The Hague vs Bergen
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
The Hague
Netherlands
COL+Rent
50.9
Rent Index
34.8
Groceries
55.8
Restaurant
57.7
Bergen
Norway
COL+Rent
50.5
Rent Index
23.9
Groceries
78.6
Restaurant
78.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | The Hague | Bergen | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,546 | $1,214 | +$332 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,214 | $927 | +$287 |
| Groceries | $319 | $483 | $164 |
| Restaurant Meal | $19 | $22 | $3 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $75 | +$18 |
| Utilities | $179 | $156 | +$23 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | The Hague | Bergen |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,785/mo | $1,584/mo |
| Typical | $2,422/mo | $2,258/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,003/mo | $2,867/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in The Hague | ≈ in Bergen | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,488/mo | -$12 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,984/mo | -$16 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,976/mo | -$24 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: The Hague vs Bergen for Expats & Remote Workers
The Hague and Bergen are remarkably close in overall cost, with less than 2% difference in their combined COL+Rent indices. The Hague's COL+Rent Index of 50.9 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 The Hague costs $1,546/month versus $1,214/month in Bergen — giving Bergen a $332/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $3,984 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in The Hague ($319/mo) vs Bergen ($483/mo) reflect The Hague's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $19 vs $22 show The Hague 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 similar value to its counterpart, so your choice should weigh factors like climate, visa accessibility, internet speed, and community. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.