Quality of life comparison

compared to

If you lived in Norway instead of Illinois, you would:

Health

live 5.8 years longer

In Illinois, the average life expectancy is 77 years (76 years for men, 82 years for women) as of 2020. In Norway, that number is 83 years (80 years for men, 85 years for women) as of 2022.

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Economy

make 28.0% more money

Illinois has a GDP per capita of $70,691 as of 2024, while in Norway, the GDP per capita is $90,500 as of 2023.

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be 25.4% less likely to be unemployed

In Illinois, 4.8% of adults are unemployed as of 2025. In Norway, that number is 3.6% as of 2023.

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Basic Needs

be 10.5% more likely to have internet access

In Illinois, approximately 89.6% of the population has internet access as of 2023. In Norway, about 99.0% do as of 2021.

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The statistics above were calculated using the following data sources: The World Factbook, OECD Regional Demography, Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Census Bureau (American Community Survey), Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Compare further: Illinois vs. Norway
Cost of Living Comparison · 7 categories - 2026 data
Norway is 9.8% more expensive than Illinois
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Size Comparison · See true size
Illinois is about 2.2 times smaller than Norway.
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Norway: At a glance

Norway is a sovereign country in Europe, with a total land area of approximately 304,282 sq km. Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav TRYGGVASON in 994. Conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next several decades. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that lasted more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Although Norway remained neutral in World War I, it suffered heavy losses to its shipping. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War II, but was nonetheless occupied for five years by Nazi Germany (1940-45). In 1949, neutrality was abandoned and Norway became a member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960s boosted Norway's economic fortunes. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU. Key domestic issues include immigration and integration of ethnic minorities, maintaining the country's extensive social safety net with an aging population, and preserving economic competitiveness.
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How big is Norway compared to Illinois? See an in-depth size comparison.

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