Switzerland is known for its expensive housing prices and high living expenses. In this article, we will look at how much it costs to live in Bern and see if it is that pricey. Are there ways by which we can make our living comfortable here?
What is the cost of living in Bern?
One of the most common questions tourists and residents ask is, “How much does it cost to live in Bern?” The answer to this question is depended on several factors, such as your nationality, marital status, level of education, and the size and type of residence. However, a rough estimate would suggest that monthly expenses for an individual without children could range from around 2,500 Swiss francs (~$2,800) to around 8,000 Swiss francs (~$10,600). If you have children, then for a family of four, expenses could reach as high as 12,000 Swiss francs (~$14,400).
What are deciding factors for the costs of living in Bern?
Living in Bern is expensive, but it’s not necessarily the most expensive city in Switzerland. Some of the living costs in Bern can be comparable to those found in other Swiss cities.
The cost of housing is one of the main expenses for people living in Bern. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from around 1,350 Swiss francs (US$1,623) per month to 1,700 Swiss francs (US$2,128). It means that a monthly rent of SFr2,000 would be approximately equivalent to US$2,600.
When it comes to food, dining out can be expensive in Bern. A mid-range meal for two at a restaurant can cost around SFr60-SFr70. However, there are many affordable restaurants located throughout the city.
Another expense that may be common for people living in Bern is transportation. Transportation costs can range from SFr50 for a ride on the city’s public transit system to SFr120 for a taxi ride.
Utilities: your utility bill, on average, will be about $1,200 per year.
Overall, living in Bern is expensive because of the high cost of rent and food, but it’s not as expensive as some other Swiss cities.
How can you save money in Bern?
Bern is a great place to live, but living in the city can be expensive. Here are some tips on how to save money in Bern:
1. Rent an apartment or house instead of staying in a hotel. This will not only save you money on your accommodation costs, but you will also have more space to spread out and make your own decisions.
2. Eat at home more often. Cooking at home can be cheaper than eating out, and it’s also healthier for you. Plus, you can customize your meals to fit your taste and dietary restrictions.
3. Use public transportation instead of driving. Taking the bus or train can save you a lot of money on parking and gas expenses. And if you do have to drive, use public transportation during rush hour to conserve energy and avoid traffic jams.
4. Shop at secondhand stores and thrift stores. At these stores, you can find clothes, furniture, and appliances at a fraction of the price. Plus, donating items that you no longer need to charity will help contribute to the environment and help others in need too!
What are the average costs for utilities?
The utilities in Bern vary depending on the size of the apartment, but on average, utilities can cost between 8 and 12 Swiss francs per month. This includes both rent and utilities. It is important to remember that these are averages and that the costs may be different in your specific case.
Along with your monthly utility bills, do keep in mind your mandatory health insurance premium. As it is expensive, you must earmark it from your monthly budget planning. You can save a good amount from your health insurance premium by making a detailed online comparison and selecting the plan which gives you maximum benefits with maximum discounts. Doing such an activity is very simple with available online comparison tools, i.e., PrimApp. This tool compares all the available health insurance plans of all the insurance companies in Switzerland and helps you save money on your health insurance premium. For your convenience, this is available in four different languages like German, French, Italian, and English
Conclusion
Yes, living in Bern can be expensive. However, it is also a very cosmopolitan and liveable city which offers a lot for people who want to live there. You can find affordable housing options if you are willing to look for them, and the average wage is higher than in other Swiss cities. In addition, many ex-pats who move to Bern end up liking the city so much that they decide to stay – making it one of the most cost-effective places to live in Switzerland.
