Instalarse en Berna
Capital federal de Suiza, ciudad medieval patrimonio UNESCO y centro administrativo del país.
Berna es la capital política de Suiza y una ciudad de encanto incomparable con su casco antiguo medieval clasificado como patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO. Con sus 143.000 habitantes, es la cuarta ciudad más grande del país y alberga la administración federal, numerosas embajadas y organismos internacionales. Su calidad de vida y su tamaño humano la hacen muy apreciada por las familias.
Bern, federal capital with medieval charm
Bern, with its 135,000 inhabitants and an urban area of 420,000 people, is the federal capital of Switzerland. Its medieval old town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, is one of the best preserved architectural ensembles in Europe. The 6 kilometers of arcades (Lauben) constitute the longest covered shopping passage in Europe.
Bern's economy is dominated by the federal administration (Parliament, departments, federal offices), diplomatic organizations and industry. Swisscom, Swiss Post, SBB and Securitas have their headquarters in Bern. The University of Bern and the Inselspital are major employers.
Bern offers a considerable financial advantage compared to Zurich and Geneva: rents are 30 to 40% lower, health insurance premiums lower, and the cost of living generally more moderate, while offering competitive salaries in the public sector.
Residential neighborhoods of Bern
Bern is a compact city, crossed by the Aare which forms a loop around the old town. The rental market is less tight than in large cities: the vacancy rate is around 1.5%.
Kirchenfeld and Elfenau
South of the Aare, Kirchenfeld is the district of embassies and museums. Residential and green, it offers a quiet setting close to the center. Elfenau, further south, borders the Aare with a magnificent park. Rent: CHF 1,800 to CHF 2,600 for a 3.5 room apartment.
Länggasse
A lively university district, Länggasse attracts young professionals and students. Cafés, bookstores and organic markets give it a bohemian character. Rent: CHF 1,500 to CHF 2,200 for a 3.5 room apartment.
Breitenrain and Lorraine
North of the station, these rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods offer dynamic neighborhood life with multicultural restaurants and international grocery stores. Rents remain affordable: CHF 1,400 to CHF 2,100 for a 3.5 room apartment.
Muri and Gümligen
Residential communities to the south-east of Bern, popular with families for their green spaces, their quality schools and their calm. Well served by tram and bus. Rent: CHF 1,600 to CHF 2,300.
Cost of living in Bern
Bern offers the best value for money among major Swiss cities. The cantonal median salary is around CHF 6,600 gross per month, but the significantly lower cost of living more than compensates.
| Expenditure item | Cost in Bern | Comparison with Zurich |
|---|---|---|
| Rent 3.5 rooms (center) | CHF 1,600 — 2,400 | 30 to 40% cheaper |
| Health insurance (adult) | CHF 350 — 470 | 10 to 15% cheaper |
| Bernmobil subscription (city area) | CHF 80 | Comparable |
| Power supply (torque) | CHF 700 — 1,000 | 10% cheaper |
| Nursery (full time) | CHF 1,500 — 2,200 | 20% cheaper |
| Meals at the restaurant | CHF 20 — 35 | 15% cheaper |
Transport from Bern
Bern is the main railway hub in Switzerland, at the geographical center of the country. Bern station is the second busiest in Switzerland, with direct connections to all major cities: Zurich (56 min), Geneva (1h44), Basel (55 min), Lucerne (1h), Interlaken (50 min). This is a major advantage for those who must travel regularly.
The Bernmobil network includes 5 tram lines and numerous bus lines. The city is very cycle-friendly, with a well-developed trail network and relatively flat terrain along the Aare. The PubliBike bike sharing system is widely used.
Bern Airport (BRN) has limited connections. The airports of Zurich (1 hour by train) and Geneva (1 hour 45 minutes) are the main international gateways. The TGV connects Bern to Paris in 4.5 hours via Basel.
Living in Bern: between tradition and openness
Bern is known for its more relaxed pace of life than Zurich or Geneva. The Bernese are known for their calm temperament and sense of humor. The city offers a high quality of life with green spaces, swimming in the Aare in summer (a popular local tradition) and a thriving gastronomic scene.
Integration in Bern requires a linguistic effort: the Bernese dialect (Bärndütsch) is the language of everyday life. English is less widespread than in international circles in Zurich or Geneva. The city offers subsidized German courses for newcomers. The International School of Berne (ISBerne) welcomes children from the expatriate community.
For French speakers, Bern offers an often overlooked advantage: the city is de facto bilingual, with a large French-speaking community working in the federal administration. Services in French are available in most administrations.
Aspectos destacados
UNESCO Old Town
The 6 km of arcades, the Clock Tower (Zytglogge), the cathedral and the Renaissance fountains make Bern one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe.
Political capital
Seat of the Federal Parliament, the Federal Council and numerous embassies. The public administration is the largest employer.
Moderate cost of living
Rents are 30 to 40% lower than Zurich and consumer prices more reasonable, while offering competitive salaries.
Central position
Bern is in the geographical center of Switzerland, 1 hour from Zurich, 1 hour 45 minutes from Geneva and 1 hour from Basel by train.
Instalarse en Berna
Guías útiles
Servicios relacionados
Preguntas frecuentes
Is Bern suitable for international expats?
What are the financial advantages of Bern compared to Zurich?
Solicitar una evaluación previa
Contáctanos para una evaluación previa gratuita de tu situación. Nuestro equipo responderá en 24 horas.