Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Norway
Uzbekistan
Based on our comparison, Samarkand wins 6 out of 8 categories.Bergen wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Bergen and Samarkand, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Samarkand
$464/mo
Best Internet
Bergen
110 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Samarkand
7.3/10
Our Recommendation: Samarkand is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Bergen and Samarkand for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Samarkand is the more budget-friendly option at $464/month versus Bergen's $2,135/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Bergen leads with 110 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Samarkand offers 55 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7.6/10, Bergen provides a more secure environment than Samarkand (7.3/10).
Overall: Samarkand's NomadIQ score of 7.3/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Samarkand is 78% cheaper than Bergen.
Bergen has a higher safety score (7.6/10) compared to Samarkand (7.3/10).
7.6/10
Bergen
7.3/10
Samarkand
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bergen offers faster internet at 110 Mbps vs 55 Mbps.
110 Mbps
Bergen
55 Mbps
Samarkand
Based on our analysis, Samarkand edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.
Bergen: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Samarkand: Best for budget-conscious expats
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