Cost of Living in Bergen

Bergen offers its residents magnificent scenery and an excellent quality of life, but at the expense of a fairly steep cost of living, as is generally the case in Norway’s large cities.

Extensive healthcare and education benefits help reduce costs somewhat, while salaries in Norway are also typically lucrative, further offsetting the high cost of living.

Cost of accommodation in Bergen

The cost of accommodation in Bergen is among the most expensive in Europe. Rental prices continue to rise annually, largely due to low supply and high demand for housing. Expats looking to reduce their monthly expenses should look for accommodation in areas and suburbs further out from the city centre.

As a university city, Bergen has a strong house- and apartment-sharing culture. This is another useful way for new arrivals to save money and get accustomed to the high utility costs, while building local connections.

Renting Expat Accommodation in Bergen
Best Areas and Suburbs in Bergen

Cost of transport in Bergen

Getting around in Bergen is straightforward and painless, if a little pricey, thanks to the city's reliable and efficient public transport network. Price-conscious new arrivals will have access to weekly and monthly passes for the bus and light rail services to help reduce their travel expenses.

Car ownership is largely unnecessary and expensive in Bergen. Expats looking to drive will need to budget for fuel, maintenance and parking costs, which can all be high in Norway.

Getting Around in Bergen

Cost of groceries in Bergen

While food prices in Bergen may be steeper than what most expats are used to due to a high VAT rate applied to food items, there are still some ways to find bargains and reduce the total monthly grocery bill.

Local markets and international supermarkets such as Mango Supermarked offer reasonably priced fresh produce. Many locals prefer shopping at discount stores such as Kiwi and Rema 1000, while there are also price-comparison apps that can direct shoppers to the lowest priced option.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Bergen

Bergen hosts a multicultural local community, which translates into a vibrant culinary scene. Eating out in Bergen is by no means cheap, but there are plenty of student watering holes and restaurants that are easier on the wallet.

The Bergen Card provides considerable discounts for museums, restaurants, and other lifestyle attractions in the city, making it more affordable for expats to visit Bergen's attractions. There are also many opportunities to take in Bergen's striking natural beauty for free or at little cost. You can go hiking, swimming, and mountain biking, or simply explore the mountains and fjords for which the area is famous.

Lifestyle in Bergen

Cost of education in Bergen

Expat parents will be delighted to find that education in Bergen is free of charge and compulsory for children between the ages of six and 16. You’ll only need to pay mandatory building fees and cover transport, textbooks, and stationery costs. Norway also subsidises daycare (barnehage), allowing parents with young children to access childcare at a reasonable price.

If you’re in Bergen on a short assignment or would prefer for your children to learn English as a first language, you might opt for an international school. With just one international school in Bergen, there’s not much variety, but the school offers a good standard of education in English.

To cover international school fees, which can be pricey, we advise negotiating for a school allowance in your relocation package, if possible.

Education and Schools in Bergen

Cost of healthcare in Bergen

The healthcare in Bergen, as in the rest of Norway, is excellent and heavily subsidised for all legal citizens. Patients pay a small fee after doctor's visits, but this amount is capped annually. Thereafter, you’ll receive an exemption card that enables you to access general practitioners at no cost.

Expats looking to avoid potentially long waiting times for more specialised care can purchase private health insurance – the cost of which can be quite steep.

Healthcare and Hospitals in Bergen