When planning a backpacking adventure, choosing between vibrant Porto, Portugal, and scenic Oslo, Norway, largely comes down to your budget. Both cities offer unique experiences, but their cost profiles are vastly different.

Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?

Porto unequivocally offers a significantly lower daily budget for backpackers compared to Oslo. While backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in many European cities, Porto aligns with the more affordable end of this spectrum, whereas Oslo far exceeds it.

• Porto Estimated Daily Budget: €40 - €70
  • Accommodation (hostel bed): Estimated €15 - €30
  • Food (groceries, local meals, snacks): Estimated €15 - €25
  • Transport (public transport day pass/tickets): Estimated €5 - €8
  • Activities (estimated, some free): Estimated €5 - €7
• Oslo Estimated Daily Budget: €80 - €130+
  • Accommodation (hostel bed): Estimated €35 - €60 (Oslo is notably expensive)
  • Food (groceries, budget meals): Estimated €30 - €50 (eating out is very costly)
  • Transport (public transport day pass/tickets): Estimated €8 - €15
  • Activities (estimated, some free): Estimated €7 - €10 (museum entry can be high)

What Are Typical Accommodation Costs for Backpackers?

Hostel prices reflect the general cost of living in each city.

• Porto: Expect to find a dorm bed in a well-rated hostel for an estimated €15-30 per night, with prices varying by season and location.
• Oslo: Hostel dorm beds are significantly more expensive. Budget an estimated €35-60 per night. Booking well in advance is highly recommended to secure better rates.

How Do Food and Drink Expenses Compare?

Food costs are a major differentiating factor, with Oslo being considerably pricier.

• Porto: Enjoy affordable local cuisine. Meals at local restaurants or “tascas” typically cost an estimated €8-15. Groceries for self-catering are also very reasonable, allowing for an estimated daily food budget of €15-25.
• Oslo: Eating out can be very expensive. A basic meal at an inexpensive restaurant can easily cost an estimated €20-40+. Backpackers on a budget will rely heavily on grocery stores for self-catering, aiming for an estimated €30-50+ daily food budget.

What Are Public Transportation Costs Like?

Both cities offer efficient public transport systems, but the cost to use them differs.

• Porto: A daily transport pass or several single tickets for metro and bus can cost an estimated €5-8, making it easy to explore.
• Oslo: Public transport, including trams, buses, and metro, is efficient but more expensive. Expect to spend an estimated €8-15 for a daily pass or equivalent single tickets. Walking is a great way to save money and see the city.

Are There Ways to Save Money in Both Cities?

Yes, smart planning can reduce costs in both destinations. Spring and fall typically offer lower prices than the peak summer season.

• In both cities: Utilize free walking tours, explore parks and public spaces, and cook your own meals using ingredients from local supermarkets.
• For free amenities: Tools like AllInMap can help backpackers find free resources such as public restrooms, water fountains, and Wi-Fi hotspots, which can save small but significant amounts over a trip.