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Cost of living in Bern
Rent, everyday prices and the gross salary you may need to cover living costs in Bern.
One person, a month
CHF 1,447
Living costs excluding rent
Family of four, a month
CHF 5,253
Living costs excluding rent
One-bedroom rent, centre
CHF 1,606
A month
Gross salary, one person
CHF 34,000
to cover living costs in Bern
Bern's cost of living at a glance
Bern is among the less expensive cities in Switzerland but one of the most expensive cities in Europe. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Bern are CHF 1,447, excluding rent. Living costs for a family of four are CHF 5,253 a month, excluding rent.
A single person in Bern may need a gross salary of at least CHF 34,000 a year to cover estimated living costs, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
One person's monthly costs
Numbeo household estimate in CHF, with the rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
How Bern compares
One person's monthly costs in Bern, excluding rent, are 6.0% lower than in the typical city in Switzerland and 94.6% higher than in the typical city worldwide.
Where Bern ranks
In Switzerland
11th of 19
One person's monthly costs including rent, most expensive first.
In Europe
16th of 874
Cities in Europe with a Numbeo estimate, most expensive first.
Worldwide
96th percentile
Costs the same as or more than 96% of 1,942 cities: one of the most expensive cities.
One-bedroom rent, centre
9th of 19
Cities in Switzerland, most expensive first.
Monthly costs against the typical city
- Bern
- Typical national city
- Typical city worldwide
Tap a line or a table row to read its three amounts.
| Monthly cost | Bern | Typical national city | Typical city worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | CHF 1,606 | CHF 1,579 +1.7% | CHF 612 +162.4% |
| Groceries | CHF 528 | CHF 538 −1.9% | CHF 232 +127.9% |
| Eating out | CHF 283 | CHF 289 −2.3% | CHF 130 +116.8% |
| Transport | CHF 86.33 | CHF 86.33 0.0% | CHF 32.98 +161.8% |
| Utilities | CHF 209 | CHF 249 −16.1% | CHF 144 +45.2% |
| Leisure | CHF 112 | CHF 128 −12.4% | CHF 51.10 +118.9% |
| Total excluding rent | CHF 1,447 | CHF 1,539 −6.0% | CHF 743 +94.6% |
| Total including rent | CHF 3,053 | CHF 3,083 −1.0% | CHF 1,380 +121.3% |
Typical = the median of 19 cities in Switzerland and 1,942 cities worldwide.
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Explore prices in Bern
The average price for each item, and the range from the lowest to the highest price people have reported.
Renting in Bern
Bern is the 9th most expensive city in Switzerland for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. The closest-priced city in Switzerland is Dubendorf.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs CHF 1,606 a month.
Outside the centre, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs CHF 1,191 a month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the centre is around 35% more expensive to rent than one outside the centre.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | CHF 1,606 | CHF 1,053– |
| 1-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | CHF 1,191 | CHF 834– |
| 3-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | CHF 2,938 | CHF 2,106– |
| 3-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | CHF 2,117 | CHF 1,790– |
| Price per m² in the city centre | CHF 12,887 | CHF 11,392– |
| Price per m² outside the centre | CHF 9,965 | CHF 8,381– |
Cost of everyday items in Bern
Groceries in Bern are around 2% cheaper than the average for Switzerland, while eating out is around 4% cheaper than the country average.
A litre of milk typically costs CHF 1.87.
A 500g loaf of fresh white bread typically costs CHF 3.13.
A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs CHF 9.85.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | CHF 1.87 | CHF 1.42– |
| Fresh white bread, 500g | CHF 3.13 | CHF 1.26– |
| Eggs, 12 large | CHF 6.48 | CHF 5.68– |
| Local cheese, 1kg | CHF 22.37 | CHF 19.48– |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | CHF 25.53 | CHF 15.79– |
| Beef round, 1kg | CHF 34.01 | CHF 18.95– |
| Apples, 1kg | CHF 3.20 | CHF 2.10– |
| Oranges, 1kg | CHF 2.57 | CHF 1.58– |
| Potatoes, 1kg | CHF 1.75 | CHF 1.06– |
| Lettuce, 1 head | CHF 1.96 | CHF 1.26– |
| White rice, 1kg | CHF 3.37 | CHF 1.48– |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | CHF 5.48 | CHF 3.69– |
| Bananas, 1kg | CHF 1.75 | CHF 1.26– |
| Onions, 1kg | CHF 1.83 | CHF 1.58– |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | CHF 1.00 | CHF 0.47– |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | CHF 10.53 | CHF 8.95– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre bottle | CHF 1.94 | CHF 0.63– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | CHF 2.18 | CHF 1.06– |
| Cigarettes, 20 pack | CHF 9.85 | CHF 9.47– |
Eating out in Bern
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | CHF 23.43 | CHF 17.84– |
| Three-course meal for two | CHF 105 | CHF 78.96– |
| Fast food combo meal | CHF 13.69 | CHF 13.58– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre draught | CHF 7.90 | CHF 5.68– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | CHF 6.84 | CHF 3.16– |
| Soft drink, 0.33 litre bottle | CHF 5.32 | CHF 4.74– |
| Water, 0.33 litre bottle | CHF 6.75 | CHF 5.26– |
| Cappuccino | CHF 5.85 | CHF 3.16– |
Transport in Bern
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way public transport ticket | CHF 5.48 | CHF 3.16– |
| Monthly public transport pass | CHF 86.33 | CHF 84.22– |
| Gasoline, 1 litre | CHF 1.92 | CHF 1.80– |
| Taxi start | CHF 7.16 | CHF 7.16–CHF 7.16 |
| Taxi, per km | CHF 4.00 | CHF 4.00–CHF 4.00 |
| Taxi waiting, 1 hour | CHF 94.75 | CHF 94.75–CHF 94.75 |
| Volkswagen Golf, new | CHF 37,375 | CHF 30,427– |
| Toyota Corolla sedan, new | CHF 34,217 | CHF 34,217–CHF 34,217 |
Utilities in Bern
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment Monthly | CHF 209 | CHF 105– |
| Broadband internet Monthly | CHF 47.97 | CHF 42.06– |
| Mobile phone plan Monthly | CHF 24.33 | CHF 15.68– |
How is Bern for families?
A family of four with two adults and two children may need a gross household income of CHF 95,000 a year in Bern, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs CHF 2,742 a month.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs CHF 2,938 a month.
Bern scores 74/100 on Numbeo's safety index.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Family of four, excluding rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | CHF 5,253 | Not applicable |
| Family of four, including rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | CHF 8,191 | Not applicable |
| Private preschool or kindergarten Monthly | CHF 2,742 | CHF 2,211– |
| International primary school Annual | CHF 29,496 | CHF 18,951– |
Leisure and clothing in Bern
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Gym membership Monthly | CHF 70.61 | CHF 47.38– |
| Tennis court rental, 1 hour | CHF 41.24 | CHF 31.58– |
| Cinema ticket | CHF 22.06 | CHF 18.95– |
| Jeans | CHF 123 | CHF 94.75– |
| Summer dress from a chain store | CHF 53.35 | CHF 31.58– |
| Nike running shoes | CHF 137 | CHF 84.22– |
| Men's leather business shoes | CHF 171 | CHF 104– |
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
What salary do I need to live in Bern?
By combining Numbeo's living-cost estimates with the tax rates in Switzerland, we can estimate the gross salary you would need to live in Bern. Use the calculator below to see how much you would need to live in Bern, and where your money goes.
Recommended gross salary
CHF 33,945
Needed to support 1 adult and no children in Bern, living in a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
- Take-home pay
- CHF 31,652
- Living costs
- CHF 31,652
- Tax and contributions
- CHF 2,292
Where your salary goes
- Living costsCHF 31,65293.2%
- Income tax and contributionsCHF 2,2926.8%
| Operator | Item | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | CHF 33,945 | |
| − | Income tax and contributions | CHF 2,292 |
| = | Take-home pay | CHF 31,652 |
| − | Rent | CHF 14,293 |
| − | Groceries | CHF 6,334 |
| − | Eating out | CHF 3,393 |
| − | Transport | CHF 1,036 |
| − | Utilities | CHF 2,510 |
| − | Leisure | CHF 1,342 |
| − | Other estimated costs | CHF 2,744 |
| = | Left over: savings target | CHF 0 |
CHF 33,945 gross salary modelled as one employment income gives a 6.8% effective tax rate and CHF 2,292 estimated deductions a year. Use our salary tax calculator for a more detailed estimate.
What the estimate includes
- Rent for your housing choice and Numbeo's household living costs for your household size
- National income tax for 2026
- Employee social contributions, simplified
What it doesn't include
- Regional, state or local income tax
- Joint filing, partner income and household allowances
- Age, pension, expat-regime or special-residency rules
- Bonuses, benefits and other income
- Child care or school unless you choose it
Don't agree with our estimates? Help us improve our cost-of-living model.
How each cost is worked out
Rent. The selected one-bedroom apartment outside the centre in Bern costs an estimated CHF 1,191 per month. CHF 1,191 per month × 12 months = CHF 14,293 a year.
Groceries. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Bern spends an estimated CHF 528 on groceries per month. CHF 528 per month × 12 months = CHF 6,334 a year.
Eating out. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Bern spends an estimated CHF 283 on eating out per month. CHF 283 per month × 12 months = CHF 3,393 a year.
Transport. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Bern spends an estimated CHF 86.33 on transport per month. CHF 86.33 per month × 12 months = CHF 1,036 a year.
Utilities. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Bern spends an estimated CHF 209 on utilities per month. CHF 209 per month × 12 months = CHF 2,510 a year.
Leisure. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Bern spends an estimated CHF 112 on leisure per month. CHF 112 per month × 12 months = CHF 1,342 a year.
Other estimated costs. Numbeo's household estimate for miscellaneous costs: this may include things like clothing, shoes and entertainment costs. CHF 229 per month × 12 months = CHF 2,744 a year.
See the prices behind each category · How living costs and salaries are calculated
Tax estimate assumptions
Tax year 2026. One resident employee and one employment income are assumed. Federal income tax only (single taxpayer rates). Cantonal and municipal taxes are NOT included — total effective rate varies widely by location (e.g., ~22% in Zug vs. ~35%+ in Geneva). No personal deductions or allowances applied. Top bracket rate (11.5%) is lower than the preceding bracket (13.2%) due to constitutional maximum.
Important
This calculator gives an estimate of the income needed to cover living costs. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. It uses Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026, Switzerland's tax rules for 2026 and Wise exchange rates of 21 October 2026, and models one employment income. Check your figures with the salary tax calculator or the official rules in PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries / FTA.
Figures for 1 adult, outside the centre, no savings target.
Cost of living in Bern: common questions
Is Bern expensive to live in?
Bern is among the less expensive cities in Switzerland but one of the most expensive cities in Europe.
A single person spends about CHF 1,447 a month excluding rent, against CHF 1,539 in the typical city in Switzerland (the median of 19 cities, Numbeo, as of 1 June 2026).
Worldwide, Bern costs the same as or more than 96% of the 1,942 cities with a Numbeo household estimate, which makes it one of the most expensive cities.
What salary do you need to live in Bern?
A single person may need a gross salary of at least CHF 34,000 a year to cover estimated living costs in Bern, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
This is an estimate from Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026 and Switzerland's tax rules for 2026. Use the salary calculator to add your household, housing and a savings target.
How much is rent in Bern?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs CHF 1,606 a month, and CHF 1,191 outside the centre, according to Numbeo averages as of 1 June 2026.
A three-bedroom apartment costs about CHF 2,938 a month in the centre and CHF 2,117 outside it.
Bern is the 9th most expensive city in Switzerland for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
How much does a family spend in Bern?
A family of four spends about CHF 5,253 a month on living costs excluding rent, or CHF 8,191 including rent, according to Numbeo's household estimate as of 1 June 2026.
With two adults earning and a three-bedroom home outside the centre, the household may need a gross income of CHF 95,000 a year, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs CHF 2,742 a month per child.
How does Bern compare with Switzerland's other cities?
Bern ranks 11th of 19 cities in Switzerland for one person's monthly costs including rent, where 1st is the most expensive.
Excluding rent, one person's costs are 6.0% less than in the typical city in Switzerland.
Where this data comes from
- Living costs and prices
- Numbeo, snapshot of 1 June 2026
- Exchange rates
- Wise mid-market rates, 21 October 2026
- Tax rules
- Expatica salary tax calculator, Switzerland 2026
- Locations and population
- GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 1 October 2026
- Regions for continent ranks
- UN M49 regions
Important
All amounts are indicative estimates, not quotes or financial advice. Numbeo's prices are reported by users, so coverage and recency vary by city: check rents and prices locally before you commit to a move.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase.
How living costs and salaries are calculated
- Your household size (adults and children, one to six people) picks Numbeo's household estimate for groceries, eating out, transport, utilities, leisure and rent.
- Rent is replaced by the price of a one-bedroom apartment (one or two people) or a three-bedroom apartment (three or more), in or outside the centre. A flatshare, for one adult without children, is a third of a three-bedroom home.
- "Other estimated costs" is Numbeo's household total less the named categories, not a separately reported price. Where a total is below its own categories, we use the categories, and a larger household's costs other than rent are never lower than a smaller household's.
- Child care and school are optional: preschool uses the city's monthly price for each child, international primary school its annual fee spread over 12 months. Children's ages, eligibility and public provision are not modelled.
- The salary is the gross income that leaves these costs, plus your savings target, after tax under Expatica's rules for Switzerland (2026). One adult has one employment income; two adults are two earners splitting it evenly, with no joint filing or household allowances. What the tax model covers is listed with the result.
- Numbeo's figures are in US dollars, converted with one set of Wise mid-market rates. Without them, amounts stay in US dollars and no salary is estimated.
How cities are compared and matched
- A typical city is the median of one person's monthly costs across the 19 cities in Switzerland in this guide and across the 1,942 cities worldwide with a Numbeo household estimate. Each row is its own median, so the rows do not add up.
- Ranks put the most expensive city first, and equal estimates share a rank. The worldwide percentile is the share of those 1,942 cities whose one-person monthly total, rent included, is the same or lower than Bern's.
- Nearby cities are places in this guide, possibly across a border, by straight-line distance between GeoNames location points.
- Comparable cities are in the same GeoNames population band (under 100,000, 100,000–499,999, 500,000–999,999, or 1 million and above; a neighbouring band, labelled, when a band has too few countries), one per country, outside Switzerland and not already listed as nearby. Population years and boundaries vary, so the bands are rough size guides.
- The match score compares a single person's costs excluding rent and the rent of a central one-bedroom apartment. For each, we divide the lower city's price by the higher; the score is the square root of the two ratios multiplied together, × 100. If both prices are 80% of the other city's, the match is 80%; if both are twice as high, 50%. It measures how close the costs are, not which city is cheaper or how alike they are to live in.