Bern
Geneva

Bern vs Geneva — Cost of Living Comparison

Bern
Switzerland
VS
Geneva
Switzerland
Estimated average living costs are ~14% lower in Bern

Bern

$4,200

avg. monthly cost

Population

135,000

Safety

82/100

Quality

86/100

Cost
92
Safety
82
Life
86

Geneva

$4,800

avg. monthly cost

Population

200,000

Safety

80/100

Quality

88/100

Cost
98
Safety
80
Life
88

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~14% lower in Bern

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Bern

$4,200

estimated per month

Geneva

$4,800

estimated per month

Difference

+14.3%

Monthly savings

$600

Yearly savings

$7,200

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$85,714

+$10,714/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemBernGenevaDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,800.00$2,400.00
+33.3%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,300.00$1,800.00
+38.5%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$3,200.00$4,500.00
+40.6%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$2,400.00$3,200.00
+33.3%
ItemBernGenevaDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$25.00$28.00
+12.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$110.00$120.00
+9.1%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$14.00$15.00
+7.1%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.75$1.80
+2.9%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$2.80$3.00
+7.1%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.00$3.20
+6.7%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$5.20$5.50
+5.8%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$17.00$18.00
+5.9%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.80$4.00
+5.3%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.40$2.50
+4.2%
ItemBernGenevaDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$88.00$80.00
-9.1%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$3.20$3.50
+9.4%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$6.00$6.50
+8.3%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$3.30$3.50
+6.1%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.85$1.90
+2.7%
ItemBernGenevaDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$210.00$220.00
+4.8%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$42.00$45.00
+7.1%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$48.00$50.00
+4.2%
ItemBernGenevaDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$110.00$120.00
+9.1%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$170.00$180.00
+5.9%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$22.00$25.00
+13.6%
ItemBernGenevaDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$85.00$95.00
+11.8%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$19.00$20.00
+5.3%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$5.20$5.50
+5.8%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$7.50$8.00
+6.7%
ItemBernGenevaDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$105.00$110.00
+4.8%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$48.00$50.00
+4.2%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$115.00$120.00
+4.3%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Bern vs Geneva

Is Bern or Geneva more expensive?
Geneva is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 98 compared with 92 for Bern.
How much cheaper is Bern than Geneva?
Living in Bern is around 6% cheaper than Geneva, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Bern and Geneva?
Bern scores 92 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Geneva scores 98 — where New York City equals 100.