Bern
Tokyo

Bern vs Tokyo — Cost of Living Comparison

Bern
Switzerland
VS
Tokyo
Japan
Estimated average living costs are ~19% lower in Tokyo

Bern

$4,200

avg. monthly cost

Population

135,000

Safety

82/100

Quality

86/100

Cost
92
Safety
82
Life
86

Tokyo

$3,400

avg. monthly cost

Population

13,960,000

Safety

86/100

Quality

80/100

Cost
82
Safety
86
Life
80

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~19% lower in Tokyo

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Bern

$4,200

estimated per month

Tokyo

$3,400

estimated per month

Difference

-19.0%

Monthly savings

$800

Yearly savings

$9,600

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)

$60,714

-$14,286/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

ItemBernTokyoDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,800.00$1,150.00
-36.1%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,300.00$720.00
-44.6%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$3,200.00$2,650.00
-17.2%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$2,400.00$1,550.00
-35.4%
ItemBernTokyoDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$25.00$7.50
-70.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$110.00$45.00
-59.1%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$14.00$6.50
-53.6%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.75$2.10
+20.0%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$2.80$2.20
-21.4%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.00$4.50
+50.0%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$5.20$2.80
-46.2%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$17.00$8.50
-50.0%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.80$6.50
+71.1%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.40$3.80
+58.3%
ItemBernTokyoDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$88.00$100.00
+13.6%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$3.20$1.80
-43.7%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$6.00$4.50
-25.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$3.30$3.20
-3.0%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.85$1.35
-27.0%
ItemBernTokyoDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$210.00$195.00
-7.1%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$42.00$35.00
-16.7%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$48.00$40.00
-16.7%
ItemBernTokyoDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$110.00$35.00
-68.2%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$170.00$55.00
-67.6%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$22.00$15.00
-31.8%
ItemBernTokyoDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$85.00$75.00
-11.8%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$19.00$13.00
-31.6%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$5.20$4.20
-19.2%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$7.50$5.00
-33.3%
ItemBernTokyoDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$105.00$65.00
-38.1%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$48.00$38.00
-20.8%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$115.00$85.00
-26.1%

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

Frequently asked questions: Bern vs Tokyo

Is Bern or Tokyo more expensive?
Bern is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 92 compared with 82 for Tokyo.
How much cheaper is Tokyo than Bern?
Living in Tokyo is around 11% cheaper than Bern, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Bern and Tokyo?
Bern scores 92 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Tokyo scores 82 — where New York City equals 100.