Bergen, Vestland, Norway
The gateway to the fjords, a colorful Hanseatic city surrounded by seven mountains, known for its rain and fish market.
Overview
Bergen is a city in Vestland with a population of 283,000. The gateway to the fjords, a colorful Hanseatic city surrounded by seven mountains, known for its rain and fish market. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5b growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
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
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
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 | kr1500 | |
| Heating & Cooling | kr170 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | kr500 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | kr600 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | kr2770 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: NVE, Statnett, Telenor 2025
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" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Bergen faces the following natural hazards:
Norway experiences severe winter storms.
Mountainous region with frequent avalanches.
River and coastal flooding.
Mountainous region with landslides.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- Income Tax: 0% (None)
- VAT: 25%
- Property Tax: ~0.3% 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
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Høstferie (autumn break) in October (1 week).
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Bergen is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Statistics Norway (2022)
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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.