Bergen tops the ranking. How much does life cost in western Norway?

The city in western Norway overtook Oslo in Oxford Economics' 2026 quality of life ranking. It also has lower average rents: according to SSB data for 2025, renting a two-room apartment there cost NOK 3,390 less per month than in Oslo and Bærum. Over a year, that is a difference of more than NOK 40,000. In the quality of life category, Bergen ranked 1st in Europe and 2nd worldwide. Only Canberra, Australia, scored better. Oslo came 6th in the world, placing it 4th in Europe. The Global Cities Index covers the world's 1,000 largest cities.

In its quality of life assessment, Oxford Economics considers, among other factors, income per capita, income inequality, life expectancy and crime. Analysts also examine access to culture and recreation, as well as the share of disposable income absorbed by housing costs. Quality of life is one of the five components of the ranking. The others concern the economy, human capital, the environment and governance. When all scores are combined, Oslo ranks 11th in the world and Bergen 40th. In the environment category, Bergen ranked 3rd worldwide, behind Honolulu and Fortaleza, and 1st in Europe.

The difference in rental costs is shown by a survey from Norway's national statistical office, SSB. The latest available data concern 2025. The office reports Bergen separately, while Oslo is combined with the neighbouring municipality of Bærum. Average monthly rents in 2025. Source: SSB, Leiemarkedsundersøkelsen. Differences calculated based on the office's data. For two-room apartments, the average in Bergen was around 22% lower. The difference in rates amounts to NOK 40,680 over 12 months. This is a comparison of averages, not a guaranteed saving after moving: apartments may differ in size, standard and location.

The survey includes tenants with contracts signed in different years. The averages should therefore not be treated as a price list for apartments currently available in listings. SSB notes that in the 2025 survey, contracts signed in 2024–2025 had rents that were on average about 13% higher than those signed in 2019–2023. This figure applies to the whole country, not specifically to Bergen. An SSB analysis shows why someone looking for a property may encounter prices higher than the average. Before signing a contract, additional charges should also be checked. In the stated averages, SSB does not deduct electricity and heating costs if they are already included in the rent. When comparing specific offers, it is therefore necessary to determine what the monthly amount covers and which bills will have to be paid separately.