Cost of Living in Bern, Switzerland
Switzerland · Europe
$4,600
Monthly Cost
avg/person
105
Cost Index
NYC=100
100
Rent Index
NYC=100
91
Quality of Life
Excellent
90
Safety Index
Excellent
0.1M
Population
CHF
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $26 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $115 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $16 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $7 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $7.5 |
| Cappuccino | $5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $4 |
| Water (0.33L) | $3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.7 |
| Bread (500g) | $2.9 |
| Rice (1kg) | $2.6 |
| Eggs (12) | $5.8 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $17 |
| Beef (1kg) | $32 |
| Apples (1kg) | $4.2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $2.6 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $4.6 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2.6 |
| Onion (1kg) | $2.1 |
| Water (1.5L) | $1.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $4.2 |
| Monthly Pass | $88 |
| Taxi 1km | $4.2 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.8 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $36000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $29000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $215 |
| Mobile Plan | $34 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $54 |
| Fitness Club/month | $92 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $2,600/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $1,900/mo |
| 3BR Center | $5,600/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $3,800/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $17,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $11,000/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $7000 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 2.1% |
View Cost of Living in Switzerland
Cost of Living in Bern — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Bern, Switzerland is approximately $4,600 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Bern has a cost index of 105, making it around 5% more expensive.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Bern costs around $1,900/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $2,600/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $5,600/month. The rent index is 100 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Bern scores 91/100 on the quality of life index and 90/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 94/100. The climate index is 60/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Bern is approximately $7,000/month. With a purchasing power index of 106/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is CHF, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Bern
The average monthly salary in Bern is approximately $7,000. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $4,600, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 106/100.
Healthcare Costs in Bern
Healthcare quality in Bern is rated 94/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Bern
Bern has a quality of life score of 91/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Bern
Students living in Bern should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Bern
Expats moving to Bern often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Bern, Switzerland is approximately $4,600 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 105 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Bern
Living in Bern offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 105 and a quality of life score of 91/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $7,000 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Bern provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Switzerland and around the world.
Key Facts About Bern
- Average Monthly Cost: $4,600
- Cost Index: 105
- Rent Index: 100
- Average Salary: $7,000
- Quality of Life: 91/100
- Safety Score: 90/100
- Country: Switzerland
- Currency: CHF
Is Bern Expensive?
Bern has a cost index of 105 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more expensive than many major international cities.
How does Bern compare to other cities?
Bern is located in Europe with a population of approximately 0.1M. At a cost index of 105 (NYC = 100), it is a mid-range city in terms of global cost of living. Use the free comparison tool to see how Bern stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bern?
The average cost of living in Bern, Switzerland is approximately $4,600 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 105 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Bern?
Rent in Bern varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 100 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Bern alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Bern expensive to live in?
Bern has a cost index of 105 compared to New York City (100). At 105, Bern is on the more expensive side globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $4,600.
What is the quality of life in Bern?
Bern has a quality of life index of 91/100 and a safety index of 90/100. The city is located in Europe and offers a excellent quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Bern compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Bern with any city worldwide. Bern's cost index is 105 (NYC=100), making it more expensive than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Bern?
Many residents live comfortably in Bern with a monthly budget of around $4,600 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Bern good for expats?
Bern is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Bern?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $4,600 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Bern.
Is Bern cheaper than New York?
No, Bern has a cost index of 105 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Bern?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Bern.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Bern
Cheapest Ways to Live in Bern
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Bern typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $1,900/month compared to $2,600/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Bern, Switzerland.
Is Bern Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 106/100 and a quality of life score of 91/100, Bern is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 105 relative to New York City, Bern remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Switzerland has to offer against other destinations in Europe.
Bern Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Bern", "Bern monthly expenses 2026", and "is Bern affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $4,600, a safety score of 90/100, and healthcare rated 94/100, Bern offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Switzerland.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026