💰 Cost of living in Switzerland
Switzerland is expensive – Zurich prices below; expect ~10% lower prices in Geneva/Bern/Basel and ~15–30 % lower in smaller towns and large city suburbs.
Rent & Housing
1‑bed flat, city centre: CHF 2'200 / mo
1‑bed, suburbs: CHF 1' 700 / mo
3‑bed, centre: CHF 4'000+ / mo
Deposit = 2–3 months’ rent; utilities +15–20 % if not included
Health insurance
Basic adult premium: CHF 300–500 / mo
Children: CHF 100–150 / mo
Choose higher deductibles to lower premium
Groceries
Monthly food (single): CHF 400–600
Milk CHF 1.5 / 1L · Bread loaf CHF 3 · Chicken CHF 25 / 1kg
Cross‑border shopping can save ~20 %
Eating out
Transport
Zurich monthly pass: CHF 85
Half‑Fare Card: CHF 185 / yr
Petrol: CHF 1.85 / L · Parking spot CHF 150–300 / mo
Trains are expensive, Half-fare card is a must purchase!
Utilites & Internet
Utilities (heat, water, power): CHF 150–220 / mo
Serafe TV/radio fee: CHF 335 / yr
Broadband 1 Gbps: CHF 60–80 / mo
Children / School
Other
Useful links: