Bergen vs Manchester
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Manchester is ~27% 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
Manchester
United Kingdom
COL+Rent
37.1
Rent Index
18.6
Groceries
45.9
Restaurant
48.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Bergen | Manchester | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,214 | $829 | +$385 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $927 | $650 | +$277 |
| Groceries | $483 | $262 | +$221 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $17 | +$5 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $70 | +$5 |
| Utilities | $156 | $160 | $4 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Bergen | Manchester |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,584/mo | $1,131/mo |
| Typical | $2,258/mo | $1,576/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,867/mo | $2,008/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Bergen | ≈ in Manchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,102/mo | -$398 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,469/mo | -$531 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,204/mo | -$796 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Bergen vs Manchester for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Manchester is approximately 27% more affordable than Bergen when combining rent and daily living costs. Bergen's COL+Rent Index of 50.5 vs Manchester's 37.1 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a meaningful difference that adds up over months of living expenses.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Bergen costs $1,214/month versus $829/month in Manchester — giving Manchester a $385/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $4,620 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Bergen ($483/mo) vs Manchester ($262/mo) reflect Manchester's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $17 show Manchester 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, Manchester offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,576 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.