Which city is cheaper, Oslo or Amsterdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amsterdam vs. Oslo for Nightlife, Families, Backpackers, and Attractions
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Should you visit Amsterdam or Oslo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Oslo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a canal-lined, party-oriented, and laid-back city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and shopping.
Oslo
Oslo is a clean, progressive, and park-filled city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.
How is Amsterdam different from Oslo?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Is Amsterdam or Oslo better for Museums and Historical Sights?
Plenty of people visit the sights and museums in both Amsterdam and Oslo.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Amsterdam can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oslo can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.
Is Amsterdam or Oslo better for Food?
Dining out in both Amsterdam and Oslo can be an enjoyable experience.
You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Amsterdam. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!
Oslo offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.
Is Amsterdam or Oslo better for Nightlife?
With more options to choose from, you'll find a more vibrant nightlife in Amsterdam.
The nightlife in Amsterdam is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Oslo. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.
Is Amsterdam or Oslo better for Shopping?
Amsterdam usually beats out Oslo for shopping.
Amsterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.
Oslo is a good destination for shopping. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.
Is Amsterdam or Oslo better for Families?
Families will find a wider variety of activities in Oslo than Amsterdam.
Oslo is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.
Amsterdam is not the most family-friendly destination. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.
Is Amsterdam or Oslo better for Couples?
Amsterdam and Oslo are both fun to visit as a couple.
Couples visit Amsterdam frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.
Oslo is a nice destination for couples. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.
Is Amsterdam or Oslo better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Most people consider Amsterdam to be better for backpackers than Oslo.
Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Amsterdam. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.
Oslo is a good city to visit for backpackers. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.
Is Amsterdam or Oslo better for Public Transit?
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Amsterdam and Oslo.
Visitors in Amsterdam can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.
Public transit in Oslo is top-notch. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.
Is Amsterdam or Oslo a more walkable city?
Amsterdam and Oslo both are comparable when exploring on foot.
Getting around Amsterdam on foot is easy. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.
Oslo is very walkable. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.
Amsterdam and Oslo: Pros and Cons
Amsterdam
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Good nightlife
- Good for shopping
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Less family-friendly
Oslo
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Big city activities
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular with backpackers
Should I spend more time in Oslo or Amsterdam?
How long in Amsterdam or Oslo?
In either Amsterdam or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than Oslo because of the overall number of sights and activities.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Amsterdam is 2-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Oslo is 1-5 days.
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How many days in Amsterdam or Oslo? Ideal Length of StayAmsterdam 2-7Oslo 1-5
One day in Amsterdam or Oslo?
Amsterdam is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
You'll find food and museums around the city of Oslo. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oslo has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A weekend in Amsterdam or Oslo?
Amsterdam is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to spend here. The entire area has lots to do.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the clean big city of Oslo. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Five days in Amsterdam or Oslo?
Amsterdam is a scenic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days here when traveling. Five days is often enough time to spend here.
You'll find nightlife and food around the clean city of Oslo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
A week in Amsterdam or Oslo?
Amsterdam is a scenic city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.
Oslo is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAmsterdam €138Oslo €116
The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is €138, while the average daily cost in Oslo is €116. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Amsterdam and Oslo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAmsterdam €80Oslo €69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAmsterdam €160Oslo €138
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Amsterdam €16Oslo €20
Typical Local Transportation prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
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Ride on Tram€3.20
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Renting a Bike€15
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One Hour Canal Cruise€10
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Single Day Transit Pass€2.60
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Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport€3.40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- Ultra - Amsterdam Private Transfer from Cruise Port to Amsterdam City Centre: $9.55
- Private Transfer from Cruise Port to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: $9.55
- Ultra - Amsterdam Private Transfer from City Centre to Amsterdam Cruise Port: $9.55
- Private Departure Transfer from Amsterdam City Center to Airport Schiphol (AMS): $32
- Private Airport Transfer from Amsterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS): $32
- Private Transfer from PTA Cruise Terminal to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS): $32
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Amsterdam City to Airport: $34
- Premium Private Transfer from Amsterdam Hotels to Airport: $35
- Private Amsterdam Airport departure Transfer: $38
- Private Departure Transfer from Amsterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $39
- Private Transfer from Amsterdam City Center to Zaanse Schans: $40
- Amsterdam local transfers: $42
Typical Local Transportation prices in Oslo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:
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Tram Ticket€7.05
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:
- Departure Private Transfer Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL by Luxury Car: $171
- Departure Private Transfer Oslo to Oslo Airport OSL by Business Car: $130
- Departure Private Transfer from Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL by Luxury Van: $171
- Luxury Private Transfer from Olso Hotels to Olso Airport: $44
- Olso: Private Transfer from the City Center to Oslo Airport: $131
- Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL in Business Car: $159
- Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL in Business Van: $271
- Oslo City Center to Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) - Departure Private Transfer: $107
- Oslo Private Transfer from Oslo city centre to Oslo airport: $233
- Oslo Private Transfer: Oslo to Oslo Airport (OSL): $186
- Private Oslo Airport to City Center Transfer: $131
- Private Airport Transfer: from Oslo to Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL): $86
Is it cheaper to fly into Amsterdam or Oslo?
Prices for flights to both Oslo and Amsterdam change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAmsterdam €35Oslo €26
Typical Food prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
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Afternoon Tea€6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
- Live online cooking class from Classic European 2-course meal: $23
- Amsterdam Evening Pizza Cruise: $40
- Three course lunch/dinner voucher: $42
- Walking Food Tour: $43
- 3 Course Dinner in the Dark: $48
- Withlocals the 10 Tastings: Amsterdam's Favourite Private Food Tour with a Local: $50
- Private Pizza Canal Cruise Amsterdam: $62
- Dinner with an Amsterdam artist on the river: $62
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $63
- Amsterdam Small Group Food Tour: $69
- Food Tour in the Albert Cuyp Market Amsterdam: $73
- Delicious Dutch Dinner in an Amsterdam Canalhouse: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Amsterdam €30Oslo €16
Typical Entertainment prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum€6.00
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Entry for two to the Anne Frank House€17
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- A tasty stroll through Pijp: An audio tour of some of Amsterdam great food spots: $5.00
- An Amsterdam introduction: Explore the origins of Amsterdam on an audio tour: $5.00
- Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.41
- Amsterdam West Specialty Coffee Spots Cycling Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.41
- Vondelpark and Old West Neighbourhood Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.48
- Amsterdam Private Tour: Red Light District Exploration Game: $5.65
- Self-Guided Tour with Over 100 Sights: $5.67
- The Red Light District self-guided Virtual Experience: The Highlights: $7.45
- Absolutely Tip-Based Walking Tour With Super Local Guide (2,5 Hours): $8.09
- Red Light District 1-hour Smartphone Audio Tour: $9.06
- Amsterdam Red Light District: A Walking Audio Tour on your Phone (1hour): $9.94
- Silent Disco Club Experience: $9.95
Tours and Activities in Oslo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Oslo are as follows:
- Oslo Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $14
- Kon-Tiki Museum Entrance Ticket: $15
- Cruise Pass Norway - a discount-benefits card in Norwegian cruise ports: $37
- Christmas Spirit Tour: $37
- Local Hotspots Tour of Oslo: $38
- Oslo Private Tour with a Local Guide: $40
- Oslo Fjord 2-Hour Sightseeing Cruise: $40
- Self-Guided Parliament Murder Mystery Tour: $43
- Akershus Fortress Self-Guided Mystery Tour: $43
- Oslo Nature Walks: Island Hopping Tour: $52
- Winter Highlights 3-Hour Bike Tour: $53
- Express City Tour by E-scooter: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAmsterdam €19Oslo €9.42
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Distillery Tour & Tasting: $22
- Amsterdam Bar Crawl: $27
- Amsterdam Shared Bar Crawl: $31
- Private Amsterdam Red Light District and pub tour: $61
- Guided Craft Beer Brewery Bus Tour with Tastings: $67
- 4 hour Amsterdam Brewery Tour: $81
- High Class Culinary Lunch in Amsterdam - Self-Guided Food & Wine Tour: $102
- Drew's 3-Hour Amsterdam Brewery and Bar Tour to Top Rated Bars: $106
- Discover 3 gastronomic restaurants in Amsterdam - self-guided food & wine tour: $129
- Experience 4 Culinary Restaurants in Amsterdam Self-Guided Food & Wine Tour: $152
- Amsterdam Bachelor Party Bar Crawl: $488
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and Oslo, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Oslo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Oslo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oslo and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Oslo.
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