practical access.

Source: Center for Reproductive Rights

The Short Version

  • Rent is 44% cheaper in Bologna ($1130/mo vs $2004/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are dramatically warmer in Bologna (31°C vs 21°C).
  • Oslo scores higher on democracy (9.8 vs 7.6 / 10 EIU).
  • Street-level English is easier in Oslo (73/100 vs 29/100).

Bologna vs Oslo — Common Questions

Is Bologna cheaper than Oslo?

Bologna is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1130/month in Bologna vs $2004/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Bologna or Oslo?

Oslo is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Bologna has a rate of 0.57 per 100,000 and Oslo has 0.15 per 100,000.

Should I move to Bologna or Oslo?

Too close to call — 73 vs 69. Oslo has a slight edge, but Bologna might suit you better depending on your priorities. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Which has better weather, Bologna or Oslo?

Bologna is warmer in summer (31°C vs 21°C). Oslo has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Can I live in Bologna or Oslo without speaking the local language?

Oslo is easier for street-level English (73/100) than Bologna (29/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

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