Perth vs Bergen
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Bergen is ~9% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Perth
Australia
COL+Rent
55.7
Rent Index
39.5
Groceries
74
Restaurant
63.3
Bergen
Norway
COL+Rent
50.5
Rent Index
23.9
Groceries
78.6
Restaurant
78.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Perth | Bergen | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,758 | $1,214 | +$544 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,311 | $927 | +$384 |
| Groceries | $412 | $483 | $71 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $22 | $0 |
| Transit Pass | $97 | $75 | +$22 |
| Utilities | $146 | $156 | $10 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Perth | Bergen |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,930/mo | $1,584/mo |
| Typical | $2,743/mo | $2,258/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,419/mo | $2,867/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Perth | ≈ in Bergen | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,360/mo | -$140 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,813/mo | -$187 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,720/mo | -$280 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Perth vs Bergen for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Bergen is approximately 9% more affordable than Perth when combining rent and daily living costs. Perth's COL+Rent Index of 55.7 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 Perth costs $1,758/month versus $1,214/month in Bergen — giving Bergen a $544/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $6,528 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Perth ($412/mo) vs Bergen ($483/mo) reflect Perth's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $22 show Perth 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.