What is the cost of living in Bern?

The cost of living in Bern is 24.8% cheaper than New York City (index: 75.2). Groceries are 0.1% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 11.8% more expensive than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately CHF 1,562 per month. Local purchasing power index is 171.4 (NYC = 100).

How much tax do you pay in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, a gross salary of CHF 47,345 per year results in approximately CHF 3,348 per month take-home pay after income tax and social contributions (effective rate: 15.1%). Use our Switzerland tax calculator for a personalised breakdown.

🇨🇭 Switzerland · #22 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Bern?

Q: Should I move to Bern?

Bern, Switzerland has a cost of living 24.8% cheaper than New York City (index: 75.2). It is ranked #22 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 171.4 vs NYC = 100). Workers in Switzerland earning CHF 47,345 gross take home approximately CHF 3,348/month after tax. Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

24.8% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-24.8%

vs NYC

CHF 1,562

1-BR, city centre

CHF 3,348

Net take-home

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Bern?

Example: CHF 47,345 gross/year in Switzerland → CHF 3,348/month net after tax (15.1% effective rate). Full Switzerland tax breakdown →

Cost breakdown: Bern

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

75.2 Very expensive

Rent

42.4 Affordable

Groceries

99.9 Expensive

Restaurants

111.8 Expensive

Purchasing Power

171.4 Very strong

Rent in Bern

1-BR, city centre CHF 1,562/mo

1-BR, outside centre CHF 1,182/mo

3-BR, city centre CHF 2,942/mo

3-BR, outside centre CHF 2,089/mo

Save by going outside centre 24% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Switzerland take-home pay

CHF 47,345 → CHF 3,348/Net take-home (15.1% effective rate, single filer)

Full Switzerland tax calculator →

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇨🇭 Basel

Switzerland

CoL index 77.8

Compare Basel vs Bern →

🇨🇭 Lausanne

Switzerland

CoL index 77.8

Compare Lausanne vs Bern →

🇨🇭 Lucerne

Switzerland

CoL index 78.2

Compare Lucerne vs Bern →

Ready to run the numbers?

Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Bern after tax, in seconds.

Compare salaries → Full cost of living data

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