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Cost of Living in Switzerland

216 cities covered · Currency: CHF (Fr) · Capital: Zürich

Single person, monthlyFr1,558 ($1,770)
Couple, monthlyFr2,852 ($3,241)
Family of four, monthlyFr3,772 ($4,286)
Average net salaryFr5,783 ($6,572)

Average Prices in Switzerland

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantFr13.71 ($15.58)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeFr54.85 ($62.33)per meal
CappuccinoFr4.11 ($4.67)each
Monthly groceries (single person)Fr311 ($353)per month
Monthly public transport passFr50.28 ($57.13)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentFr133 ($151)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)Fr38.39 ($43.63)per month
Fitness club membershipFr38.39 ($43.63)per month
Cinema ticketFr10.06 ($11.43)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreFr925 ($1,051)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreFr644 ($731)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreFr1,931 ($2,194)per month

Major Cities in Switzerland

Zürich

Zürich · pop. 452,421

Geneva

Genève · pop. 209,061

Basel

Basel-Stadt · pop. 176,329

Lausanne

Vaud · pop. 144,873

Bern

Bern · pop. 136,988

Winterthur

Zürich · pop. 120,376

Lucerne

Luzern · pop. 86,234

Sankt Gallen

Sankt Gallen · pop. 78,863

Lugano

Ticino · pop. 63,495

Biel/Bienne

Bern · pop. 55,932

Neuchâtel

Neuchâtel · pop. 45,309

Bellinzona

Ticino · pop. 45,305

Thun

Bern · pop. 43,905

Köniz

Bern · pop. 42,958

Chur

Graubünden · pop. 39,177

Fribourg

Fribourg · pop. 39,151

La Chaux-de-Fonds

Neuchâtel · pop. 38,965

Schaffhausen

Schaffhausen · pop. 38,964

Sion

Valais · pop. 37,154

Uster

Zürich · pop. 36,791

Vernier

Genève · pop. 34,774

Zug

Zug · pop. 32,122

Landecy

Genève · pop. 31,942

Yverdon-les-Bains

Vaud · pop. 30,292

Cheapest Cities in Switzerland

NeuchâtelBellinzonaThunKönizChurFribourgLa Chaux-de-FondsSchaffhausenSionUsterFull ranking →

City Comparisons in Switzerland

Zürich vs Geneva

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Switzerland

Zürich vs Basel

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Switzerland

Geneva vs Lausanne

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Switzerland

Basel vs Lausanne

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Switzerland

Cost of Living by City Size in Switzerland

Living costs in Switzerland vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of Fr1,558 ($1,770) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.

Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of living in Switzerland?
The estimated average monthly cost for a single person in Switzerland is Fr1,558 ($1,770), including rent outside the city centre. A family of four needs roughly Fr3,772 ($4,286) per month.
Which city has the lowest cost of living in Switzerland?
Neuchâtel ranks among the most affordable cities in Switzerland with a low cost-of-living multiplier.
What is the average salary in Switzerland?
The estimated average net salary in Switzerland is Fr5,783 ($6,572) per month. Actual salaries vary significantly by profession, experience and city.
All figures are planning estimates for Switzerland derived from national baselines. Individual city pages adjust these figures for city size. Methodology.