Cost of Living in Bern
How much does it cost to visit Bern? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
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Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
CHF 90
per day
Weekly: CHF 630
Monthly: CHF 2700
Examples
- 🏨Youth Hostel Bern dorm bedCHF 35
- 🍽️Picnic lunch from Coop supermarket, dinner from a Kebab shopCHF 20
- 🚌Bern Welcome Card (includes public transport)CHF 15
- 🎟️Explore the Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage site), visit the Bear Park (free), walk along the Aare RiverCHF 20
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
CHF 200
per day
Weekly: CHF 1400
Monthly: CHF 6000
Examples
- 🏨Hotel Bern dorm bed or budget private roomCHF 70
- 🍽️Lunch at Kornhauskeller (traditional Swiss), dinner at Altes Tramdepot Brewery & RestaurantCHF 70
- 🚌Bern Welcome Card (includes public transport)CHF 15
- 🎟️Visit the Zytglogge Clock Tower (tour), explore the Rose Garden for panoramic views, visit the Bern Historical MuseumCHF 45
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
CHF 450
per day
Weekly: CHF 3150
Monthly: CHF 13500
Examples
- 🏨Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & THE SPACHF 250
- 🍽️Gourmet lunch at Della Casa, fine dining dinner at Restaurant SchwellenmätteliCHF 150
- 🚌Private taxi or Uber for flexibilityCHF 20
- 🎟️Private guided tour of the Old Town, visit the Zentrum Paul Klee, enjoy a leisurely boat trip on Lake Thun (day trip)CHF 30
Cost by Category
accommodation
CHF 50-150 (hostel/budget hotel)
food
CHF 40-80 (supermarket/casual dining)
Transport
CHF 5-10 (limited use)
activities
CHF 10-30 (museums/walking)
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town (Altstadt) | Luxury | At center | first-timers, culture |
| Matte Quarter | Mid-range | Slightly below center | couples, culture |
| Breitenrain | Mid-range | Below center | families, budget |
| Kramgasse/Marktgasse (within Old Town) | Luxury | At center | first-timers, foodies |
Money-Saving Tips for Bern
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Bern Costs
How much does it cost to visit Bern?
Budget travellers can visit Bern for around CHF 90/day (CHF 630/week). Mid-range travellers should budget CHF 200/day, while luxury travel costs around CHF 450/day.
Is Bern expensive?
Bern is moderately priced. At CHF 90/day for budget travellers, it offers good value compared to major Western capitals.
How much should I budget per day in Bern?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Bern, budget CHF 200/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Bern?
Budget travellers in Bern can get by on CHF 90/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.