If you've ever considered moving to Switzerland, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Switzerland?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Switzerland and whether the reported $4198 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $5430.19.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
25.13 $ |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
100.5 $ |
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
15.08 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
6.33 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
6.03 $ |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
4.78 $ |
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
4.15 $ |
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
3.77 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.64 $ |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
3.0 $ |
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
2.81 $ |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
5.68 $ |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
24.24 $ |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
24.34 $ |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
48.34 $ |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
3.75 $ |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
2.69 $ |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
3.15 $ |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
4.02 $ |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
2.44 $ |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
2.27 $ |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
2.25 $ |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.16 $ |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
13.07 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
2.0 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.52 $ |
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
8.64 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
3.52 $ |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
80.4 $ |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
6.53 $ |
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
3.82 $ |
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
69.35 $ |
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.91 $ |
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
30150.84 $ |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
32329.93 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
217.62 $ |
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.22 $ |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
53.52 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
79.03 $ |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
36.32 $ |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
19.1 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
2353.23 $ |
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
27057.37 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
102.47 $ |
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
48.0 $ |
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
112.69 $ |
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
149.86 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1608.14 $ |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
1254.86 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
2965.5 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
2268.5 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
12391.44 $ |
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
8395.08 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
5430.19 $ |
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
1.47 % |
|
Switzerland is very safe to travel to. It is a country 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.
Transportation in Switzerland 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.
Pickpocketing is not an issue in this country, 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.
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.
Do not worry about mugging or kidnapping: it doesn't happen in Switzerland. Recently, there has been only one area in the entire country that has had several reports of mugging - Seebach district of Zurich.
There haven't been any terrorist attacks in Switzerland's recent history, but they shouldn't be ruled out so be vigilant at all times.
Scamming is also not common in Switzerland, 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.
Switzerland 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.
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.
The official currency of Switzerland is Swiss Franc. ATMs are widely available and credit cards are accepted and used throughout the country. Your best shot when exchanging money in Singapore 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.
Switzerland has a temperate climate which varies with altitude. Switzerland has cold, cloudy winters with plenty of precipitation and cools to warm and humid summers with occasional showers.
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.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Switzerland, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.