New York vs Bergen
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Bergen is ~39% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
New York
United States
COL+Rent
82.5
Rent Index
70
Groceries
98.7
Restaurant
105.2
Bergen
Norway
COL+Rent
50.5
Rent Index
23.9
Groceries
78.6
Restaurant
78.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | New York | Bergen | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $3,182 | $1,214 | +$1,968 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,494 | $927 | +$1,567 |
| Groceries | $566 | $483 | +$83 |
| Restaurant Meal | $30 | $22 | +$8 |
| Transit Pass | $99 | $75 | +$24 |
| Utilities | $229 | $156 | +$73 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | New York | Bergen |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $3,338/mo | $1,584/mo |
| Typical | $4,526/mo | $2,258/mo |
| Comfortable | $5,567/mo | $2,867/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in New York | ≈ in Bergen | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $918/mo | -$582 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,224/mo | -$776 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,836/mo | -$1,164 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: New York vs Bergen for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Bergen is approximately 39% more affordable than New York when combining rent and daily living costs. New York's COL+Rent Index of 82.5 vs Bergen's 50.5 (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 New York costs $3,182/month versus $1,214/month in Bergen — giving Bergen a $1,968/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $23,616 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in New York ($566/mo) vs Bergen ($483/mo) reflect Bergen's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $30 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.