Cost of Living in Zurich, Switzerland

Are you considering a move to Zurich, Switzerland, and wondering about the cost of living? Zurich is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Zurich and help you understand whether $6133 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $7785.86.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Zurich, Switzerland
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

28.57 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

137.13 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

18.28 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

9.14 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

8.0 $

Cappuccino (regular)

6.44 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

5.61 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

5.13 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

2.04 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

3.72 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

3.87 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

7.3 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

30.17 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

26.89 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

63.48 $

Apples (1 lb)

4.19 $

Banana (1 lb)

2.63 $

Oranges (1 lb)

3.61 $

Tomato (1 lb)

4.76 $

Potato (1 lb)

2.71 $

Onion (1 lb)

2.68 $

Lettuce (1 head)

2.63 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

1.61 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

13.71 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

2.46 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.37 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

10.29 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

5.03 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

97.14 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

9.14 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

5.71 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

91.42 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

2.18 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

38283.13 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

39147.48 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

321.9 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

55.96 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

105.71 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

50.68 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

22.86 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

3218.67 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

40101.19 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

142.21 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

78.9 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

144.38 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

231.85 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

2858.42 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

1926.97 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

4690.51 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

3363.23 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

26845.08 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

16641.99 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

7785.86 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

2.5 %

Cost of Living in Zurich, Switzerland

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Zurich?

The monthly expenses for living in Zurich come to a total of approximately $6133. This includes an average monthly rent of around $2858 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $349 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1991 per month.

How affordable is living in Zurich?

Living in Zurich appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $7785.86. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Zurich, you would likely need an income exceeding $7785.86.

What is the average salary in Zurich?

In Zurich, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $7785.86, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Zurich?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Zurich is approximately $2858. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1926.97 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Zurich?

The expense for groceries in Zurich can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $1475 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in Switzerland?

The cost of living in Switzerland can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Switzerland.

Zurich, Switzerland

How Safe Is Zurich, Switzerland for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Zurich, Switzerland

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Zurich is very safe to travel to. It is a city where every law is respected and the police are doing their job very meticulously. Still, don't let your guard down and be vigilant at all times.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Transportation in Zurich is very safe, and there are no problems with taxis except that they are very expensive. Be prepared when traveling to the alpine areas and equipped with snow chains and winter tires.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Pickpocketing is not an issue in this city, though it does happen from time to time. Never leave your valuables in plain sight or carry your belongings in your back pocket, easily accessible for someone to steal.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

As for natural disasters, there are some you may encounter, but mostly in the alpine areas of the country, such as avalanches, snowdrifts, landslides, flooding, thunderstorms, snowstorms, etc.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Do not worry about mugging or kidnapping: it doesn't happen in Zurich. Recently, there has been only one area in the entire country that has had several reports of mugging - Seebach district.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There haven't been any terrorist attacks in Zurich's recent history, but they shouldn't be ruled out so be vigilant at all times.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Scamming is not common in Zurich either, but you should still check everything twice (especially your change), negotiate everything beforehand, and be careful when shopping with your credit card because some establishments give out checks with the entire number of your credit card printed out.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Zurich is very safe for female solo travelers. Still, do not let your guard down, and follow the rules of common sense, such as not walking around alone at night or along with deserted areas.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Many countries need a visa to enter Switzerland. US residents intending to stay less than 90 days do not need a visa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months from your planned date of return. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

The official currency of Zurich is Swiss Franc. ATMs are widely available and credit cards are accepted and used throughout the country. Your best shot when exchanging money in Zurich is to withdraw it from the ATM. This way, you are getting the best exchange rate possible and you avoid any chance of getting scammed.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

Switzerland has cold, cloudy winters with plenty of precipitation and cools to warm and humid summers with occasional showers.

flight_takeoff

Airports

The busiest airport in Switzerland is the Zurich Airport, and it is also the main hub of Swiss International Air Lines. It serves Zürich, Switzerland's largest city, and it is located 13 km north of central Zürich

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Zurich, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Zurich, Switzerland

What about weather in Zurich, Switzerland ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 38°F 41°F 50°F 58°F 66°F 72°F 76°F 75°F 67°F 57°F 46°F 39°F
Temp 33°F 34°F 42°F 48°F 56°F 63°F 66°F 65°F 58°F 50°F 40°F 35°F
Low 28°F 28°F 34°F 40°F 47°F 53°F 57°F 56°F 50°F 43°F 35°F 30°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 3°C 5°C 10°C 14°C 18°C 22°C 24°C 23°C 19°C 13°C 7°C 3°C
Temp 0°C 1°C 5°C 8°C 13°C 17°C 18°C 18°C 14°C 10°C 4°C 1°C
Low -2°C -2°C 1°C 4°C 8°C 11°C 13°C 13°C 10°C 6°C 1°C -1°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Switzerland with Zurich

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries