Finances

We have compiled some topics here to give you a rough idea of your earnings and monthly expenses. 

What monthly expenses should be factored in?

  • No more than a third of your net income should be spent on rent.
  • All private households must pay a TV/radio licence fee. The annual SERAFE fee is 335 CHF. (as of 2026)
  • Health insurance premiums increase annually and vary depending on the provider and insurance plan. On average, you can expect to pay between 350 and 400 CHF per person. (as of 2026)
  • A monthly pass for Bern’s public transport costs 82 CHF and an annual 'Halbtax' pass for Swiss railways costs 190 CHF. (as of 2026)
  • If you own a car, you must budget for taxes, car insurance and parking fees.

Money-saving tips:

  • Students can live in a dormitory or a shared apartment.
  • International students have the option to apply for an exemption from the Swiss insurance requirement.

 

Budget counseling service

The Swiss Budget Counselling Service (website available in German, French and Italian) provides information sheets on average monthly expenses. Information sheets are grouped by life situation and income. e.g. single people, couples, families, single parents and students. The information is provided in Swiss francs and relates to average values in Switzerland.

Tax at source

Employees who are resident in Switzerland but do not have a permanent residence permit C will be taxed on their earnings "at source", i.e. the employer deducts the tax due directly from the salary and transfers it to the cantonal tax authority.

People who work in the canton of Bern but whose tax residence is abroad, for example weekly residents, cross-border commuters, etc. will be taxed at source. Other tariffs nevertheless apply. The information sheets published by the Bern Finance Directorate provide information on this matter.

Bern Finance Directorate information

Hände auf einer Tastatur

The rate of withholding tax varies from one canton to the next and is calculated according to gross income. Different tariffs apply depending on marital status, confession and child benefit.