How Much Does It Cost to Live In Switzerland?
Before deciding to relocate to Switzerland, it is good to be sure whether you are looking for a low cost of living or a high salary, as these two do not go together here.
Actually, the great living conditions followed by among the highest salaries in the world have affected the prices here and made Switzerland one of the most expensive countries.
As much as it is known for its skiing destinations, Switzerland is famous for its high costs and people frequently say that they are worth it.
Switzerland : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
Due to high salaries, having the pleasure to eat out costs quite a lot.
The least expensive restaurant offers a meal for one at the price of $27, without having a drink with it.
Alcohol is quite pricey here, due to the taxation and a bottle of beer might cost you $7.
MARKETS
People who earn high salaries here enjoy considerable purchasing power and they can devote quite a lot of money to food and groceries.
It is cheaper if you prepare your meals at home and buy foodstuff at more reasonable prices in supermarkets that offer discounts.
TRANSPORTATION
Switzerland boasts an efficient system of public transport, which can be expensive to use and that is why it is advisable to use a bike as a means of commuting here.
Driving is not suggested due to the high gasoline prices, expensive registration, and insurance, as well as difficulties in finding a parking lot.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
The cost of living in Switzerland is surely among the highest in the world, and some of its cities are found to be the most expensive on the planet.
Utilities are one of the expenses that are pretty pricey and you will need to devote more than $250 per month to basic services.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Swiss invest a lot in their healthy living and spend time exercising which affects the prices of fitness clubs and tennis courts.
Compared to some other countries, paying $85 per month for a fitness club pass is unreasonable.
You will have to pay at least $20 for a cinema ticket here.
CLOTHING & SHOES
The highest salaries in the world lead to the high prices of clothing in the major cities in Switzerland.
Despite the fact that people with average salaries are able to afford those expenses, the inhabitants of Switzerland do not spend much on apparel.
RENT PER MONTH
Switzerland is so attractive to many migrants, and looking for accommodation is one of the most important tasks once coming there.
It is true that suburbs are less expensive, but you should have in mind the fact that rural areas are not necessarily that much cheaper.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Switzerland
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $27.10 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $7.05 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $4.02 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1.77 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $3.25 |
| Eggs (12) | $6.31 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $3.79 |
| Monthly Pass | $86.73 |
| Gasoline | $2.07 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $240.52 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.31 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $58.55787 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $85.18 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $39.61 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $20.60 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $114.57 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $54.95 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $124.15 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $1757.27 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $1388.07 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $3168.98 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Switzerland?
You will need quite a lot of money to provide for food and rent, as the two most expensive living costs.
If you act like an inhabitant, you will be able to reduce transport costs by using bicycles which is a popular way of commuting in Switzerland and avoid driving as much as possible due to the high prices of a parking permit and gasoline.
Swiss invest a lot in a healthy lifestyle, so they spend more money on sports than on utilities and clothing.
Average Costs Breakdown
Switzerland: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
By taking a look at the above-mentioned living costs and common spending of Switzerland citizens, people who think about moving to Switzerland should still try to anticipate what their living expenses will be and negotiate their salaries with the employers accordingly.
The average salary is so high, that it would be enough for all the expenses, even if you have to pay the rent, and those who possess their own properties would lead a luxurious life here.
Even the mortgage rates are low, and purchasing an apartment would save you money spent on rent.
Switzerland Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Switzerland Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Switzerland
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Basel | 126.89 |
| Bern | 118.42 |
| Geneva | 118.33 |
| Lausanne | 119.62 |
| Lugano | 111.88 |
| Zurich | 128.65 |
