Which place is cheaper, Saint John or Bergen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Bergen or Saint John?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Bergen or Saint John? 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 Saint John?
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.
Saint John
With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.
This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.
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Bergen Prices
Norway PricesSaint John Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBergen $144Saint John $233
The average daily cost (per person) in Bergen is $144, while the average daily cost in Saint John is $233. 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 Saint John in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBergen $74Saint John $106
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBergen $148Saint John $212
Compare Hotels in Bergen and Saint John
Looking for a hotel in Bergen or Saint John? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bergen $11Saint John $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by Car: $134
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by luxury minivan: $161
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Sedan: $114
- Bergen Airport BGO Private Transfer to Starefossen Bergen Hotels: $85
- Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen (BGO) Airport to City centre: $115
- Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen city centre to Bergen airport: $115
- BGO Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $37
- Private Transfer from Bergen Airport (BGO): $115
- Private Transfer from Bergen Airport to City Center: $112
- Private Transfer to Airport, City or Cruise Port: $171
- Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Cruise Port by luxury van: $125
- From Private Transfer to Gudvangen: $494
Is it cheaper to fly into Bergen or Saint John?
Prices for flights to both Saint John 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
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Food Meals for one dayBergen $58Saint John $97
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.
- Ulriken Enjoy a 5-course dinner with panoramic views: $162
- Bergen Food Tour: $174
- Half Day Fishing and Outdoor Cooking in Bergen: $225
- Guided Fishing Tour with Outdoor Cooking: $262
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bergen $18Saint John $23
Tours and Activities in Bergen
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:
- 2 Hour Shared Walking Tour of Bergen: $3.57
- Off the Beaten Track in A Private Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
- The Headless Horseman in A Self Guided Walking Tour Game: $8.59
- Pocket Bergen A Self-guided Tour to the Unesco Site of Bryggen: $8.99
- Bergen's Landmarks and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Walk with a Witch in 16th Century A Self-Guided Fictional Tour: $8.99
- Bergen Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $9.51
- Audio Walking Tour in Bergen Famous Ghosts Location : $9.75
- Bergen's University District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Guided Walking Tour with Local Guide: $15
- Authentic Morning Walking Tour: $20
- Troll Museum Entry Ticket: $25
Tours and Activities in Saint John
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBergen $7.56Saint John $44
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bergen and Saint John, we can see that Saint John is more expensive. And not only is Bergen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bergen is in Europe and Saint John is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Bergen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bergen 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 Saint John would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John than you might in Bergen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bergen Expensive? and Is Saint John Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Bergen or Saint John?
Bergen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Bergen or Saint John in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bergen and Saint John. Most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Bergen is much colder than Saint John. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bergen in July average around 15°C (58°F), and Saint John averages at about 29°C (83°F).
Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Bergen usually receives more rain than Saint John. Bergen gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBergen 15°C (58°F)Saint John 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Bergen or Saint John in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Bergen as well as Saint John. The autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.
In October, Bergen is generally much colder than Saint John. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 9°C (48°F), and Saint John fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite rainy in Saint John. Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bergen usually gets more rain in October than Saint John. Bergen gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBergen 9°C (48°F)Saint John 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Bergen or Saint John in the Winter?
Both Saint John and Bergen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bergen this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Bergen in the winter. Bergen is much colder than Saint John in the winter. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Saint John fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It's quite rainy in Bergen. In January, Bergen usually receives more rain than Saint John. Bergen gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBergen 2°C (35°F)Saint John 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Bergen or Saint John in the Spring?
Both Saint John and Bergen during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.
In the spring, Bergen is much colder than Saint John. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bergen in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Saint John averages at about 27°C (80°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. Bergen usually gets more rain in April than Saint John. Bergen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBergen 6°C (43°F)Saint John 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint John and Bergen
| Bergen | Saint John | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (35°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (35°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (43°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (56°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (58°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (58°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (53°F) | 283 mm (11.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (48°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 259 mm (10.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 235 mm (9.3 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.