Bergen, Vestland, Norway
The gateway to the fjords, a colorful Hanseatic city surrounded by seven mountains, known for its rain and fish market.
Very High vs Norway Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Bergen vs Norway Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: None
- VAT: 25.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: NOK 480,000
- Unemployment: 3.0%
- Population: 283,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 150/year
- Summer High: 65°F
- Winter Low: 30°F
Housing
- Median Home: kr5,000,000
- 1BR Rent: kr13000/mo
Cost of Living
Bergen's cost of living index is 125 (Norway average = 100).
| Category | Bergen | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 125 | 100 | +25.0% |
| Housing | 132 | 100 | +32.0% |
Data source: SSB / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | kr5,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | kr13000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | kr16,250/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | kr3,333 |
Data source: Finn / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Bergen:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | kr120 | Based on ~16,000 kWh/year typical Norwegian household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | kr170 | Estimated based on local climate. electric or heat pump |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | kr50 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | kr70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | kr25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | kr435 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: NVE, Statnett, Telenor 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Bergen
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: kr15,600/mo.
Bergen Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: kr14,300/mo.
East Bergen
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: kr11,700/mo.
West Bergen
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: kr12,350/mo.
Remote Work Score
Bergen scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Bergen has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 50°F | 30°F | 2.5" |
| April | 50°F | 45°F | 2.8" |
| July | 65°F | 40°F | 1.5" |
| October | 45°F | 48°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- Income Tax: 0% (None)
- VAT: 25%
- Property Tax: ~1.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Bergen per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Eurostat
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bergen, Vestland, Norway?
The cost of living index in Bergen is 125, which is Higher the Norway national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Bergen?
The median home price in Bergen is kr5,000,000. The housing index is 132.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Bergen is approximately kr13000/mo.
Does Bergen, Vestland have income tax?
Bergen is in Vestland, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Bergen?
Bergen enjoys approximately 150 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 65°F, while winter lows can drop to around 30°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: SSB / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Finn / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: SSB Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities NVE, Statnett, Telenor 2025
Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.