Pros and Cons of Living in Bergen
Last updated on Jun 02, 2025
Summary: The pros of living in Bergen, Norway include its stunning natural beauty, with mountains, fjords, and islands all within easy reach. The city is also known for its vibrant cultural life, with a wide range of festivals, concerts, and other events taking place throughout the year. Additionally, Bergen is a great place to live for those who enjoy outdoor activities, with plenty of opportunities for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits. The cons of living in Bergen include the fact that it can be quite expensive, with the cost of living being higher than in many other parts of Norway. Additionally, the weather can be unpredictable, with rain and snowfall occurring throughout the year. Finally, the city can be quite crowded during the summer months, with tourists flocking to the area to take advantage of its natural beauty.
What are the pros and cons of living in Bergen?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Bergen responded:
"Expats and digital nomads generally like the stunning natural beauty of Bergen, with its picturesque fjords, mountains, and waterfalls. They appreciate the city's rich history and well-preserved architecture, such as the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen. The quality of life in Bergen is high, with excellent healthcare, education, and public transportation systems. The city is also known for its friendly and welcoming locals, making it easy for expats to feel at home. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads often dislike the high cost of living in Bergen, as Norway is known for being an expensive country. This includes high prices for housing, groceries, dining out, and entertainment. The weather in Bergen can also be a downside, as the city is known for its frequent rain and relatively mild temperatures throughout the year. Additionally, while many locals speak English, the Norwegian language can be challenging to learn for some expats, which may limit their ability to fully integrate into the local community. Finally, the job market in Bergen can be competitive, and it may be difficult for expats to find work without a strong command of the Norwegian language or specialized skills in high-demand industries," said one member in Bergen.

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What do expats in Bergen appreciate most about the local culture?
"The beautiful nature and the lush green surroundings. Although, I have to admit that it can get tedious sometimes, as I am used to the extravagant city life with skyscrapers at every corner and streets bustling with people. I love the seafood here. I like how people are very independent," replied an expat in Bergen.
"Expats in Bergen appreciate the city's vibrant cultural life, with its many festivals, museums, and galleries. They also enjoy the city's stunning natural beauty, with its fjords, mountains, and forests. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the city has a relaxed atmosphere. The city is also known for its excellent seafood, and the local cuisine is a great way to experience the culture. Finally, the city is known for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore," remarked one in Bergen.
"Responsible persons. Everyone here is very respectful about each other and to the nature, too. And they also are extremely organized," explained one expat.

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What do expats find most challenging?
"Find a job without knowing how to maintain a conversation on Norwegian... because you can talk in english, but... c'mon, this is not the United States, nor England. This is Norway, and you should talk Norwegian," explained one expat living in Bergen.
"Expats in Bergen often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. Many Norwegians speak English, but it is not as widely spoken as in other countries. Additionally, the Norwegian culture is quite different from many other cultures, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the local customs and traditions. Furthermore, the cost of living in Bergen is quite high, and expats may find it difficult to make ends meet. Finally, the weather in Bergen can be quite unpredictable, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the cold and wet climate," said one expat in Bergen.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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