Oslo vs Helsinki — Cost of Living Comparison

Updated March 2026 · Monthly costs in EUR
Helsinki is 22.6% less expensive than Oslo
Based on rent, groceries, dining, transport, utilities, and internet

Side-by-side monthly costs

CategoryOsloHelsinkiDifference
Rent (city centre)€1,400€1,100-21.4%
Rent (outside centre)€1,050€800-23.8%
Groceries€400€330-17.5%
Restaurant (meal for 2)€80€60-25.0%
Public transport€75€60-20.0%
Utilities€180€120-33.3%
Internet€55€25-54.5%
Total monthly€2,190€1,695-22.6%

Helsinki is 22.6% less expensive than Oslo overall. The biggest difference is in rent, where Oslo costs significantly more. Keep in mind that tax rates differ between Norway and Finland, so your take-home salary may shift the real comparison further.

Monthly budget comparison

Oslo, Norway
€2,190/mo
Helsinki, Finland
€1,695/mo

These figures cover a single person renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, buying groceries, eating out occasionally, using public transport, and paying for utilities and internet. Actual costs vary depending on lifestyle.

See what your salary is really worth after tax

Compare any two European cities side by side