Biel, Bern, Switzerland
A bilingual German-French city at the foot of the Jura Mountains, known for its watchmaking industry, the Omega and Swatch headquarters, and the annual Biel Festival.
Below Average vs Switzerland avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Biel vs Switzerland Average
Taxes
- Cantonal Income Tax: 11.0%
- VAT: 8.1%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: CHF 78,000
- Unemployment: 2.5%
- Population: 55,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 170/year
- Summer High: 76°F
- Winter Low: 27°F
Housing
- Median Home: CHF550,000
- 1BR Rent: CHF1100/mo
Cost of Living
Biel's cost of living index is 100 (Switzerland average = 100).
| Category | Biel | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 100 | 100 | 0.0% |
| Housing | 105 | 100 | +5.0% |
Data source: BFS / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | CHF550,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | CHF1100/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | CHF1,375/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | CHF366 |
Data source: Homegate / Comparis, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Biel:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | CHF70 | Based on ~4,500 kWh/year typical Swiss household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | CHF122 | Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | CHF35 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | CHF50 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | CHF30 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | CHF307 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: ElCom, Swissgrid, BFS 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Biel
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: CHF1,320/mo.
Biel Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: CHF1,210/mo.
East Biel
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: CHF990/mo.
West Biel
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: CHF1,045/mo.
Remote Work Score
Biel scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Biel has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 47°F | 27°F | 2.5" |
| April | 61°F | 42°F | 2.8" |
| July | 76°F | 51°F | 1.5" |
| October | 56°F | 45°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- Cantonal Income Tax: 11%
- VAT: 8.1%
- Property Tax: ~0.3% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
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 Biel, Bern, Switzerland?
The cost of living index in Biel is 100, which is Lower the Switzerland national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Biel?
The median home price in Biel is CHF550,000. The housing index is 105.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Biel is approximately CHF1100/mo.
Does Biel, BE have income tax?
Biel is in BE, which has an income tax rate of 11%.
What is the climate like in Biel?
Biel enjoys approximately 170 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 76°F, while winter lows can drop to around 27°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: July 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.