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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Bergen 2024
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Cost of Living in Bergen

By Joshua Wood, LPC

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Bergen helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Bergen - Cost of Living in Bergen

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Bergen can range from 8,000 to 12,000 NOK (Norwegian Krone) per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from 12,000 to 18,000 NOK per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center can range from 6,000 to 8,000 NOK per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center can range from 8,000 to 12,000 NOK per month.
Apartment Purchases The average price per square meter for an apartment in Bergen is around 40,000 NOK. The average price for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 4.5 million NOK, while the average price for a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around 3.5 million NOK.
Transportation Public transportation in Bergen is provided by Skyss, which offers bus, boat, and tram services. A single ticket costs 36 NOK, while a monthly pass costs 790 NOK. Taxi fares start at 50 NOK and increase by 10 NOK for every kilometer traveled.
Groceries The average cost of groceries in Bergen is around 1,500 NOK per month. Prices for basic items such as bread, milk, and eggs are comparable to other European cities. Prices for imported items such as cheese, wine, and chocolate are higher than in other European cities.
Restaurants The average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Bergen is around 200 NOK. Prices for fast food meals are around 50 NOK. Alcoholic beverages are expensive, with a pint of beer costing around 80 NOK.
Utilities The average cost of utilities in Bergen is around 1,500 NOK per month. This includes electricity, water, heating, and garbage disposal. Internet and cable TV services are also available for an additional cost.
Private School Tuition The average cost of private school tuition for preschool in Bergen is around 10,000 NOK per month. The average cost of private school tuition for elementary school is around 15,000 NOK per month. The average cost of private school tuition for middle school is around 20,000 NOK per month. The average cost of private school tuition for high school is around 25,000 NOK per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Bergen

"The cost of living in Bergen is generally considered to be high. Prices for basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation are all relatively expensive. However, the city offers a wide range of cultural activities and attractions, making it an attractive destination for tourists and expats alike. Additionally, the city has a strong economy and a high standard of living, making it an attractive place to live," said one expat living in Bergen.

Can I live in Bergen on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Bergen for a while now, and I can tell you that it's quite challenging to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, it's not impossible if you're willing to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle.Firstly, you'll need to find affordable accommodation. Bergen is known for its high living costs, so you might want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Nordnes, Fjellsiden, and Sandviken. Instead, consider looking for a place in more affordable areas like Årstad, Fyllingsdalen, or Laksevåg. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or share a place with roommates to keep the rent within your budget.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car in Norway can be quite expensive due to high taxes and fuel prices. Instead, consider using public transportation, which is quite efficient and reliable in Bergen. You can save money by purchasing a monthly pass for buses and trams.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll need to be more budget-conscious. Eating out in Bergen can be quite pricey, so try to cook at home as much as possible. Shop at discount grocery stores like Rema 1000, Kiwi, or Extra, and look for sales and discounts to save on your grocery bills.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you might have to cut back on some of your usual expenses. Going out for drinks or attending events can be quite costly in Bergen. Instead, take advantage of the city's beautiful nature and outdoor activities, which are often free or low-cost. You can go hiking, biking, or explore the many parks and green spaces around the city.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Bergen is challenging, but not impossible if you're willing to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. By finding affordable accommodation, using public transportation, being budget-conscious with groceries and eating out, and enjoying low-cost or free leisure activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Bergen.

Can I live in Bergen on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Bergen for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. The cost of living in Bergen is quite high, especially when it comes to housing and transportation. To make it work, you'll need to be smart about your spending and be willing to compromise on certain things.First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. Bergen has some expensive neighborhoods like Fana, Årstad, and Sandviken, which you should probably avoid if you're on a tight budget. Instead, consider looking for apartments in more affordable areas like Laksevåg, Ytrebygda, or Åsane. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but you can still find decent apartments at a lower cost.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation expenses. Owning a car in Norway can be quite expensive due to high taxes and fuel prices. Instead, consider using public transportation, which is quite efficient and reliable in Bergen. You can get a monthly pass for around $100, which will give you unlimited access to buses, trams, and ferries within the city.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll also need to be budget-conscious. Eating out in Bergen can be quite pricey, so try to cook at home as much as possible. Shop at discount grocery stores like Rema 1000, Kiwi, or Extra, and look for sales and discounts to save on your grocery bills.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Bergen. You can enjoy the beautiful nature by hiking in the surrounding mountains or taking a stroll along the harbor. There are also several free museums and galleries in the city, as well as affordable cultural events and festivals throughout the year.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Bergen is possible, but you'll need to be smart about your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and being mindful of your grocery and entertainment expenses, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful city," said one expat living in Bergen.

Can I live in Bergen on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Bergen for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but you'll need to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like Nordnes and Fjellsiden, might be out of your budget, so I'd recommend looking into areas like Årstad, Landås, or Fyllingsdalen. These neighborhoods are still close to the city center and have good public transportation options, but the rent is more affordable.When it comes to transportation, owning a car in Bergen can be quite expensive due to high taxes and parking fees. I'd recommend using public transportation, like buses and the light rail system, which is quite efficient and affordable. You can also consider biking or walking, as Bergen is a very walkable city with good bike lanes.Eating out can also be quite expensive in Bergen, so you'll need to cook more at home. Grocery prices are higher than what you might be used to, but you can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Rema 1000, Kiwi, or Extra. Also, try to buy local and seasonal produce, as imported goods can be quite pricey.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you might need to cut back on some of the more expensive options, like going to the movies or attending concerts. However, Bergen has a lot of free or low-cost activities to offer, like hiking in the surrounding mountains, visiting art galleries, or attending local cultural events.In general, living in Bergen on $5,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can still have a comfortable and enjoyable life in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Bergen.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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