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Cost of Living / Switzerland

🇨🇭 Cost of Living in Switzerland

4 cities, ranked from wallet-friendly to wallet-hostile

Median monthly budget · single · city center

$4,028/mo

Across 4 cities we track

Couple

$5,212

Family of 4

$14,122

Median local salary (after tax)$7,899/mo

City-by-city damage report

Rent — the biggest line item

Source: Numbeo. Prices in USD.

Grocery prices — the supermarket reality check

Median across 4 cities

Milk (1L)$2.31
Bread (loaf)$3.87
Eggs (12)$7.90
Rice (1kg)$4.19
Chicken (1kg)$32
Apples (1kg)$3.85
Tomatoes (1kg)$6.66
Potatoes (1kg)$2.26
Water (1.5L)$1.39
Wine (mid-range)$14
Beer (0.5L store)$2.81

Eating out — because you won't cook every night

Median prices across 4 cities

Cheap meal$34
Mid-range dinner for 2$141
Cappuccino$6.90
Beer (draught)$10
Coke (0.33L)$6.35

Getting around — or trying to

Median prices across 4 cities

Monthly pass$108
Single ride$5.30
Gasoline (1L)$2.32

Switzerland vs. the neighbors

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live in Switzerland?

Across 4 cities, a single person spends a median of $4,028/month including rent. Bern is the cheapest at $3,265/mo, while Zurich runs $4,555/mo.

What is the average rent in Switzerland?

Median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center is $2,474/month across 4 cities we track.

What is the average salary in Switzerland?

The median monthly net salary (after tax) across 4 cities is about $7,899, based on Numbeo data.

What is the cheapest city in Switzerland?

Bern is the most affordable at $3,265/month for a single person. Zurich is the most expensive at $4,555/month.

Cost data sourced from Numbeo. Updated periodically.