Cost of Living in Switzerland

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

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 $

store

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 $

commute

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 $

mark_as_unread

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 $

kitesurfing

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 $

child_friendly

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 $

checkroom

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 $

night_shelter

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 $

home

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 $

account_balance_wallet

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

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

OVERALL RISK: LOW

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.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

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.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

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.

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 Switzerland. Recently, there has been only one area in the entire country that has had several reports of mugging - Seebach district of Zurich.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

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.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

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.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

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.

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 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.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

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.

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 Switzerland, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in Switzerland with other countries

Cost of living in countries