A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bergen vs. Arequipa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bergen or Arequipa?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Bergen or Arequipa? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Bergen or Arequipa?

Bergen

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.

Arequipa

Sitting in the middle of the Misti, Chachani and PichuPichu volcanoes of Peru is the enchanting city of Arequipa. With 468 years of history, the city is full of Spanish colonial architecture. Known to locals as the "white city," the city center, Plaza de Armas, is quite the sight with buildings of sillar white stone made from the rocks of the surrounding volcanoes.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Peru, and The Best Cultural Tours in Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Arequipa or Bergen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Bergen Prices
    Norway Prices
    Arequipa Prices
    Peru Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Bergen $153
    Arequipa $61

The average daily cost (per person) in Bergen is $153, while the average daily cost in Arequipa is $61. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bergen and Arequipa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bergen $79
    Arequipa $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bergen $158
    Arequipa $50
Compare Hotels in Bergen and Arequipa

Looking for a hotel in Bergen or Arequipa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bergen


Hotels in Arequipa


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bergen Hotel Prices and Arequipa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bergen $11
    Arequipa $6.47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen City by Minibus: $222
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by Car: $152
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by luxury minivan: $172
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Minibus: $150
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Sedan: $120
  • Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen (BGO) Airport to City centre: $101
  • Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen city centre to Bergen airport: $101
  • BGO Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $54
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Airport BGO by Minibus: $210
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Airport BGO by Minivan: $160
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Cruise Port by Minibus: $150
  • Private Airport Transfer From Bergen Airport or Hotels in Bergen: $123

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Arequipa

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Arequipa are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.46
  • Bus Ride
    $0.47
  • Taxi Ride
    $1.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arequipa

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arequipa:

  • Arequipa Airport Arrival Transfer: $13
  • Arequipa Airport Departure Transfer: $19
  • Private Transfer from Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón Airport to Hotel: $20
  • Private Transfer from Arequipa Airport to hotels: $30
  • Arequipa Bus Station Departure Transfer: $37
  • Arequipa Airport Private Transfer: $38
  • Full Day Tour to Colca including Transfer to Puno: $60
  • Colca Canyon Day Trip with Transfer to Puno: $65
  • Colca Canyon Full-Day Tour with Transfer to Puno: $72
  • Koh Lanta any hotel to Krabi airport Private transfer: $78
  • Colca Canyon full day tour with transfer to Puno: $80
  • Colca Canyon + Transfer To Puno: $103

Is it cheaper to fly into Bergen or Arequipa?

Prices for flights to both Arequipa and Bergen change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bergen $62
    Arequipa $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.

  • Bergen Food Tour: $177
  • A Taste of Bergen Food Tour with Floibanen Funicular: $233

Typical Food Prices in Arequipa

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arequipa:


  • Coke
    $0.44
  • Lunch
    $3.06
  • Ice Cream
    $1.17
  • Fruit
    $0.87
  • Ice Cream
    $1.02

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Arequipa

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Arequipa.

  • Cooking Class at La Plantation: $36
  • Peruvian Cooking Experience in Arequipa: $43
  • Peruvian Cooking Class in arequipa: $50
  • Arequipa Nights Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
  • Peruvian Cooking Class: $63
  • Arequipa Food Tour: Ancestral Cuisine & City Tour: $70
  • Arequipa Food Tour Experience: $115
  • Food Tour Gastronomic Guided: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bergen $19
    Arequipa $20

Tours and Activities in Bergen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:

  • Tip-Based Walking Tour of Bergen: $3.42
  • Self-Guided Podcast Tour: Bergen's Dance with the Elements: $5.46
  • Bergen's University District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Bergen Self-Guided Tour at Bryggen and Old Town, Audio and Quiz: $7.98
  • Off the Beaten Track in A Private Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
  • Bergen Self-Guided Audio Tour: Landmarks, Grieg, Ibsen & WWII: $8.99
  • Audio Walking Tour in Bergen Famous Ghosts Location: $9.75
  • Pocket Bergen A Self-guided Tour to the Unesco Site of Bryggen: $9.99
  • Bergen Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $10
  • Exploring Bergen Audio Tour through the Eyes of Edvard Grieg: $13
  • Walking Tour of Central Bergen: $16
  • Bergen Outdoor Escape Game: Self-Guided City Adventure: $23

Typical Entertainment Prices in Arequipa

Here are a few typical costs in Arequipa for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Monastery Entry
    $2.91
  • Salsa Class
    $2.91
  • Movie Ticket
    $3.18
  • Hot Springs
    $2.91

Tours and Activities in Arequipa

Here are a few actual costs in Arequipa for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Route of the Sillar 4-Hour Tour: $10
  • City tour Arequipa by foot: $10
  • Walking Tour through the Historic Center of Arequipa: $10
  • Arequipa Sillar Stone Quarries and Culebrillas Canyon Tour: $13
  • Arequipa Tasting Tour: $13
  • Tour to La Ruta del Sillar and Culesbrillas in Arequipa: $15
  • Chili River White Water Rafting Adventure with Pickup: $16
  • Sillar Route Tour The best experience!!: $17
  • Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon Full-Day Tour from Arequipa: $18
  • Countryside Tour Arequipa: $18
  • Rafting in Arequipa Chili River Half Day Tour: $18
  • City Tour Arequipa: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bergen $8.03
    Arequipa $17

Typical Alcohol Prices in Arequipa

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Arequipa are as follows:


  • Beer
    $2.62

Sample the Local Flavors in Arequipa

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Arequipa:

  • Arequipa Pub Crawl - Bar & Nightclub Tour: $18


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bergen and Arequipa, we can see that Bergen is more expensive. And not only is Arequipa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bergen is in Europe and Arequipa is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Arequipa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Arequipa and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bergen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergen than you might in Arequipa.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bergen Expensive? and Is Arequipa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bergen or Arequipa?

Arequipa has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Bergen and Arequipa, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.