Bergen vs Chicago
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Bergen is ~12% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Bergen
Norway
COL+Rent
50.5
Rent Index
23.9
Groceries
78.6
Restaurant
78.9
Chicago
United States
COL+Rent
57.1
Rent Index
44
Groceries
72.9
Restaurant
73.7
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Bergen | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,214 | $1,998 | $784 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $927 | $1,566 | $639 |
| Groceries | $483 | $418 | +$65 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $22 | $0 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $73 | +$2 |
| Utilities | $156 | $169 | $13 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Bergen | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,584/mo | $2,189/mo |
| Typical | $2,258/mo | $2,988/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,867/mo | $3,701/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Bergen | ≈ in Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,696/mo | +$196 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,261/mo | +$261 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,392/mo | +$392 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Bergen vs Chicago for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Bergen is approximately 12% more affordable than Chicago when combining rent and daily living costs. Bergen's COL+Rent Index of 50.5 vs Chicago's 57.1 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Bergen costs $1,214/month versus $1,998/month in Chicago — giving Bergen a $784/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $9,408 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Bergen ($483/mo) vs Chicago ($418/mo) reflect Chicago's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $22 show Chicago offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Bergen offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,258 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.