Bergen vs Lisbon
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Lisbon is ~13% 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
Lisbon
Portugal
COL+Rent
43.8
Rent Index
30
Groceries
49.1
Restaurant
47.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Bergen | Lisbon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,214 | $1,337 | $123 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $927 | $1,040 | $113 |
| Groceries | $483 | $277 | +$206 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $15 | +$7 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $45 | +$30 |
| Utilities | $156 | $130 | +$26 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Bergen | Lisbon |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,584/mo | $1,469/mo |
| Typical | $2,258/mo | $2,014/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,867/mo | $2,495/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Bergen | ≈ in Lisbon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,301/mo | -$199 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,735/mo | -$265 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,602/mo | -$398 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Bergen vs Lisbon for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Lisbon is approximately 13% more affordable than Bergen when combining rent and daily living costs. Bergen's COL+Rent Index of 50.5 vs Lisbon's 43.8 (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 $1,337/month in Lisbon — giving Bergen a $123/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Bergen ($483/mo) vs Lisbon ($277/mo) reflect Lisbon's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $15 show Lisbon 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, Lisbon offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,014 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.