Vienna 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
Vienna
Austria
COL+Rent
55.3
Rent Index
30.6
Groceries
81.3
Restaurant
82.2
Bergen
Norway
COL+Rent
50.5
Rent Index
23.9
Groceries
78.6
Restaurant
78.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Vienna | Bergen | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,391 | $1,214 | +$177 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,068 | $927 | +$141 |
| Groceries | $487 | $483 | +$4 |
| Restaurant Meal | $20 | $22 | $2 |
| Transit Pass | $62 | $75 | $13 |
| Utilities | $224 | $156 | +$68 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Vienna | Bergen |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,775/mo | $1,584/mo |
| Typical | $2,464/mo | $2,258/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,070/mo | $2,867/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Vienna | ≈ in Bergen | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,370/mo | -$130 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,826/mo | -$174 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,740/mo | -$260 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Vienna vs Bergen for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Bergen is approximately 9% more affordable than Vienna when combining rent and daily living costs. Vienna's COL+Rent Index of 55.3 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 Vienna costs $1,391/month versus $1,214/month in Bergen — giving Bergen a $177/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Vienna ($487/mo) vs Bergen ($483/mo) reflect Bergen's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $20 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.