Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Norway Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Bergen's property market is included in our pack
If you're a foreigner thinking about buying an apartment in Bergen to rent out, this guide breaks down what rental yields you can realistically expect in early 2026.
We cover average rents, net versus gross yields, the best apartment types and neighborhoods, and the costs that will eat into your returns.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest Bergen rental market data.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Bergen.
What rental yields can I realistically get from an apartment in Bergen?
What's the average gross rental yield for apartments in Bergen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for apartments in Bergen falls somewhere between 5% and 5.5%, which is decent by Norwegian standards but not exceptional.
That said, the realistic range that covers most apartment investments in Bergen stretches from about 4.5% at the lower end to around 6.5% at the higher end, depending on what and where you buy.
The biggest factor that makes gross yields vary so much in Bergen is the price gap between central neighborhoods like Nordnes or Sentrum, where prices per square meter are highest, and outer areas like Fyllingsdalen or Laksevåg, where the same rent level comes with a much lower purchase price.
Compared to Oslo, where gross yields often sit closer to 3% to 4%, Bergen offers noticeably better returns, and it also tends to beat Trondheim and Stavanger by a small margin because Bergen's apartment prices have not risen as aggressively relative to rents.
What's the average net rental yield for apartments in Bergen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield for apartments in Bergen typically lands between 3% and 3.5% once you subtract all the real operating costs from your gross rent.
The realistic range that most Bergen apartment investors end up in is about 2.5% to 4.5%, with the lower end reflecting high-service-charge buildings in prime areas and the higher end reflecting well-bought units with modest running costs.
The single biggest expense that eats into your gross yield in Bergen is the building service charge, called "felleskostnader," which often consumes 15% to 25% of your rental income and covers things like shared maintenance, common insurance, cleaning, and sometimes heating.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Bergen.
What's the typical rent-to-price ratio for apartments in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical rent-to-price ratio in Bergen means you would need roughly 16 to 20 years of rent to equal the purchase price, which translates to a gross yield of about 5% to 6%.
The realistic range of rent-to-price ratios that covers most Bergen apartment transactions stretches from about 15 years in higher-yielding outer neighborhoods to around 22 years in the most expensive central pockets.
Apartments in neighborhoods like Fyllingsdalen, Laksevåg, and Åsane tend to have the best rent-to-price ratios because purchase prices are noticeably lower there while rents remain relatively strong due to good transit links and steady local demand.
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How much rent can I charge for an apartment in Bergen?
What's the typical tenant budget range for apartments in Bergen right now?
The typical monthly tenant budget for renting an apartment in Bergen in early 2026 ranges from about NOK 12,000 to NOK 19,000, which works out to roughly $1,080 to $1,710 or €1,020 to €1,615.
Tenants looking for mid-range apartments in Bergen, meaning a standard 1-bed or 2-bed in a decent location, usually budget between NOK 14,000 and NOK 17,000 per month, or about $1,260 to $1,530 (€1,190 to €1,445).
Those seeking high-end or luxury apartments in Bergen, such as renovated units in Nordnes or waterfront buildings in Sentrum, often budget NOK 20,000 to NOK 28,000 per month, which translates to roughly $1,800 to $2,520 (€1,700 to €2,380).
We have a blog article where we update the latest data about rents in Bergen here.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bed apartment in Bergen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bed apartment in Bergen, which Norwegians call a "2-roms," is about NOK 15,500 per month, or roughly $1,395 (€1,320).
Entry-level 1-bed apartments in Bergen, meaning older units in areas like Landås or outer Årstad with basic finishes, typically rent for NOK 12,000 to NOK 13,500 per month, which is about $1,080 to $1,215 (€1,020 to €1,150).
Mid-range 1-bed apartments in Bergen, such as well-maintained units near Bybanen stops in Kronstad or Møhlenpris with updated kitchens, generally fetch NOK 14,500 to NOK 16,500 per month, or roughly $1,305 to $1,485 (€1,230 to €1,400).
High-end 1-bed apartments in Bergen, like renovated units in Nordnes with harbor views or modern buildings in Sentrum, can command NOK 18,000 to NOK 22,000 per month, translating to about $1,620 to $1,980 (€1,530 to €1,870).
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bed apartment in Bergen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bed apartment in Bergen, known locally as a "3-roms," is about NOK 18,800 per month, or roughly $1,690 (€1,600).
Entry-level 2-bed apartments in Bergen, such as older walk-up units in Fyllingsdalen or Loddefjord with dated interiors, typically rent for NOK 15,000 to NOK 17,000 per month, which works out to about $1,350 to $1,530 (€1,275 to €1,445).
Mid-range 2-bed apartments in Bergen, meaning standard units in popular areas like Sandviken or Årstad with modern bathrooms and good layouts, generally fetch NOK 17,500 to NOK 20,000 per month, or roughly $1,575 to $1,800 (€1,490 to €1,700).
High-end 2-bed apartments in Bergen, such as newly renovated units in Sentrum with balconies or family-friendly buildings near Nygård with excellent schools nearby, can command NOK 22,000 to NOK 28,000 per month, translating to about $1,980 to $2,520 (€1,870 to €2,380).
What's the average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment in Bergen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment in Bergen, called a "4-roms" locally, is about NOK 22,000 per month, or roughly $1,980 (€1,870).
Entry-level 3-bed apartments in Bergen, such as older units in Åsane or Laksevåg with basic finishes and no elevator, typically rent for NOK 18,000 to NOK 20,000 per month, which is about $1,620 to $1,800 (€1,530 to €1,700).
Mid-range 3-bed apartments in Bergen, meaning family-sized units in Kronstad or Danmarksplass with good storage and easy Bybanen access, generally fetch NOK 20,000 to NOK 24,000 per month, or roughly $1,800 to $2,160 (€1,700 to €2,040).
High-end 3-bed apartments in Bergen, like spacious units in Nordnes or modern buildings near Bryggen with premium finishes, can command NOK 26,000 to NOK 35,000 per month, translating to about $2,340 to $3,150 (€2,210 to €2,975).
How fast do well-priced apartments get rented in Bergen?
A well-priced apartment in Bergen typically gets rented within 1 to 3 weeks in early 2026, and sometimes even faster in high-demand areas near the university or hospital.
The typical vacancy rate for apartments in Bergen is quite low, generally running at about 2% to 4%, because the rental market has been tight with strong competition among tenants.
The main factors that cause some apartments to rent faster than others in Bergen are proximity to Bybanen light rail stops, energy-efficient heating systems that keep electricity costs manageable, and in-unit laundry or good storage, all of which Bergen tenants prioritize heavily.
And if you want to know what should be the right price, check our latest update on how much an apartment should cost in Bergen.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Norway versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
Which apartment type gives the best yield in Bergen?
Which is better for yield between studios, 1-bed, 2-bed and 3-bed apartments in Bergen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, studios and small 1-room apartments in Bergen typically offer the best rental yields, often reaching 6% to 7% gross, because they attract the largest pool of renters relative to their purchase price.
Looking at typical gross yields by apartment type in Bergen: studios and 1-room units deliver about 6% to 7%, 1-bed apartments (2-roms) come in at around 5% to 6%, 2-bed apartments (3-roms) sit at roughly 4.5% to 5.5%, and 3-bed apartments (4-roms) also hover around 4.5% to 5.5%.
The main reason smaller units outperform in Bergen is the city's large student population, with the University of Bergen and other institutions creating constant demand for affordable rentals, combined with the fact that per-square-meter prices do not drop proportionally for smaller units.
Which features are best if you want a good yield for your apartment in Bergen?
The features that most positively impact rental yield in Bergen are proximity to Bybanen stops, energy-efficient heating like heat pumps or district heating, in-unit laundry, and a dedicated storage room called a "bod," all of which Bergen tenants actively seek out.
In Bergen, ground-floor apartments can be harder to rent because of the city's heavy rainfall and concerns about dampness, while upper floors with good natural light tend to attract more interest, especially if there is an elevator.
Apartments with balconies or outdoor space do rent faster in Bergen and can command slightly higher rents, particularly in neighborhoods where outdoor space is rare, though the premium is modest compared to the cost of buying a unit with a balcony.
Building features like elevators and parking definitely help rentability in Bergen, but they come with higher service charges that can eat into your net yield, so it is worth checking whether the rent premium actually covers the extra felleskostnader.
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Which neighborhoods give the best rental demand for apartments in Bergen?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rental demand for apartments in Bergen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the Bergen neighborhoods with the highest rental demand for apartments are Sentrum, Nygård, Møhlenpris, Sandviken, Nordnes, and the Årstad-Kronstad-Danmarksplass corridor, all of which attract tenants quickly and consistently.
The main demand driver in these Bergen neighborhoods is their proximity to the university zone, Haukeland Hospital, and the city center job market, combined with excellent access to the Bybanen light rail, which has become essential for many renters.
In these high-demand neighborhoods, well-priced apartments typically rent within 1 to 2 weeks, and vacancy rates stay very low, often below 2%, because tenant competition is strong.
One emerging neighborhood gaining rental demand momentum in Bergen is Laksevåg, which offers much lower prices than Sentrum but sits just across the bay with improving infrastructure and growing interest from younger renters priced out of central areas.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Bergen.
Which neighborhoods have the highest yields for apartments in Bergen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the Bergen neighborhoods with the highest rental yields for apartments are Fyllingsdalen, Laksevåg, Åsane, Loddefjord, and the outer parts of Årstad near transit hubs, where purchase prices are lower but rents stay relatively strong.
In these top-yielding Bergen neighborhoods, gross rental yields typically range from about 5.5% to 7%, compared to 4% to 5% in prime central areas like Nordnes or inner Sentrum.
The main reason these neighborhoods offer higher yields is that apartment prices per square meter can be 20% to 35% lower than central Bergen while monthly rents only drop by about 10% to 15%, creating a more favorable rent-to-price ratio for investors.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Norway. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
Should I do long-term rental or short-term rental in Bergen?
Is short-term rental legal for apartments in Bergen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rental of apartments in Bergen is legal but comes with significant restrictions, especially a cap on how many nights per year you can rent out your entire unit.
The main legal restriction in Bergen, and all of Norway, is that owner-section condominiums (called "eierseksjon" or "sameie") are generally limited to 90 days of short-term rental per year, though building bylaws can set this anywhere between 60 and 120 days with a two-thirds vote.
If you buy in a housing cooperative (called "borettslag"), the rules can be even stricter, and you must check the specific cooperative's bylaws before assuming you can do any short-term letting at all.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Bergen.
What's the gross yield difference short-term vs long-term in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rentals in Bergen can theoretically generate 1 to 3 percentage points more in gross yield than long-term rentals, but this advantage shrinks quickly once you factor in higher costs and legal limits.
For Bergen apartments, long-term rentals typically deliver gross yields of 4.5% to 6.5%, while short-term rentals might reach 6% to 9% gross if you achieve strong occupancy, though the 90-day annual cap makes year-round short-term income impossible.
The main additional costs that reduce the net yield advantage of short-term rentals in Bergen include frequent cleaning, furnishing and replacement costs, platform fees of 3% to 15%, and either your own time or paid co-hosting services.
To actually outperform a long-term rental in Bergen, a short-term rental would need to achieve at least 60% to 70% occupancy at premium nightly rates, which is difficult given the 90-day cap and Bergen's seasonal tourism patterns.
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What costs will eat into my net yield for an apartment in Bergen?
What are building service charges as a % of rent in Bergen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical building service charge, called "felleskostnader," for apartments in Bergen runs at about 15% to 20% of your monthly rental income, which translates to roughly NOK 2,000 to NOK 4,000 per month, or $180 to $360 (€170 to €340).
The realistic range of building service charges in Bergen covers about 10% to 25% of rent depending on the building, with newer or full-service buildings at the higher end and older walk-ups at the lower end.
In Bergen, higher-than-average service charges are typically justified by elevator maintenance, shared heating systems, parking facilities, communal laundry, and high levels of building debt taken on for renovations like facade work or plumbing upgrades.
What annual maintenance budget should I assume for an apartment in Bergen right now?
For an apartment in Bergen, a realistic annual maintenance budget for inside-the-unit repairs and replacements is about NOK 10,000 to NOK 20,000, which works out to roughly $900 to $1,800 (€850 to €1,700), or about 0.3% to 0.6% of a typical property value.
This range can vary depending on apartment age and condition: newer units in good buildings might need only NOK 5,000 to NOK 10,000 per year ($450 to $900 or €425 to €850), while older apartments with aging appliances or bathrooms could require NOK 20,000 to NOK 30,000 ($1,800 to $2,700 or €1,700 to €2,550).
The most common maintenance expenses Bergen apartment owners face annually are appliance repairs or replacements, repainting between tenants, minor plumbing fixes, and ventilation system servicing, which is especially important in Bergen's damp climate to prevent mold issues.
What property taxes should I expect for an apartment in Bergen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical annual property tax for an apartment in Bergen ranges from about NOK 4,000 to NOK 7,500, which works out to roughly $360 to $675 (€340 to €640), depending on the apartment's assessed value.
The realistic range of property taxes in Bergen stretches from zero for lower-value units that fall below the deduction threshold to around NOK 10,000 to NOK 12,000 ($900 to $1,080 or €850 to €1,020) for higher-value apartments in prime areas.
Property tax in Bergen is calculated by taking 70% of the Tax Administration's assessed housing value, subtracting a NOK 750,000 deduction per unit, and then applying the 2026 tax rate of 2.6 promille (0.26%) to the remaining amount.
There is no special exemption for rental properties in Bergen, but the NOK 750,000 deduction per unit means that lower-value apartments may owe little or no property tax at all.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Bergen.
How much does landlord insurance cost for an apartment in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical annual landlord insurance cost for an apartment in Bergen is about NOK 1,500 to NOK 3,000, which works out to roughly $135 to $270 (€130 to €255), on top of standard home insurance.
The realistic range of annual landlord insurance costs in Bergen runs from about NOK 1,000 ($90 or €85) for basic coverage on a small unit to around NOK 4,000 to NOK 5,000 ($360 to $450 or €340 to €425) for comprehensive coverage on a higher-value apartment with loss-of-rent protection.
What's the typical property management fee for apartments in Bergen as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical property management fee for apartments in Bergen is about 10% of the monthly rent, which for a NOK 15,500 apartment would mean roughly NOK 1,550 per month, or about $140 (€130).
The realistic range of property management fees in Bergen runs from about 8% for basic services to around 12% to 15% for full-service packages that include tenant finding, and there are usually additional one-time fees when placing a new tenant.
Standard property management services in Bergen typically include rent collection, tenant communication, coordinating repairs, handling lease renewals, and ensuring legal compliance, but tenant finding and major renovation oversight often cost extra.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Norway compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Bergen, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics Norway (SSB) Rental Market Survey | Norway's official statistics agency publishing official rent data. | We used SSB to anchor our view of typical Bergen rents. We cross-checked private market asking rents against it. |
| Hybel Rental Statistics | Major Norwegian rental listing platform with current asking rents. | We used Hybel for January 2026 rent levels by room count. We based all rent estimates on this current data. |
| Nordvik Bolig (Eiendom Norge/Finn/Eiendomsverdi) | Bergen price data built with Eiendom Norge, Finn, and Eiendomsverdi. | We used it for Bergen price-per-square-meter anchors. We converted these into yield calculations throughout. |
| Bergen Kommune Property Tax | Official municipal government source for Bergen's 2026 tax rules. | We used it to calculate realistic property tax for Bergen apartments. We included these figures directly in net yield estimates. |
| Global Property Guide | International real estate research publisher with clear yield methodology. | We used it as a reality check on Norway yield benchmarks. We calibrated our Bergen math to stay plausible. |
| Utleiemegleren | Large established rental management firm publishing its own fees. | We used it to anchor realistic property management costs. We built these fees into net yield calculations. |
| OBOS | Norway's biggest housing cooperative with clear cost definitions. | We used it to define what building service charges typically cover. We translated this into cost categories for landlords. |
| Lovdata | Official publishing channel for Norwegian legislation. | We used it to state the legal cap on short-term letting accurately. We translated this into practical rules for investors. |
| Huseierne | Major Norwegian homeowner organization with plain-language guides. | We used it to explain condo versus co-op rules clearly. We used Lovdata as the legal source behind it. |
| Bergens Tidende | Bergen's leading local newspaper with concrete market reporting. | We used it to contextualize rental demand pressure in Bergen. We anchored actual numbers on datasets rather than anecdotes. |
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