Brisbane vs Bergen
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Bergen is ~6% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Brisbane
Australia
COL+Rent
54
Rent Index
38.3
Groceries
71.7
Restaurant
61.4
Bergen
Norway
COL+Rent
50.5
Rent Index
23.9
Groceries
78.6
Restaurant
78.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Brisbane | Bergen | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,702 | $1,214 | +$488 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,270 | $927 | +$343 |
| Groceries | $399 | $483 | $84 |
| Restaurant Meal | $21 | $22 | $1 |
| Transit Pass | $94 | $75 | +$19 |
| Utilities | $141 | $156 | $15 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Brisbane | Bergen |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,868/mo | $1,584/mo |
| Typical | $2,651/mo | $2,258/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,301/mo | $2,867/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Brisbane | ≈ in Bergen | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,403/mo | -$97 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,870/mo | -$130 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,806/mo | -$194 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Brisbane vs Bergen for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Bergen is approximately 6% more affordable than Brisbane when combining rent and daily living costs. Brisbane's COL+Rent Index of 54 vs Bergen's 50.5 (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 Brisbane costs $1,702/month versus $1,214/month in Bergen — giving Bergen a $488/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $5,856 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Brisbane ($399/mo) vs Bergen ($483/mo) reflect Brisbane's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $21 vs $22 show Brisbane 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.