Bergen vs Jeddah
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Jeddah is ~47% 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
Jeddah
Saudi Arabia
COL+Rent
27
Rent Index
12.2
Groceries
39.1
Restaurant
32.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Bergen | Jeddah | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,214 | $455 | +$759 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $927 | $320 | +$607 |
| Groceries | $483 | $276 | +$207 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $12 | +$10 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $29 | +$46 |
| Utilities | $156 | $73 | +$83 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Bergen | Jeddah |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,584/mo | $663/mo |
| Typical | $2,258/mo | $1,013/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,867/mo | $1,316/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Bergen | ≈ in Jeddah | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $802/mo | -$698 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,069/mo | -$931 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,604/mo | -$1,396 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Bergen vs Jeddah for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Jeddah is approximately 47% more affordable than Bergen when combining rent and daily living costs. Bergen's COL+Rent Index of 50.5 vs Jeddah's 27 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Bergen costs $1,214/month versus $455/month in Jeddah — giving Jeddah a $759/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $9,108 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Bergen ($483/mo) vs Jeddah ($276/mo) reflect Jeddah's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $12 show Jeddah 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, Jeddah offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,013 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.