Bergen vs London
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Bergen is ~31% 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
London
United Kingdom
COL+Rent
72.9
Rent Index
56.2
Groceries
73.9
Restaurant
93.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Bergen | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,214 | $2,503 | $1,289 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $927 | $1,960 | $1,033 |
| Groceries | $483 | $422 | +$61 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $28 | $6 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $113 | $38 |
| Utilities | $156 | $258 | $102 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Bergen | London |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,584/mo | $2,738/mo |
| Typical | $2,258/mo | $3,716/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,867/mo | $4,596/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Bergen | ≈ in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,165/mo | +$665 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,887/mo | +$887 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,331/mo | +$1,331 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Bergen vs London for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Bergen is approximately 31% more affordable than London when combining rent and daily living costs. Bergen's COL+Rent Index of 50.5 vs London's 72.9 (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 $2,503/month in London — giving Bergen a $1,289/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $15,468 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Bergen ($483/mo) vs London ($422/mo) reflect London's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $28 show Bergen is the better value for dining out. 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.