Bergen is one of Norway’s most popular cities to visit and relocate to, and attracts thousands of youths yearly to study at the University of Bergen. This huge influx of new people has lead to a big housing demand, and rent in Bergen is far from cheap.
It’s getting harder and harder to find a good place to rent in Bergen at an affordable cost, so what’s the rental prices in Bergen like in 2023?
The average monthly rent for a shared apartment in Bergen in 2023 cost 5,302 NOK per month. A 1 bedroom apartment costs on average 8,468 NOK monthly, while a 2 bedroom apartment is on average 10,173 NOK per month.
In other words, renting an apartment in Bergen is expensive (but not as expensive as renting in Oslo), and considered to be one of Norway’s most expensive cities to live in.
We’re going to take a deep dive into the rental prices in Bergen in this article, and look at all the numbers in detail. So stick around to learn all there is to the rental market in Bergen.
Table of rental prices in Bergen in 2023
| Type of housing | Price in NOK | Approx. $USD price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom, shared | 5,302 NOK / month | $530 / month |
| 1 bedroom | 8,468 NOK / month | $ 850 / month |
| 2 bedrooms | 10,173 NOK / month | $1,000 / month |
| 3 bedrooms | 12,628 NOK / month | $1,250 / month |
The rental prices in Bergen has been steadily increasing year by year, and are not expected to go lower anytime soon, seeing as there is a higher demand than there is supply.
It’s also worth remembering that all the prices are the average price. This means that 50 % of all rental properties will be cheaper than the number above, while the other 50 % of them are more expensive.
Despite this, the average number gives a pretty good estimate as to what to expect to pay for a rental apartment in Bergen.
Read more: How rent rent an apartment in Norway.
Finding affordable rental properties in Bergen
When it comes to finding affordable rental housing in Bergen, the strategy is the same as most other cities; the further away from the city center you are, the lower the prices will be.
If you’re comfortable with a 20 to 30 minute commute to the city center, then the rental prices in Bergen will be significantly lower. Bergen has a great public transportation system with buses and a light rail (Bybanen).
I would be looking for an apartment that is somewhat close to a Bybanen stop if I were you. These trains go all day long, and are a fast, cheap and reliable way to get to and from the city itself.
It’s definitely worth saving a couple thousand Norwegian kroner per month by having a short commute (in my opinion).
Other factors that impacts the rental price
There are multiple other factors beside just location that will impact the price for rental apartments in Bergen, such as size, how newly renovated it is, how well isolated it is, and more.
It is definitely possible to find small and old apartments that will be much cheaper than the average if you want to save money.
Bergen has a lot of old buildings that can offer affordable housing, so it’s entirely possible to find a good deal if you’re not too picky about how the apartment looks.
Student housing in Bergen
You might be able to live in a student housing apartment if you’re moving to Bergen to study (despite the new tuition fees).
Student housing is a much more affordable option, and the prices are far lower than in the private rental market. The downside is that it’s only available to students, and there are more students interested than there are rooms.
This means that not everyone who wants to live in a student housing apartment will be able to, and you have to apply and cross your fingers.
If you get chosen, then great! You get an apartment for as little as 2,500 NOK per month ($250)! This is obviously way below the market value. The cheapest options are a room with a shared kitchen, but it’s also possible to rent apartments for as little as around 3,500 NOK ($350).
Seeing as the average price for a 1 bedroom apartment in Bergen is over 8,500 NOK, this option will save you as much as 5,000 NOK per month. So yeah, go for student housing if you fit the criteria.
You can apply for student housing in Bergen from Sammen’s website. This is the official student group for higher education in Bergen, and all students at the universities in Bergen can apply for hosing from Sammen.
If you do not get granted a room in a student building, you will need to look to the private market instead. Most students opt for a shared hosing where they rent a single bedroom, since this is much cheaper than renting an entire apartment. But this means that you’ve got to share the bathroom, kitchen and living room with other students.