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Cost of Living in Lucerne

Lucerne, Luzern, Switzerland · Population 86,234

▼ -6% vs Switzerland average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)Fr1,461 ($1,660)
Couple, monthlyFr2,672 ($3,037)
Family of four, monthlyFr3,532 ($4,014)

Estimated Prices in Lucerne

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantFr12.94 ($14.70)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeFr51.74 ($58.80)per meal
CappuccinoFr3.88 ($4.41)each
Monthly groceries (single person)Fr293 ($333)per month
Monthly public transport passFr47.43 ($53.90)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentFr125 ($142)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)Fr36.22 ($41.16)per month
Fitness club membershipFr36.22 ($41.16)per month
Cinema ticketFr9.49 ($10.78)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreFr860 ($978)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreFr598 ($680)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreFr1,795 ($2,040)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Lucerne is Fr5,456 ($6,200) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of Fr1,461 ($1,660) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly Fr1,899 ($2,158) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (Fr598 ($680)) represents about 41% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Lucerne

Lucerne vs ZürichLucerne vs GenevaLucerne vs BaselLucerne vs LausanneLucerne vs BernLucerne vs Winterthur

Nearby Cities

Kriens

3 km away · Luzern

Emmen

3 km away · Luzern

Littau

3 km away · Luzern

Horw

4 km away · Luzern

Ibikon

5 km away · Zug

Küssnacht

11 km away · Schwyz

Stans

11 km away · Nidwalden

Hochdorf

13 km away · Luzern

Other Major Cities in Switzerland

Zürich

Zürich · pop. 452,421

Fr1,952 ($2,218) / mo

Geneva

Genève · pop. 209,061

Fr1,461 ($1,660) / mo

Basel

Basel-Stadt · pop. 176,329

Fr1,461 ($1,660) / mo

Lausanne

Vaud · pop. 144,873

Fr1,461 ($1,660) / mo

Bern

Bern · pop. 136,988

Fr1,461 ($1,660) / mo

Winterthur

Zürich · pop. 120,376

Fr1,461 ($1,660) / mo

Sankt Gallen

Sankt Gallen · pop. 78,863

Fr1,461 ($1,660) / mo

Lugano

Ticino · pop. 63,495

Fr1,461 ($1,660) / mo

Living in Lucerne

Lucerne is one of the key cities in Switzerland. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is Fr1,461 ($1,660), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around Fr598 ($680) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to Fr3,532 ($4,014) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately Fr2,672 ($3,037) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Lucerne is Fr5,456 ($6,200). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least Fr1,899 ($2,158) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lucerne expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated Fr1,461 ($1,660) per month in Lucerne including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Switzerland.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Lucerne?
A net salary of around Fr1,899 ($2,158) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Lucerne with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Lucerne is Fr5,456 ($6,200).
How much is rent in Lucerne?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated Fr860 ($978) per month in the city centre and Fr598 ($680) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about Fr1,795 ($2,040).
Is Lucerne cheaper than Switzerland on average?
Yes — Lucerne is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Switzerland average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Lucerne?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at Fr293 ($333) in Lucerne. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about Fr13 ($15) and a cappuccino runs around Fr4 ($4).
How do transport costs in Lucerne compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Lucerne is estimated at Fr47 ($54). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Lucerne are estimates based on Switzerland national averages adjusted for city size (population 86,234). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.