Cost of Living in Bergen (Nesttun), Norway (2025)

Date: 13 May 2025
⏱ Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Introduction

• Population:
  Bergen: ~285,000 | Bergen metro: ~420,000

• Urban feel & lifestyle:
  Nesttun is a tranquil district within the greater Bergen area, offering a mix of residential calm, easy light rail access, and the beautiful surrounding nature of Western Norway. Life here blends Norwegian orderliness with rich maritime heritage, fjord views, and fresh mountain air.

• Emotional hook:
  Living in Nesttun feels like being close to everything and yet peacefully apart. The rhythm of raindrops on your window and a view of Ulriken mountain define everyday life here serene, structured, and subtly inspiring.

🏡 Housing

Note: Nesttun has slightly lower prices than central Bergen, while offering green spaces, proximity to schools, and reliable tram access.

🛒 Daily Expenses

Local produce is widely available, and the public transport system (Bybanen) is punctual and efficient, especially from Nesttun to central Bergen.

🎭 Culture, Fitness & Leisure

Bergen’s rich cultural scene spills into Nesttun with music schools, galleries, and nature based fitness, hiking, skiing, and fjord kayaking are part of everyday life.

💼 Employment & Economy

• Unemployment Rate: ~3.4% (as of Q1 2025)

• Major Industries:
  Maritime, aquaculture, tourism, energy (especially renewables), IT

• Work Culture:
  Flat hierarchy, high trust, strong work-life balance

• Average Working Hours:
  ~37.5 hours/week

Many residents of Nesttun work in central Bergen or remotely in international sectors.

🏥 Healthcare & Education

• Healthcare:
  Public healthcare is mostly covered by national insurance (NOK 2,980 annual deductible). Private care and dental visits typically cost €100–150.

• Education:

  • Public schools are high quality and free.

  • International options include Bergen International School.

  • University of Bergen offers globally recognised programmes.

💶 Cost of Living Overview (Monthly)

*Examples:

• Dinner for two: €80

• Gym: €58

• Cappuccino: €4.20*

📍 Lifestyle & Local Feel

Nesttun combines suburban calm with city access. Think: Sunday hikes, kind neighbours, children walking safely to school. The local centre has everything from cafés to pharmacy and light rail connectivity.
Norwegians value privacy, punctuality, and nature. “Friluftsliv” the joy of outdoor living is not just a phrase; it’s how people live here.

☀️ Climate & Weather

• Temps (°C):
  Winter mornings: 1–3°C | Summer days: 18–22°C

• Sunrise/sunset (avg):
  December: 09:30 / 15:30
  June: 04:30 / 23:00

• Weather:
  Expect rain up to 239 days/year but with unmatched greenery and misty mountain beauty in return.

🌿 Environmental Index & Climate Preparedness

• Environmental Score:
  High. Bergen ranks well in European green indexes due to its electric ferry network, renewable energy push, and sustainable urban planning.

• Climate Preparedness:
  The city is investing in flood defence, green building codes, and sustainable transport. Nesttun is part of these efforts with green infrastructure and stormwater management projects.

✅ Summary

Nesttun offers a rare blend of peaceful family life and access to Bergen’s dynamic opportunities. It’s not the cheapest in Europe, but the quality of life safety, air, balance is undeniable.

Compare Bergen to other cities

Explore Bergen nesttun’s city profile

🎥 Watch & Explore

• Discover the City of Bergen and Norway's Stunning Fjords by a Mini-cruise!

• What to do in Bergen, Norway - Locals guide to Bergen's coziest untouristy places (on a rainy day)

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