Nestled along the curves of the Aare River, Bern offers a unique blend of medieval charm and modern convenience that many internationals find irresistible. As Switzerland's de facto capital, this UNESCO World Heritage city combines political significance with an exceptional quality of life that consistently ranks among Europe's highest.
Having helped hundreds of expats relocate to Bern over the past decade, I've witnessed firsthand how the city's manageable size, excellent infrastructure, and central location make it an increasingly popular choice for internationals seeking the quintessential Swiss experience without the intensity of Zurich or Geneva.
Bern strikes that rare balance that many cities aspire to but few achieve. The compact medieval Old Town (Altstadt) with its iconic arcades and fountains sits just minutes away from rolling hills, dense forests, and the crystal-clear Aare River. During summer months, you'll find locals and expats alike participating in the beloved tradition of "Aareböötle" – floating down the river in waterproof bags containing picnics and beverages.
"When I first moved to Bern from London, I couldn't believe I could walk from my office to swimming in a pristine river in less than 15 minutes," shares Michael, a British expat who relocated with our assistance in 2023. "That work-life balance is simply unmatched."
Bern's strategic position makes it the ideal base for exploring Switzerland:
This centrality is particularly valuable for internationals who travel frequently for work or want to explore Switzerland's diverse regions on weekends.
While Switzerland is never "cheap," Bern offers significantly more reasonable housing costs compared to Zurich or Geneva:
Housing TypeBern (Monthly Rent)Zurich (Monthly Rent)Savings in Bern1-bedroom apartment (city center)CHF 1,200-1,500CHF 1,800-2,200~30%3-bedroom apartment (city center)CHF 2,300-2,800CHF 3,500-4,200~33%3-bedroom house (suburbs)CHF 2,800-3,500CHF 4,000-5,000~30%
*Source: Prime Relocation market analysis 2024, based on client placement data
Living in Bern's UNESCO-protected medieval center means residing in one of Europe's most beautiful urban environments. The covered arcades (known locally as "Lauben") stretch for 6km, creating Europe's longest weather-sheltered shopping promenade.
Pros:
Cons:
Ideal for: Singles or couples without children who prioritize atmosphere and convenience over space.
Just across the Kirchenfeldbrücke from the Old Town, this upscale neighborhood houses many of Bern's museums and embassies.
Pros:
Cons:
Ideal for: Diplomatic families, professionals, and those seeking a prestigious address with more space than the Old Town.
North of the Aare, these increasingly popular neighborhoods offer a more contemporary urban feel with excellent transport links.
Pros:
Cons:
Ideal for: Young professionals, creative types, and families seeking more space for their budget.
Home to the University of Bern, this neighborhood offers a lively, intellectual atmosphere.
Pros:
Cons:
Ideal for: Academics, young professionals, and those who enjoy a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere.
For families seeking more space and greenery, Bern's surrounding communities offer excellent options with easy commutes to the city center.
Pros:
Cons:
Ideal for: Families with children, those working from home, and anyone prioritizing space over central location.
Bern's rental market is competitive but not as intense as Zurich or Geneva. The vacancy rate hovers around 1.2% (as of early 2025), meaning good properties move quickly but the situation isn't as desperate as in other Swiss cities.
The most challenging periods to find accommodation are August-September (university start) and December-January (corporate relocations). If possible, aim for a move between February-June when the market is slightly less competitive.
Property Search: Most listings appear on platforms like Immoscout24, Homegate, and Comparis. However, many desirable properties in Bern never reach these platforms, being rented through property management companies' waiting lists or word-of-mouth.
Guarantees: You'll need to provide a security deposit of 2-3 months' rent, typically held in a special bank account (Mietkautionskonto). Some landlords accept guarantee insurance instead.
Contract Signing: Swiss rental contracts are comprehensive and typically run indefinitely with 3-month notice periods, though initial minimum periods of 1 year are common.
While smaller than Zurich's financial hub or Geneva's international organizations, Bern offers diverse employment opportunities:
Bern's work environment tends to be less intense than Zurich but maintains Swiss precision and professionalism. The work-life balance is generally excellent, with most offices emptying by 5:30-6:00 PM.
German language skills are more important in Bern than in more international cities like Geneva. While many workplaces use English for technical matters, social integration and career advancement often require at least conversational German (or preferably Swiss German).
Bern's public schools are excellent but instruction is in German. For younger children (under 10), integration is usually smooth with proper support. The canton provides additional German lessons for non-native speakers.
Public schools are free, highly structured, and offer excellent quality education, though the system differs significantly from Anglo-American or Asian educational approaches.
Switzerland's healthcare system is world-class, and Bern is no exception. The Inselspital university hospital provides cutting-edge care and attracts specialists from around the world.
All residents must obtain Swiss health insurance within 3 months of arrival. Basic coverage costs approximately CHF 300-500 per adult monthly, with children's premiums significantly lower.
For English-speaking medical care, several practices cater specifically to the international community:
Bern's public transportation system is exceptional, with frequent trams and buses covering the entire city and suburbs. The annual "Libero" pass for zones 100/101 (covering central Bern) costs approximately CHF 800 and provides unlimited travel.
A unique benefit for visitors: all hotel guests receive a free Bern Ticket, providing unlimited public transport during their stay.
Bern is extremely bicycle-friendly, with dedicated lanes throughout the city and suburbs. The city's bike-sharing program "PubliBike" offers convenient pickup and drop-off points throughout the urban area.
While possible, car ownership in central Bern is challenging and often unnecessary. Parking permits for residents are strictly limited and can have waiting lists of several years in popular neighborhoods. Monthly garage parking typically costs CHF 200-300.
For occasional car needs, carsharing services like Mobility provide convenient access without ownership hassles.
While you can certainly navigate daily life in Bern with English, learning German significantly enhances your experience. Unlike Geneva or Zurich, Bern is less internationally oriented, and locals genuinely appreciate efforts to speak the local language.
For official interactions, Standard German (Hochdeutsch) is used, but the everyday spoken language is Swiss German (Berndütsch), which differs significantly in pronunciation and vocabulary.
The city of Bern offers integration programs specifically for newcomers, including:
Bern's residents embrace outdoor living regardless of season:
Despite its modest size, Bern offers rich cultural experiences:
Bern's culinary scene balances traditional Swiss offerings with international cuisine:
The Saturday morning market in the Old Town is a must-visit for local produce, cheeses, and specialty foods.
Bern's calendar is filled with unique events worth experiencing:
Bern offers a uniquely Swiss living experience that combines historical charm with modern convenience. Its human scale, exceptional quality of life, and central location make it an excellent choice for internationals seeking authentic Swiss living without the intensity and costs of larger Swiss cities.
The key to thriving in Bern is embracing its rhythm and traditions while making efforts to integrate with the local community. Unlike more transient expat hubs, Bern rewards those who invest time in building relationships and learning the local language and customs.
At Prime Relocation, we've helped hundreds of internationals successfully transition to life in Bern. From navigating the competitive rental market to building social connections, our team provides personalized support throughout your relocation journey.
