HowToSwiss

Moving to Bern

Bern • German / French • Updated Jun 2026

This Bern guide helps newcomers understand the key first steps for settling in the canton, including Gemeinde registration (Anmeldung), permits, health insurance, taxes, housing, and official local resources.

Bern is one of Switzerland's 26 cantons, with Bern as its capital and German and French as the main official languages. It tends to attract federal jobs and families, and the canton's profile — tax rates, housing market, healthcare premiums and lifestyle — has a measurable impact on what life actually costs here. This page summarises everything someone moving to or comparing Bern typically needs in one scroll: the tax burden at common salary levels, the communes worth shortlisting, monthly housing and insurance reality, and a step-by-step checklist for the first 90 days.

Living in Bern — full expat guide

Cost of living, neighbourhoods, jobs and practical tips for Bern.

Income tax (~CHF 100k)
24.5%
Wealth tax (per CHF 1k)
3.0 ‰
Rent 1BR / 3BR
CHF 1’500 / CHF 2’600
Health insurance avg
CHF 340/mo

Taxes in Bern

At an indicative gross salary of CHF 100,000 (single, no kids), the combined federal, cantonal and municipal income tax in Bern works out to roughly 24.5%. Higher tax burden than ZH/ZG. Federal employees often live in lower-tax communes around Bern (Muri, Köniz). The canton offers a child deduction of about CHF 8,000 per child against cantonal taxable income, on top of the federal CHF 6,700. The actual figure on your bill depends on the commune you pick (the Steuerfuss / coefficient varies materially within a single canton), your civil status, Pillar 3a contributions, commuting costs and any voluntary BVG buy-ins. Use the tax calculator to model your exact scenario before signing a lease.

Calculate your tax in Bern Compare with another canton

Top communes to consider

  • Muri bei BernLowest taxes near the capital
  • KönizAffordable, well connected
  • BolligenQuiet, leafy, family option

Housing & rent

Expect to budget around CHF 1,500/month for a 1-bedroom and CHF 2,600/month for a 3-bedroom in Bern. Rents in surrounding communes are typically 15–30% lower. Bring a complete dossier (Betreibungsauszug, payslips, references, motivation letter) to every viewing — landlords almost always pick from a stack.

Health insurance

Adult standard health insurance premiums in Bern average around CHF 340/month with a CHF 300 franchise. Premiums are personal (not income-based), and you can switch insurer once per year by 30 November. Compare on Comparis or Priminfo before defaulting to the cheapest — service quality, supplementary coverage and pharmacy network vary.

Best for

Federal jobsFamiliesQuieter pace

Watch out for

Higher tax burden than Zurich for similar income. Job market outside admin/federal is thinner.

First-90-days checklist

  1. Secure housing — most rentals in this canton ask for a Betreibungsauszug (debt extract), 3 recent payslips and a CV-style dossier
  2. Register at the Bern Einwohnerkontrolle / Contrôle des habitants within 14 days of arrival
  3. Apply for your residence permit (B / L / G) at the cantonal migration office
  4. Choose a health insurer within 3 months — premiums are mandatory and cover starts retroactively from arrival
  5. Open a Swiss bank account (PostFinance, Raiffeisen, UBS, ZKB) — needed for salary, rent and SEPA
  6. Set up Pillar 3a if you are tax-resident and earning Swiss-taxed income
  7. Confirm whether you must file a regular tax return (most permits above CHF 120k gross do)
  8. Get a Halbtax or GA from SBB if you commute by train more than 2× per week

Compare Bern with neighbours

Bern vs FribourgBern vs SolothurnBern vs Valais

Frequently asked questions

What is the income tax rate in Bern?
Combined federal, cantonal and municipal income tax in Bern is approximately 24.5% on a gross salary of CHF 100,000 for a single filer. The exact rate depends on the commune (each sets its own multiplier), your civil status and deductions like Pillar 3a.
Is Bern a good canton to move to?
Bern suits people who match its profile — see the "Best for" tags above. The right canton for you depends on commute, language preference (German dominates here), tax burden, housing budget and lifestyle. Use the comparison tool to weigh Bern against alternatives at your salary level.
Do I need to speak German to live in Bern?
English works in larger employers and international companies, but day-to-day administration (Einwohnerkontrolle, healthcare, schools, leases) is conducted in German. Plan for at least A2-level conversational ability within your first year — it makes integration meaningfully easier.
How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in Bern?
A single adult typically needs CHF 5,500–7,500 net per month for a comfortable mid-range lifestyle in Bern (rent, health insurance, transport, food, leisure). Families should budget proportionally more. The cost calculator gives a city-by-city breakdown.
When are taxes due in Bern?
Tax returns in Bern are filed in the spring following the tax year (typically March), with extensions available on request. Foreigners on a B permit are usually subject to Quellensteuer (withholding tax), but anyone earning over CHF 120,000 gross must file a regular return regardless.

Data is illustrative for 2026 and based on commonly published cantonal figures. Always verify with the official cantonal tax administration before making financial decisions.