Side-by-side city decision # Hiroshima vs Bergen. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link HiroshimaJapan3/6 VS BergenNorway1/6 $1,155Hiroshima monthly budget $2,310Bergen monthly budget 210 MbpsHiroshima internet 180 MbpsBergen internet Decision summary Hiroshima Hiroshima leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Hiroshima Speed Fastest internet Hiroshima Vibe Best nomad vibe Tie Safety Highest safety Hiroshima Air Cleanest air Bergen Walk Most walkable Tie Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Hiroshima](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/japan/hiroshima.md) Japan 3/6 Budget$1,155 Internet210 Mbps Vibe7/10 [Bergen](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/norway/bergen.md) Norway 1/6 Budget$2,310 Internet180 Mbps Vibe7/10 Full comparison ## Compare what matters Green marks the stronger numeric result. Text-only categories are presented without a winner. Differences only ### Monthly budget and costs 7 signals MetricHiroshimaBergen Total estimated budget $1,155 $2,310 1-bed center rent $550 $1,450 Coworking desk $180 $360 Local meal $6.5 $22 Cappuccino $3.3 $4.9 Gym membership $55 $58 Transport budget $65 $80 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricHiroshimaBergen Internet speed 210 Mbps 180 Mbps Nomad vibe 7/10 7/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricHiroshimaBergen Safety index 86/100 78/100 Air quality 76/100 91/100 Walkability 8/10 8/10 Female safety 9/10 9/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 6/10 8/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricHiroshimaBergen Healthcare quality Excellent Excellent English proficiency Basic Excellent Climate type Humid subtropical Cool oceanic Best time to visit Mar - May May - Sep Beyond the numbers ## What each city asks you to trade Costs and scores help narrow the choice. These practical strengths and limitations finish the picture. [Hiroshima](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/japan/hiroshima.md) Japan → ### Strengths * Lower rents and daily costs than Tokyo or Osaka * Very safe, clean, and easy to navigate * Fast, reliable fiber internet and widespread 5G * Excellent local food, including Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki * Efficient trams, buses, and rail connections * Green setting with easy access to Miyajima and the Seto Inland Sea ### Trade-offs * English is limited outside major hotels and tourist sites * International remote-worker community is relatively small * Hot, humid summers and a distinct rainy season * Rental contracts can require Japanese guarantors and upfront fees * Nightlife is quieter than in Tokyo, Osaka, or Fukuoka * Hiroshima Airport is far from the city center ### Common visa routes * Temporary Visitor visa waiver: commonly up to 90 days for eligible nationalities * Japan Digital Nomad Visa: up to 6 months for qualifying high-income remote workers * Work or Business Manager visa: suitable for those sponsored by an employer or operating a Japanese business [Bergen](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/norway/bergen.md) Norway → ### Strengths * Very safe city with reliable public services * Fast, stable fiber internet and strong mobile coverage * Spectacular access to fjords, mountains, and hiking trails * Excellent English proficiency and easy card payments * Compact, highly walkable central districts * Clean air, safe tap water, and high-quality healthcare ### Trade-offs * High rent, restaurant prices, and alcohol costs * Frequent rain and long, dark winter days * Limited dedicated coworking selection compared with larger capitals * Housing competition is intense near the center and university * Norway has no dedicated digital nomad visa * Social circles can take time to build ### Common visa routes * Schengen visa-free or visitor stay: up to 90 days in any 180-day period for eligible nationalities * Norwegian self-employed residence permit for qualifying business owners with Norwegian clients or operations * Skilled worker residence permit through employment with a Norwegian employer Reading the result ## Use this as a planning benchmark The headline score compares six directional signals. It does not weight personal priorities, visa eligibility, household size or individual lifestyle choices. Costs are monthly estimates, not guaranteed prices. Higher is better for quality scores and connectivity. Lower is better for budgets and individual expenses.