Bergen, Norway
Europe · Oceanic
Bergen, Norway's second-largest city, is a haven for digital nomads seeking a balance between work and lifestyle. With its stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and modern digital infrastructure, Bergen offers an exceptional quality of life. The city's mild oceanic climate, with frequent rainfall, ensures a lush green landscape throughout the year. Bergen's compact city center, surrounded by fjords and mountains, provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration.
At a Glance — Bergen
City Personality
Bergen is a charming, laid-back city that balances digital infrastructure with a high quality of life.
Best For
- remote workers seeking a relaxed lifestyle
- digital nomads who value natural beauty
Less Suitable For
- those seeking a fast-paced urban environment
- digital nomads on a tight budget
Internet Speed in Bergen
Bergen boasts fast and reliable internet, with average mobile download speeds of 302.9 Mbps and fixed download speeds of 230 Mbps. The city's low latency, with mobile latency averaging 34.1 ms and fixed latency at 12.1 ms, ensures seamless video calls, cloud development, and file uploads. This makes Bergen an ideal destination for digital nomads who require stable and high-speed internet for their work.
Fixed Broadband
Fiber, cable, or DSL in your apartment
Mobile Data
4G/5G cellular network
Remote Work Readiness
Cost of Living in Bergen
Bergen has a high cost of living, with monthly expenses excluding rent averaging $1,467 for a single person. Rent prices vary, with a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costing around $1,349 per month. While the cost may be steep for some, Bergen's high standard of living and exceptional quality of life make it a worthwhile investment for many digital nomads.
Cost Comparison: Cities in Norway
Visa Options for Bergen, Norway
Norway offers a Digital Nomad Visa, making it easy to stay long-term.
Norway offers a digital nomad visa for non-EU citizens, allowing remote workers to stay in the country for up to 2 years. The visa requires a signed contract with a local Norwegian client and an income of around $35,719 per year. This visa option provides flexibility for digital nomads who want to experience life in Norway.
See what visa you need for Bergen based on your passport
Is Bergen Safe?
Bergen is considered a safe and secure city, with a safety index score of 75. The city's low crime rate and high level of public safety make it an attractive destination for digital nomads. However, as with any city, it's essential to take normal precautions to ensure personal safety.
What Residents Worry About
Crime Severity
Bergen Climate & Weather
Bergen's mild oceanic climate, with frequent rainfall, ensures a lush green landscape throughout the year. The city's temperature range is moderate, with average temperatures ranging from 3.3°C in January to 17.7°C in July. While the rain may be a challenge for some, it's a small price to pay for the city's exceptional natural beauty.
Bergen has a Oceanic climate.Mild summers and cool winters with frequent rainfall.
Average Daily Temperature
Daylight Hours
Real Estate Market in Bergen
Bergen's housing market is competitive, with high prices for apartments and houses. The average price per square meter in the city center is around $7,384. While buying property may be expensive, rent prices are relatively affordable, with a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costing around $1,349 per month.
Overview
Buy vs Rent
Rental Yields & Returns
Apartment Prices
City Centre
Outside Centre
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- With a local salary of 4311/month and manageable prices, this city is viable for longer stays.
- Loan affordability is low — plan for upfront cash payments if considering property.
Healthcare Quality in Bergen
Bergen's healthcare system is of high quality, with excellent facilities and staff. The city's healthcare index score is 72.69, indicating good quality healthcare. Digital nomads can expect to receive high-quality medical care in Bergen, although it's essential to have adequate health insurance coverage.
Quality Scores
Satisfaction Scores
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Bergen has strong healthcare infrastructure — digital nomads can expect reliable medical support for routine needs.
Power Grid in Norway
Bergen's grid infrastructure is reliable, with a high share of renewable energy sources. The city's grid access is 100%, and its energy consumption is around 23,673.0788 GWh. Digital nomads can expect a stable and reliable energy supply in Bergen.
Energy Mix
· 1% fossil fuelsTraffic & Commute in Bergen
Bergen's traffic congestion is moderate, with a traffic index score of 108.79. The city's public transportation system is well-developed, with a range of bus and train options available. Digital nomads can expect to get around easily in Bergen, although traffic congestion may occur during peak hours.
Overview
Traffic Indexes
Commute Mode Split
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Traffic congestion is significant — consider accommodation close to co-working spaces or use public transit.
- Car dependency is high — factor in parking costs and traffic when choosing where to live.
Pollution & Environment in Bergen
Bergen's pollution levels are low, with a pollution index score of 23.88. The city's air and water quality are excellent, with clean air and low noise pollution. Digital nomads can expect to enjoy a healthy and clean environment in Bergen.
Overview
Pollution Levels — Lower is better
Quality Metrics — Higher is better
Livability
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Air quality is excellent — enjoy outdoor activities and co-working in open spaces.
- The city is pedestrian-friendly and pleasant for walking — comfortable for daily life without a car.
- Bergen has very low pollution levels — a great environment for remote work and healthy living.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bergen
- What is the cost of living in Bergen?
- Bergen has a high cost of living, with average monthly expenses excluding rent around $1,467 for a single person.
- How fast is the internet in Bergen?
- Bergen has fast and reliable internet, with average mobile download speeds of 302.9 Mbps and fixed download speeds of 230 Mbps.
- Is Bergen a safe city?
- Yes, Bergen is considered a safe and secure city, with a safety index score of 75.
- What is the best time to visit Bergen?
- The best time to visit Bergen is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is mild and sunny.
- Can I get a digital nomad visa for Norway?
- Yes, Norway offers a digital nomad visa for non-EU citizens, allowing remote workers to stay in the country for up to 2 years.
- What are the housing costs in Bergen?
- Housing costs in Bergen vary, with a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costing around $1,349 per month.
- What is the healthcare like in Bergen?
- Bergen's healthcare system is of high quality, with excellent facilities and staff.
- What are the nearby destinations to explore from Bergen?
- Nearby destinations like Stavanger offer a range of cultural and outdoor activities, making it easy to experience the best of Norway.
- Is Bergen suitable for remote work?
- Yes, Bergen is an ideal destination for remote work, with fast and reliable internet, a relaxed atmosphere, and a range of amenities.
- What is the language spoken in Bergen?
- The official language of Norway is Norwegian, but most locals in Bergen speak English fluently.
- What are the transportation options in Bergen?
- Bergen has a well-developed public transportation system, with a range of bus and train options available.
Key Takeaways
Quick insights for each category
Key Takeaways
Quick insights for each category
Bergen's internet infrastructure supports most remote professions, with fast and reliable speeds.
Remote workers in Bergen often work from cafes, business centers, or home offices due to limited coworking options.
Bergen's high cost of living is balanced by its exceptional quality of life and digital infrastructure.
The digital nomad visa provides a flexible option for non-EU citizens to live and work in Norway.
Bergen's low crime rate and high public safety make it a secure environment for digital nomads.
Bergen's climate is mild and green, with frequent rainfall throughout the year.
Bergen's housing market is competitive, with high prices for property, but relatively affordable rent options.
Bergen's healthcare system provides high-quality care, with excellent facilities and staff.
Bergen's grid infrastructure is reliable and renewable, ensuring a stable energy supply.
Bergen's moderate traffic congestion is balanced by its good public transportation options.
Bergen's low pollution levels ensure a healthy and clean environment for digital nomads.
Bergen's proximity to other destinations in Western Norway makes it an ideal base for exploration.