Thun, Switzerland
A picturesque city on Lake Thun at the foot of the Alps, famous for its medieval castle, the Aare riverfront, and as a gateway to the Bernese Oberland.
Overview
Thun is a city in Bern with a population of 44,000. A picturesque city on Lake Thun at the foot of the Alps, famous for its medieval castle, the Aare riverfront, and as a gateway to the Bernese Oberland. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5b growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: October 04, 2026
Below Average vs Switzerland Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Thun vs Switzerland Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 11.0%
- Sales Tax: 8.1%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: CHF 78,000
- Unemployment: 2.0%
- Population: 44,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 170/year
- Summer High: 75°F
- Winter Low: 26°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Internet Speed
- Average 200 Mbps: 180 Mbps
- Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations
Housing
- Median Home: CHF550,000
- 1BR Rent: CHF1100/mo
Cost of Living
Thun's cost of living index is 100 (Switzerland average = 100).
| Category | Thun | 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 Thun:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | CHF100 | |
| Heating & Cooling | CHF130 | 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 | CHF320 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: ElCom, Swissgrid, BFS 2025
Remote Work Score
Thun scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Thun has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 46°F | 26°F | 2.5" |
| April | 60°F | 41°F | 2.8" |
| July | 75°F | 50°F | 1.5" |
| October | 55°F | 44°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Thun faces the following natural hazards:
Switzerland experiences severe winter storms in the Alps.
Alpine region with frequent avalanches.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
River flooding and flash floods.
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 2.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Thun 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.
Demographics
The population of Thun is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Federal Statistical Office (2022)
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 Thun, Switzerland?
The cost of living index in Thun is 100, which is Lower the Switzerland national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Thun?
The median home price in Thun 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 Thun is approximately CHF1100/mo.
Does Thun, BE have income tax?
Thun is in BE, which has an income tax rate of 11%.
What is the climate like in Thun?
Thun enjoys approximately 170 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 75°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: October 21, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.