Bern, Switzerland 🇨🇭
#974
,
Nomad Score:
62%
💰 Cost & Affordability
💸 Cost of Living
21%
Weight: 150
Bern is one of the more expensive cities globally, with high prices for daily expenses compared to many other digital nomad destinations.
🏠 Accommodation Cost
18%
Weight: 80
Rental prices are very high, especially for centrally located apartments suitable for medium to long-term stays.
🍎 Food & Groceries
30%
Weight: 40
Groceries and dining out are costly, though quality and variety are excellent.
🚌 Transportation Cost
42%
Weight: 20
Public transport is efficient but relatively expensive compared to other European cities.
🎟️ Entertainment Cost
35%
Weight: 15
Cultural events and nightlife are pricey but offer high quality.
🏋️ Gym Membership Cost
40%
Weight: 10
Gym fees are above average but facilities are modern and well-maintained.
💱 Currency Stability
97%
Weight: 30
Swiss Franc is one of the most stable currencies worldwide.
💻 Digital Nomad Essentials
🚀 Internet Speed
89%
Weight: 100
High-speed fiber internet is widely available with very reliable connections.
👥 Coworking Spaces Availability
71%
Weight: 40
Several quality coworking spaces exist, though fewer than in larger Swiss cities like Zurich.
☕ Cafes with WiFi
78%
Weight: 30
Many cafes offer free WiFi with good connectivity, suitable for remote work.
💻☕ Digital Nomad Friendly Cafes
73%
Weight: 30
A decent number of cafes cater to digital nomads with power outlets and comfortable seating.
🌟 Digital Nomad Popularity
45%
Weight: 100
Bern is less popular among digital nomads compared to cities like Lisbon or Bali.
📱 Local SIM Card Availability
90%
Weight: 25
Easy to purchase prepaid SIM cards with good data plans.
🌟 Quality of Life
⚖️ Work-Life Balance
88%
Weight: 30
Swiss culture emphasizes work-life balance with reasonable working hours and ample leisure options.
🌳 Environmental Quality
95%
Weight: 15
Excellent air and water quality with strong environmental protections.
🧼 Cleanliness
96%
Weight: 10
Bern is very clean, with well-maintained public spaces.
🗨️ Language Barrier
62%
Weight: 30
German is the main language; English is widely spoken but less so than in larger cities.
💨 Air Quality
94%
Weight: 15
Low pollution levels and good air quality year-round.
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
85%
Weight: 25
Good infrastructure and services for families.
🏥 Healthcare
🏥 Healthcare Quality
98%
Weight: 20
World-class healthcare system with excellent facilities and professionals.
💉 Healthcare Affordability
25%
Weight: 25
Healthcare is very expensive without insurance; mandatory health insurance is costly.
🏥 Healthcare
98%
Weight: 20
Top-tier healthcare services and infrastructure.
🌿 Climate & Environment
☀️ Weather
40%
Weight: 80
Temperate but often cold and rainy in spring; winters are cold with snow.
🌪️ Natural Disaster Risk
87%
Weight: 10
Very low risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods.
🏞️ Green Spaces
89%
Weight: 10
Abundant parks and green areas within the city and surrounding nature.
❄️ Air Conditioning
32%
Weight: 15
Air conditioning is uncommon in residential buildings due to cooler climate.
🍂 Seasonal Variety
75%
Weight: 10
Distinct seasons with snowy winters and mild summers.
🔊 Noise Pollution
88%
Weight: 10
Low noise levels, especially outside the city center.
🎭 Culture & Entertainment
🎭 Culture
83%
Weight: 20
Rich history and cultural heritage with museums, theaters, and festivals.
🌃 Nightlife
50%
Weight: 15
Nightlife is moderate, more subdued compared to larger European cities.
🏞️ Outdoors & Nature
91%
Weight: 15
Close proximity to mountains, rivers, and hiking trails.
🗣️ Language Learning Opportunities
70%
Weight: 10
Good availability of German language courses and cultural immersion.
🧭 Local Experiences & Tours
78%
Weight: 10
Numerous guided tours and local cultural experiences available.
🎳 Indoors Fun
65%
Weight: 10
Museums, galleries, and theaters provide indoor entertainment options.
🍎 Food & Fitness
🍽️ Food Scene
72%
Weight: 25
High-quality Swiss and international cuisine, though expensive.
🧠 Yoga Studios
68%
Weight: 10
Several yoga studios with varied styles available.
🏋️ Fitness Facilities
70%
Weight: 15
Good range of gyms and fitness centers.
🥗 Healthy Food Options
75%
Weight: 15
Organic and health-conscious food options are widely available.
💼 Work Environment
🕰️ Time Zone Favorability
79%
Weight: 20
Central European Time is convenient for working with most European and some American clients.
🤝 Networking Opportunities
63%
Weight: 25
Moderate networking events, less vibrant startup community than larger cities.
💻 Remote Job Opportunities
55%
Weight: 20
Limited local remote job market; most opportunities come from international companies.
🆓 Freelance Ecosystem
58%
Weight: 20
Small but growing freelance community.
🏢 Coworking Quality
74%
Weight: 30
Modern coworking spaces with good amenities.
📈 Business & Economy
🚀 Startup Scene
50%
Weight: 15
Smaller startup ecosystem compared to Zurich or Geneva.
💳 Local Payment Services
79%
Weight: 10
Efficient banking and payment systems, though some services are costly.
🔗 Blockchain & Crypto Adoption
65%
Weight: 15
Switzerland is crypto-friendly, but Bern is less active than Zug (Crypto Valley).
🚆 Transportation
✈️ Airport Connectivity
60%
Weight: 30
Bern Airport has limited flights; Zurich Airport nearby offers extensive international connections.
🚇 Public Transit
83%
Weight: 20
Reliable and punctual public transportation network.
🚶 Walkability
87%
Weight: 20
Compact city center with pedestrian-friendly streets.
🚗 Ride-sharing Services
60%
Weight: 15
Uber is limited; local ride-sharing apps exist but less prevalent.
🚲 Cycling
75%
Weight: 10
Good cycling infrastructure and bike-friendly city.
🚄 Intercity Travel Options
85%
Weight: 15
Excellent train connections to other Swiss cities and neighboring countries.
🛵 Scooter/Bike Rental Availability
70%
Weight: 10
Electric scooter and bike rentals are available but not widespread.
📡 Connectivity
📱 Mobile Network Coverage
90%
Weight: 20
Strong 4G/5G coverage throughout the city.
🔒 VPN Reliability
92%
Weight: 20
VPN services work reliably with no known restrictions.
⚡ Power Grid Reliability
98%
Weight: 15
Very stable and reliable electricity supply.
📶 Public WiFi Availability
65%
Weight: 10
Public WiFi is available but limited compared to some other cities.
⚖️ Legal & Administrative
🛂 Visa Ease
30%
Weight: 40
Schengen visa required for many; strict immigration policies for long stays.
📊 Tax Friendliness
40%
Weight: 30
High taxes and social security contributions, though some cantonal variations exist.
🗣️ Freedom of Speech
95%
Weight: 15
Strong protections for freedom of speech and expression.
🏛️ Political Stability
97%
Weight: 20
Highly stable political environment.
🏦 Ease of Opening Bank Account
45%
Weight: 15
Strict banking regulations and documentation requirements.
📄 Ease of Business Registration
60%
Weight: 10
Moderate bureaucracy but efficient processes overall.
📄✈️ Digital Nomad Visa Availability
0%
Weight: 35
No specific digital nomad visa available.
🌍 Digital Nomad Community
🌍 Nomad Friendly
50%
Weight: 50
Moderate friendliness; high costs and visa restrictions limit appeal.
🤝 Nomad Events & Meetups
40%
Weight: 25
Few dedicated digital nomad events or meetups.
🌐👥 Online Community Presence
55%
Weight: 20
Small but growing online presence for nomads in Bern.
🛡️ Safety & Tolerance
🛡️ Safety
96%
Weight: 100
Very safe city with low crime rates.
♀️ Female Friendly
87%
Weight: 50
Generally safe and welcoming for women travelers.
✊ Racial Tolerance
75%
Weight: 50
Moderate racial tolerance; Switzerland is diverse but some cultural conservatism exists.