Bern, Switzerland
Switzerland's capital city, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a beautifully preserved medieval old town, the Zytglogge clock tower, and the Bear Park.
Above Average vs Switzerland Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Bern vs Switzerland Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 11.0%
- Sales Tax: 8.1%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: CHF 85,000
- Unemployment: 2.2%
- Population: 134,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 170/year
- Summer High: 76°F
- Winter Low: 26°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Housing
- Median Home: CHF750,000
- 1BR Rent: CHF1500/mo
Cost of Living
Bern's cost of living index is 115 (Switzerland average = 100).
| Category | Bern | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 115 | 100 | +15.0% |
| Housing | 130 | 100 | +30.0% |
Data source: BFS / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | CHF750,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | CHF1500/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | CHF1,875/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | CHF500 |
Data source: Homegate / Comparis, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Bern:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | CHF100 | |
| Heating & Cooling | CHF126 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | CHF40 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | CHF50 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | CHF316 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: ElCom, Swissgrid, BFS 2025
Remote Work Score
Bern scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Bern has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 46°F | 26°F | 2.5" |
| April | 61°F | 41°F | 2.8" |
| July | 76°F | 51°F | 1.5" |
| October | 56°F | 44°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Bern faces the following natural hazards:
Severe winter storms.
Alpine region with frequent avalanches.
Seismic activity.
Aare River flooding.
Alpine region with landslides.
Switzerland experiences occasional tornadoes.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 11%
- Sales Tax: 8.1%
- Property Tax: ~0.3% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Bern per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Eurostat
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Schedule varies significantly by canton. Each canton sets its own holidays.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bern, Switzerland?
The cost of living index in Bern is 115, which is Higher the Switzerland national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Bern?
The median home price in Bern is CHF750,000. The housing index is 130.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Bern is approximately CHF1500/mo.
Does Bern, BE have income tax?
Bern is in BE, which has an income tax rate of 11%.
What is the climate like in Bern?
Bern enjoys approximately 170 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 76°F, while winter lows can drop to around 26°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: BFS / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Homegate / Comparis, 2026
- Income & Employment: BFS Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities ElCom, Swissgrid, BFS 2025
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.