Bergen vs Osaka
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Osaka is ~43% 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
Osaka
Japan
COL+Rent
28.9
Rent Index
12.1
Groceries
46.3
Restaurant
32.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Bergen | Osaka | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,214 | $533 | +$681 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $927 | $344 | +$583 |
| Groceries | $483 | $267 | +$216 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $7 | +$15 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $54 | +$21 |
| Utilities | $156 | $152 | +$4 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Bergen | Osaka |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,584/mo | $765/mo |
| Typical | $2,258/mo | $1,111/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,867/mo | $1,349/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Bergen | ≈ in Osaka | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $858/mo | -$642 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,145/mo | -$855 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,717/mo | -$1,283 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Bergen vs Osaka for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Osaka is approximately 43% more affordable than Bergen when combining rent and daily living costs. Bergen's COL+Rent Index of 50.5 vs Osaka's 28.9 (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 $533/month in Osaka — giving Osaka a $681/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $8,172 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Bergen ($483/mo) vs Osaka ($267/mo) reflect Osaka's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $7 show Osaka 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, Osaka offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,111 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.