Townleap

Cost of Living: Graz vs Oslo (2026)

Austria vs Norway — relocation comparison

Your passport:
77
Livability Score
🇦🇹 Graz
Austria
Full profile
73
Livability Score
🇳🇴 Oslo
Norway
Full profile
Graz
Oslo
$772/mo
Rent
$2004/mo
77/100
Livability
73/100
89/100
Safety
99/100
77/100
Healthcare
5 yr
PR path
Internet
258 Mbps
EPU
Freelance setup

Wise ✓

Zuzugsfreibetrag (Researcher Relocation Allowance), Flat-Rate Foreign Income Tax (Zuzugsbegünstigung)
Tax breaks

Open incentive regimes for newcomers

TL;DRGraz is 61% cheaper on rent ($772/mo vs $2004/mo). Oslo is safer — homicide rate 0.1 vs 0.9 per 100k. Both cities require a personal relationship with your winter coat.
Too close to call — 77 vs 73. Graz has a slight edge, but Oslo might suit you better depending on your priorities.
Household
Graz
Metric
Oslo
$772/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$2004/mo
$909/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$1105/mo
$4,786
🧳
Cost to land
0.9 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
0.1 / 100k
25°C
☀️
Summer high
21°C
-3°C
❄️
Winter low
-5°C
Internet speed
258 Mbps
15.1 μg/m³
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
8.3 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
9.8 / 10
74/100
🗣️
Street English
73/100
$74k
💼
GDP per capita
$102k
2.9% · Boringly steady
📈
Inflation
3.1% · Boringly steady
77 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
73 / 100
5 years
📋
Time to PR
💰
Cost of Living
Graz
$1232/mo cheaper on rent alone
🔒
Safety
Oslo
0.1 homicides per 100k
🗳️
Democracy
Oslo
9.8/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
25°C vs 21°C summers

Settler Essentials

stable
Inflation trend
5 yrs
Time to PR
Moderate
🇺🇸 Your visa
Easy
EU visa
Moderate
RU visa
Moderate
UA visa
Partner can work immediately
Spouse works
Zuzugsfreibetrag (Researcher Relocation Allowance), Flat-Rate Foreign Income Tax (Zuzugsbegünstigung)
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
14 wk
Gestational limit

Legal within first trimester. Counseling required.

Source: Center for Reproductive Rights

The Short Version

  • Rent is 61% cheaper in Graz ($772/mo vs $2004/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are noticeably warmer in Graz (25°C vs 21°C).
  • Oslo is safer by homicide rate (0.1 vs 0.9 per 100k).
  • Oslo scores higher on democracy (9.8 vs 8.3 / 10 EIU).

Graz vs Oslo — Common Questions

Is Graz cheaper than Oslo?

Graz is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $772/month in Graz vs $2004/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Graz or Oslo?

Oslo is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Graz has a rate of 0.88 per 100,000 and Oslo has 0.15 per 100,000.

Should I move to Graz or Oslo?

Too close to call — 77 vs 73. Graz has a slight edge, but Oslo 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.

Is it easier to get residency in Graz or Oslo?

Graz: EU Blue Card (Austria) (complex process, Up to 4 years). Oslo: no specific remote work visa. See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Which has better weather, Graz or Oslo?

Graz is warmer in summer (25°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.

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

Factor in your salary, family size, weather preferences, and deal-breakers.