When choosing between Berlin and Oslo for your backpacking adventure, understanding the cost of living is paramount. While both offer unique cultural experiences, your daily budget will stretch significantly further in one city over the other.

Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?

Berlin is considerably more budget-friendly than Oslo. Backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in many European cities, and Berlin generally falls into the lower to mid-range of this spectrum.

• Berlin Estimated Daily Budget:

  • Accommodation (hostel bed): €20-30
  • Food (groceries, street food, casual meals): €10-20
  • Transport (day pass or a few single tickets): €7-10
  • Total estimated daily budget: €37-60

• Oslo Estimated Daily Budget:

  • Accommodation (hostel bed): €40-60
  • Food (groceries, occasional casual meal): €25-45
  • Transport (day pass or a few single tickets): €10-15
  • Total estimated daily budget: €75-120

How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?

Berlin hostels typically range from €20-30 per night for a dormitory bed, though prices can fluctuate with season and location. Oslo, due to its high cost of living, sees hostel dormitory beds commonly priced between €40-60 per night.

What Are the Food & Drink Expenses Like?

Berlin offers a wide array of affordable food options. Street food like currywurst or kebabs can be found for €4-8, while meals at local restaurants typically cost €10-20. Groceries are also relatively inexpensive. Oslo is notoriously expensive for dining out, with casual restaurant meals often starting at €20-30+. Groceries are essential for budget travelers in Oslo but are still pricier than in Berlin. Alcohol is notably expensive in Oslo.

What About Transportation Costs?

Berlin boasts an efficient and extensive public transport system (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, buses). A 24-hour day ticket typically costs around €8-10. Oslo also has excellent public transport (trams, buses, metro, ferries), with a 24-hour ticket usually priced around €10-15 (based on NOK to EUR conversion).

Which City Offers More Affordable Activities?

Both cities offer free activities like exploring parks. Berlin has numerous free attractions, including many memorials, historical sites, and world-class museums with varying entry fees, some offering free days. Its vibrant nightlife can also be relatively affordable. Oslo offers stunning natural beauty, with free access to parks and hiking trails. However, museum entry fees and paid attractions are generally higher.

Do Seasonal Patterns Affect Prices?

For both Berlin and Oslo, spring and fall typically offer lower prices for accommodation and flights compared to the peak summer season. Traveling during these shoulder seasons can help extend your budget.

When exploring either city, remember that tools like AllInMap can help you locate free amenities such as public parks, free Wi-Fi spots, and water fountains, further optimizing your travel budget.