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Expat Budget: 🇨🇭 Bern, Switzerland
Monthly cost-of-living breakdown for expatriates in Bern. All amounts in CHF (CHF), editable to match your lifestyle.
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Bern, the Swiss federal city, carries Swiss price levels for groceries, dining and services, in Swiss francs, while rents sit well below Geneva or Zurich. Mandatory health insurance is a fixed monthly cost, and the cantonal average premium is lower than in Geneva. Public transport is extensive, and the public schools are German-speaking, so families often weigh international school fees.
Last updated: October 2026. Sources: Numbeo, OFSP, primes moyennes cantonales 2026, International School of Berne, tuition 2026-27.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Bern?
Around 1,550 CHF per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre and 1,150 CHF outside the centre (Numbeo, OFSP, primes moyennes cantonales 2026, International School of Berne, tuition 2026-27).
What monthly budget excluding rent in Bern?
Monthly single-person markers, in CHF: groceries 530, utilities 230, internet 46, public transport pass 80. The calculator above adjusts each line by profile.
Is Bern more expensive than Paris?
On our consolidated index (Paris = 100), Bern stands at 130. Overall cost of living is higher than in Paris.