Bergen vs Rome
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Rome is ~4% 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
Rome
Italy
COL+Rent
48.6
Rent Index
32.2
Groceries
58
Restaurant
55.1
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Bergen | Rome | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,214 | $1,426 | $212 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $927 | $1,000 | $73 |
| Groceries | $483 | $329 | +$154 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $18 | +$4 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $37 | +$38 |
| Utilities | $156 | $211 | $55 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Bergen | Rome |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,584/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Typical | $2,258/mo | $2,273/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,867/mo | $2,823/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Bergen | ≈ in Rome | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,444/mo | -$56 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,925/mo | -$75 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,887/mo | -$113 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Bergen vs Rome for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Rome is approximately 4% more affordable than Bergen when combining rent and daily living costs. Bergen's COL+Rent Index of 50.5 vs Rome's 48.6 (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 $1,426/month in Rome — giving Bergen a $212/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $2,544 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Bergen ($483/mo) vs Rome ($329/mo) reflect Rome's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $18 show Rome 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, Rome offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,273 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.