Cost of living in Bern
Bern, the capital city of Switzerland, is known for its medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Understanding the cost of living in Bern is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this picturesque city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, transportation, dining, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $26.02 on average, with a range between $16.97 and $33.94.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $93.33, with prices ranging from $79.19 to $192.32.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $16.97, with a range between $15.72 and $20.36.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.53 to $9.05, imported beer $4.53 to $6.79, cappuccino $3.39 to $6.22, and Coke/Pepsi $3.39 to $5.66.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.13 and $2.26 per liter, averaging $2.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.36 and $4.53, with an average price of $3.21.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.38 to $8.15, averaging $5.79.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.26 to $5.66 per kg, while oranges range from $1.13 to $4.53 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.91 and $3.39 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.7 to $2.38 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $3.17 and $4.75, with a monthly pass priced between $84.85 and $113.13.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.99 and $2.24 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $6.79, with a cost of $4.3 to $6.45 per km and $79.19 to $90.5 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1018.16 to $2488.83, averaging $1371.24.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $678.77 to $1866.62, averaging $971.02.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2036.31 to $3393.85, averaging $2728.01.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1810.06 to $3393.85, averaging $2238.62.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $9615.92 to $18100.55, averaging $13530.16.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $9050.28 to $16969.27, averaging $11793.64.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $226.26 and $509.08, averaging $328.66.
- Internet - Internet services range from $33.94 to $88.24, with an average cost of $46.69.
Cost of Living Rankings
Bern ranks 5th on the Cost of Living rankings in Switzerland. The cost of living indices for Switzerland are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Switzerland, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Bern is an expensive city to live in, with high costs for dining, housing, and transportation. However, the quality of life and average salaries are also high, which can offset some of these expenses.
To save money, consider living outside the city centre where rent is more affordable, and take advantage of public transportation options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Bern offers a high standard of living, it comes with a significant cost. Prospective residents should carefully consider their budget and lifestyle needs.
By understanding the various expenses associated with living in Bern, individuals can make informed decisions and plan accordingly to enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer.