Townleap

Cost of Living: Lisbon vs Oslo (2026)

Portugal vs Norway — relocation comparison

Your passport:
79
Livability Score
🇵🇹 Lisbon
Portugal
Full profile
73
Livability Score
🇳🇴 Oslo
Norway
Full profile
Lisbon
Oslo
$1616/mo
Rent
$2004/mo
79/100
Livability
73/100
84/100
Safety
99/100
72/100
Healthcare
5 yr
PR path
238 Mbps
Internet
258 Mbps
Trabalhador Independente
Freelance setup

Wise ✓

IFICI (NHR 2.0)
Tax breaks

Open incentive regimes for newcomers

TL;DRLisbon is 19% cheaper on rent ($1616/mo vs $2004/mo). Oslo is safer — homicide rate 0.1 vs 0.7 per 100k. Both countries will let you complain about the government in public — and mean it.
Lisbon edges ahead 79 to 73. Oslo isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you.
Household
Lisbon
Metric
Oslo
$1616/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$2004/mo
$567/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$1105/mo
$7,362
🧳
Cost to land
0.7 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
0.1 / 100k
33 / 100
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
27°C
☀️
Summer high
21°C
9°C
❄️
Winter low
-5°C
238 Mbps
Internet speed
258 Mbps
10.6 μg/m³
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
8.1 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
9.8 / 10
72/100
🗣️
Street English
73/100
$52k
💼
GDP per capita
$102k
2.4% · Boringly steady
📈
Inflation
3.1% · Boringly steady
79 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
73 / 100
78/100 — Mostly stable
Grid reliability
96/100
🗽
Freedom House
5 years
📋
Time to PR
💰
Cost of Living
Lisbon
$387/mo cheaper on rent alone
🔒
Safety
Oslo
0.1 homicides per 100k
🗳️
Democracy
Oslo
9.8/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
27°C vs 21°C summers

Settler Essentials

stable
Democracy trend
improving
Inflation trend
fintechhealthtechgreentechai
Industries
active
Startup ecosystem
78/100
Grid reliability
5 yrs
Time to PR
Moderate
🇺🇸 Your visa
Easy
EU visa
Complex
RU visa
Moderate
UA visa
Partner can work immediately
Spouse works
920/mo
Retiree visa
IFICI (NHR 2.0)
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
10 wk
Gestational limit

On request up to 10 weeks since 2007 referendum. Mandatory 3-day reflection period.

Source: Center for Reproductive Rights

The Short Version

  • Rent is 19% cheaper in Lisbon ($1616/mo vs $2004/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are noticeably warmer in Lisbon (27°C vs 21°C).
  • Oslo is safer by homicide rate (0.1 vs 0.7 per 100k).
  • Oslo scores higher on democracy (9.8 vs 8.1 / 10 EIU).

Lisbon vs Oslo — Common Questions

Is Lisbon cheaper than Oslo?

Lisbon is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1616/month in Lisbon vs $2004/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Lisbon or Oslo?

Oslo is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Lisbon has a rate of 0.69 per 100,000 and Oslo has 0.15 per 100,000.

Should I move to Lisbon or Oslo?

Lisbon edges ahead 79 to 73. Oslo isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you. 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 Lisbon or Oslo?

Lisbon: Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 2 years (renewable for 3-year periods)). Oslo: no specific remote work visa. See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Which has better weather, Lisbon or Oslo?

Lisbon is warmer in summer (27°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.