Can You Live for Less than 1000 USD in the City of Bergen?

If you’re thinking of moving to Bergen, Norway, one of the first questions crossing your mind might be the cost of living. Bergen is known for being a picturesque, charming city with stunning fjords, mountains, and waterfalls, but the flip side is the high cost of living, compared to other European cities. So, how feasible is it to live in Bergen for less than 1000 USD per month? In this article, we will analyze all aspects related to living costs in Bergen, budget-friendly living options, and useful tips to save money.

The Cost of Living in Bergen

Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway and one of the most expensive cities in the world. The cost of living in Bergen is 84% higher than the global average, according to Numbeo, a website that compares living costs in different cities worldwide. The high cost of living in Bergen is due to factors such as high taxes, strict regulations, and the country’s overall standard of living. You will find that most goods and services are pricier than in other European cities, particularly housing, transport, and food.

Housing:

If you’re looking to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Bergen city center, expect to pay around 1000-1300 USD per month, according to Expatistan, a website that tracks the cost of living in different cities worldwide. However, if you’re willing to stay outside the city center, you can save some expenses. A one-bedroom apartment in the nearby suburbs may cost around 600-800 USD per month. Alternatively, you can consider sharing an apartment with someone. You can find individuals looking for roommates on social media platforms like Facebook or join expat groups before moving to Bergen.

Transport:

Navigating through Bergen is possible using public transportation, but it comes at a cost. A monthly pass for public transport costs around 70 USD per month, according to Numbeo. Alternatively, if you’re on a tight budget, you can choose to walk or use a bicycle in Bergen, as most places in the city are accessible by foot or bicycle. If you’re staying outside the city center, a car can be more beneficial, but owning one in Norway is expensive due to specific taxes and insurance costs.

Food:

Food prices in Bergen can be quite expensive. The prices of grocery items are above the global average. However, there are alternatives available at cheaper prices, such as discount stores or supermarkets like Rema 1000, Kiwi, or Europris. You can expect to pay around 350-500 USD per month on groceries and household items, depending on your diet and lifestyle choices. A meal at an average restaurant will cost you around 25-30 USD, while fast-food outlets like McDonald’s charge around 15 USD for a combo meal.

Is it Feasible to Live in Bergen for Less than 1000 USD Per Month?

Living in Bergen for less than 1000 USD per month would be challenging but not entirely impossible. You would need to make significant lifestyle changes and adopt a frugal living mindset to achieve the feat. You could start by sharing accommodation, ingesting home-cooked meals at inexpensive restaurants, and restricting expenses on leisure and entertainment activities.If you’re a student or on a tight budget, you can get a part-time job or internship in Bergen to alleviate some expenses. Norway’s minimum wage is around 20 USD per hour, which is one of the highest in the world. Thus, by working part-time and earning around 1000 USD a month, you can manage your living costs, but with limited luxury and extravagance.

Useful Tips to Save Money

To save money while living in Bergen, you can practice these useful tips:

1. Cook at Home:

Cooking at home is an excellent way of saving up in Bergen. Instead of eating out or ordering takeaway every day, you can buy groceries at discount stores and cook your meals at home.

2. Use Public Transport:

If you must travel using public transport, purchasing a monthly pass can help reduce the cost. You can also carpool or walk in groups to cut down transportation costs.

3. Look for Free Entertainment:

Bergen is known for its fantastic outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and visiting its famous fjords. You can explore these for free or at a minimal cost.

4. Take Advantage of Discounts:

Student discounts are a prevalent phenomenon in Bergen. As a student, you can purchase discounted tickets for concerts, museums, and other entertainment activities in the city.

5. Join Expats Community:

Joining expat groups or communities before arriving in Bergen can be beneficial in making friends and finding cheaper accommodation options.

Conclusion

In conclusion, living in Bergen for less than 1000 USD per month is feasible but challenging. As analyzed, you have to opt for cost-effective options in terms of housing, transport, and food. Living frugally, cooking at home, and avoiding unnecessary expenses can help you achieve your goal. By implementing the useful tips mentioned earlier, you can save money and adapt to Bergen’s high standard of living. However, setting expectations for a comfortable lifestyle may require more than a 1000 USD monthly budget.