How Much Does It Cost to Live In Lausanne?
Besides the fact that it is located at the French speaking part of the country, on the beautiful Lake Geneva, Lausanne is also famous for its multilingualism and a welcoming atmosphere, so it remains one of the top destinations for newcomers.
Whether it is a panoramic views of the Evian in France and the majestic Alps, or the ideal living conditions with high financial power, Lausanne is cowered by foreigners in search of their luck here.
Switzerland : Cost of Living by City
Cost of Living in Switzerland
RESTAURANTS
So as to visit and enjoy Lake Geneva, a small amount of tourists comes to Lausanne each year in the summer months, predominantly from other European cities which increases the restaurant prices during that period.
Meals are pricey here, especially if you take a drink with it.
MARKETS
When you are thinking of moving to Lausanne, the topic of food may be at the top of your list of things to worry about, as this is essential for daily living.
Compared to the high salaries, food prices are not so high, but when we take a look at other European countries, it is quite pricey.
TRANSPORTATION
Even though it is not a big city, Lausanne has a rapid transport system, with a metro, buses and trolleybuses.
Transportation is not too pricey, but it is an essential part of daily life, so quite a lot of money is spent on that.
So as to save on transportation, it is suggested to avoid driving.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Utilities might not be the most important thing on the list of things you need to provide for when coming to Lausanne, but it should be as the prices of utilities here are not negligible.
If you want to make sure that you will have electricity, water, the Internet and heating, you will need to devote more around $300 each month.
SPORTS & LEISURE
People would think that Lausanne will have extremely high prices of fitness clubs and gyms, due to the fact that it is a small city with not so many places to work out as in Zurick or Geneva, but that is not the case.
One hour of tennis is paid around $36 and a ticket to the movies $20 per person.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Although salaries are higher and taxes lower than the European average, people in Lausanne do not spend money on clothing items, which are quite pricey here.
Designer clothing can be found in the local stores and, just as with food, the prices grow during the tourist season.
RENT PER MONTH
Being that around 70% of Swiss people rent rather than purchase their homes, it might be difficult to find the appropriate accommodation in Lausanne.
And if you find it, be ready to pay pretty high amount of money, depending on the size and location of it.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Lausanne
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $24.89 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $7.96 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.81 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $6.01 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $2.62 |
| Eggs (12) | $5.43 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $3.48 |
| Monthly Pass | $73.66 |
| Gasoline | $6.17 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $200.02 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.37 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $62.05 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $77.19 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $36.08 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $19.51 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $111.42 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $47.02 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $99.82 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $1411.36 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $1072.86 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $2639.80 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Lausanne?
Due to the fact that prices of food are pretty high in Lausanne and that they even increase during a tourist season, the most of monthly budget goes for it.
As it might be difficult finding a place to live in Lausanne, it is advisable to take a short term accommodation, which will give you time to explore different areas and choose the right property.
Electricity, water and other services are considered standard utilities in Switzerland and they are not included in the rent, so you will have to pay additional money for them.
Average Costs Breakdown
Lausanne: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Living in Lausanne is a distinctive and incredible experience, and multicultural atmosphere, architecture and diverse leisure opportunities are only some of the things that make this city so inspiring and characteristic.
Moreover, you will be guaranteed top quality services and living conditions which is the most attractive superiority of Switzerland.
The monthly net salaries are not as high as in Geneva, but the average ones are enough to cover all the necessities and provide a decent life.
Even, the mortgage interest rates are affordable, around 1.2%.
Lausanne Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Lausanne Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Lausanne
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Basel | 126.89 |
| Bern | 118.42 |
| Geneva | 118.33 |
| Lugano | 111.88 |
| Zurich | 128.65 |
