Los Angeles vs Bergen
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Bergen is ~27% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Los Angeles
United States
COL+Rent
69.5
Rent Index
57.8
Groceries
84.4
Restaurant
88.9
Bergen
Norway
COL+Rent
50.5
Rent Index
23.9
Groceries
78.6
Restaurant
78.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Los Angeles | Bergen | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,627 | $1,214 | +$1,413 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,059 | $927 | +$1,132 |
| Groceries | $484 | $483 | +$1 |
| Restaurant Meal | $26 | $22 | +$4 |
| Transit Pass | $85 | $75 | +$10 |
| Utilities | $196 | $156 | +$40 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Los Angeles | Bergen |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,783/mo | $1,584/mo |
| Typical | $3,782/mo | $2,258/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,663/mo | $2,867/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Los Angeles | ≈ in Bergen | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,090/mo | -$410 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,453/mo | -$547 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,180/mo | -$820 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Los Angeles vs Bergen for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Bergen is approximately 27% more affordable than Los Angeles when combining rent and daily living costs. Los Angeles's COL+Rent Index of 69.5 vs Bergen's 50.5 (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 Los Angeles costs $2,627/month versus $1,214/month in Bergen — giving Bergen a $1,413/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $16,956 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Los Angeles ($484/mo) vs Bergen ($483/mo) reflect Bergen's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $26 vs $22 show Bergen 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, 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.