Cost of Living: London vs Oslo (2026)
United Kingdom vs Norway — relocation comparison
1BR centre
Open incentive regimes for newcomers
- VAT-free under €105k
- 9% social
- €600/yr accountant
Sourced from Numbeo · Updated May 2026
Verdict delivered. Your move.
Sources: Numbeo · UNODC · Ookla · WHO · EIU · Gallup · World Bank · Freedom House · Updated May 2026
Sun
How much sky you actually get
Sun clocks out before 5pm in both cities come December. Plan accordingly.
Source: WeatherSpark (clear-sky share of daytime hours)
Settler Essentials
Visa stamps:Easy <90 daysModerate 3–6 moComplex 6+ mo
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · official immigration portals
Reproductive Rights
Because your body shouldn't need a visa too
Requires two doctors' approval under Abortion Act 1967, but broadly available up to 24 weeks.
On request up to 18 weeks (extended from 12 weeks; law effective 1 June 2025). After 18 weeks, specialized committees review cases.
Source: Center for Reproductive Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights
Can you hold hands without doing a risk assessment first
London vs Oslo — Common Questions
Is London cheaper than Oslo?▾
Oslo is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $2004/month there vs $3000/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, London or Oslo?▾
Oslo is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. London has a rate of 1.07 per 100,000 and Oslo has 0.15 per 100,000.
Should I move to London or Oslo?▾
Oslo scores 73 to London's 61 on livability — the gap is real. London has its charms, but the numbers favor Oslo. 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 London or Oslo?▾
London: UK Skilled Worker Visa (complex process, Up to 5 years). Oslo: no specific remote work visa. See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Can I live in London or Oslo without speaking the local language?▾
London is easier for street-level English (100/100) than Oslo (73/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.
What's the cost of rent in London vs Oslo?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $2004/month in Oslo, $3000/month in London (Numbeo). That's 33% cheaper rent in Oslo.
Is London or Oslo better for democracy and rule of law?▾
Oslo scores 9.8/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 8.3/10 for London. That puts it in 'full democracy' territory — free press, independent courts, the works.
Is healthcare better in London or Oslo?▾
Oslo scores higher on our composite healthcare index (87/100 vs 82/100 for London). That score combines clinical outcomes (IHME), universal coverage (WHO), and resident perception (Numbeo) — not just whether hospitals exist but whether the system actually works for settlers.
Plot twist: other matchups exist
Maybe the real city was the comparisons we made along the way.
Let the algorithm judge you
2 min quiz — surprisingly accurate
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