Buy & Rent Property in Bern: Facts & Figures at a Glance
What is Bern known for?
Bern is located in the canton of Bern. Bern is Switzerland's federal capital and is closely associated with national administration, diplomacy and a well-preserved historic centre. The city is also known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, the Aare river loop and a more understated pace than larger Swiss cities, while still offering strong cultural and institutional depth.
What does the Bern property market look like?
Bern's property market is steady and supply-constrained, with demand supported by public-sector employment, healthcare, education and buyers seeking a central but more measured urban environment.
Price levels for buying and renting
Buy
The average purchase prices were:
- Apartment: 870,000 CHF
- This is 6,8 % higher than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of apartments are priced below 595,000 CHF.
- Around 75 % of apartments are priced at 1,261,020 CHF or below.
- House: 1,350,000 CHF
- This is 7,1 % higher than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of houses are priced below 990,000 CHF.
- Around 75 % of houses are priced at 1,914,166 CHF or below.
Rent
The average monthly rental prices were:
- Apartment: 1,620 CHF
- This is 1,8 % lower than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of rental listings are priced below 1,320 CHF.
- Around 75 % of rental listings cost 1,980 CHF or less.
For a detailed breakdown, visit:
https://www.immoscout24.ch/en/property-prices-m2/city-bern
Tax rates
Bern has a general tax charge of 14,54 %. This compares with 15,02 % for canton Bern and 12,38 % nationally.
- Tax rates by household type:
- Single person without children: 19,26 %
- Married couple without children: 14,02 %
- Couple with children: 10,02 %
- Married pensioner: 18,4 %
- Example annual tax burden:
- Single (no children, 100,000 CHF income): 16,380 CHF
- Single (no children, 150,000 CHF income): 30,500 CHF
- Married couple (no children, 200,000 CHF income): 36,085 CHF
- Married couple (2 children, 125,000 CHF income): 11,900 CHF
- Married couple (2 children, 175,000 CHF income): 22,915 CHF
Note: Tax rates shown are indicative only and may be inaccurate; consult a qualified tax advisor for advice specific to your situation.
Availability
- Housing supply
- Vacancy rate: 0,43 % (Swiss average: 1,01 %)
- Total apartments: 82,242
- Housing growth over the last 5 years: 1,931 new apartments have been introduced to the market.
Demographics & economy
- Population: 137,995, with a foreigner rate of 25,85 %.
- Income: Average yearly income: 74,005 CHF. This is 9,6 % lower than the Swiss average (Swiss average: 81,875 CHF).
- Employment: Unemployment rate: 1,3 % (Swiss average: 1,47 %).
Connectivity
- It takes 16 minutes to get to the nearest major city using public transport.
- It takes 16 minutes to get to the nearest regional suburban hub using public transport.
- It takes 12 minutes to drive by car to the nearest major city.
- It takes 12 minutes to drive by car to the nearest regional suburban hub.
What is daily life like in Bern?
Daily life in Bern combines historic character with practical city living. Residents benefit from the Old Town, the Aare river, riverside walks, museums, theatres, cafés and a good range of everyday amenities, all within a compact urban structure. The city is generally appreciated for its orderly atmosphere, green spaces and a lifestyle that feels balanced rather than hurried.
Which neighbourhoods fit different lifestyles?
Different parts of Bern suit different buyer profiles, depending on whether the priority is central living, family life or a quieter residential setting. The city offers a mix of historic, well-established and more suburban-feeling areas, each with its own housing character.
- Länggasse
- Popular with academics, professionals and students thanks to its proximity to the university, central location and lively urban atmosphere.
- Kirchenfeld
- A sought-after residential area for families and established buyers who value elegant housing, green surroundings and access to institutions and parks.
- Breitenrain
- Attractive to buyers looking for an active neighbourhood feel, local services and relatively close access to the city centre.
- Bümpliz
- Often considered by households seeking more space and a broader mix of housing within a more residential setting.
Data from: June 2026
Note: The market for apartments for sale can change rapidly, so it is always advisable to check with local real estate experts/agents for the latest developments.