Hello everyone,
As every year, we invite you to share your experience regarding the cost of living in Switzerland, and if possible, in the specific region or city where you live. This will help members who are planning to relocate in Switzerland.
Here are some points to guide you; the idea is to provide average prices for each category:
When it comes to housing, what is the cost of renting or buying an apartment or house in Switzerland?
How much do you pay for public transports such as buses, subways, trains, trams, or taxis?
Could you share the average monthly cost of your grocery shopping?
What is the cost of health insurance? How much does a medical consultation cost in Switzerland?
What are the tuition fees for children?
What are the average monthly costs for electricity, gas, water, internet, and phone plans?
For leisure activities, how much does it cost monthly?
If there are other expenses you find relevant, please feel free to share them!
Thank you for your contribution.
Expat.com Team
Cost of living in Switzerland in 2024
Hello Cheryl,
Find below my answers.
Housing Costs (Renting/Buying):
Rent: The cost of renting an apartment can vary widely. In major cities like Zurich, Geneva, or Bern, a one-bedroom apartment (bedroom + living room) will range between CHF 1,500 - 3,000
Buying: In central locations, prices can easily exceed CHF 10,000 per square meter. Ultra-lux can reach CHF 30,000 per square meter.
Public Transport:
A monthly public transport pass can range from CHF 60 to CHF 100, depending on the city and zones covered (half-price for children).
Grocery Shopping:
The average cost for groceries can range from CHF 300 to CHF 600 per month per person, depending on dietary habits and where you shop.
Health Insurance:
Health insurance is mandatory and can vary based on coverage. The average cost can be around CHF 300 - 500 per month per adult. Elderly people CHF 800. Kids around CHF 150.
A general doctor's consultation can cost between CHF 100 to CHF 200 which, depending on your insurance, will be fully reimburse.
Tuition Fees for Children:
Public schools are free, but international or private schools can be costly, ranging from CHF 20,000 to over CHF 100,000 annually. Some swiss private schools offer flexi-boarding which means kids go back to their parents during weekends.
Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water, Internet, Phone):
Monthly utilities for a standard apartment can range from CHF 150 to CHF 250.
Internet and phone plans can vary; combined packages might cost around CHF 50 to CHF 100 per month. European calls and data are now mostly included.
Leisure Activities:
Costs for leisure activities will depend on the type of activity. Cinema tickets can be around CHF 15-20, while dining out at a mid-range restaurant can be CHF 25-50 per person.
Other Expenses:
Gym memberships: CHF 50 to CHF 100 per month.
Ski : during Winter most of swiss people go skiing for one or two days. Ski pass is about CHF 60-100 per day. Winter pass is also possible in each ski resort. (Magic Pass covers a lot of ski ressorts and is about CHF 800 per adult and CHF 390 per kid).
@marketing84
Thank you very much for such a detailed post.
It will surely benefit members.
All the best
Bhavna
@Cheryl
Region: canton de Vaud, city Vevey
Renting a flat 2 bedrooms = 2000 ch incl heating and water
Power +/- 80/month
Parking is always at a fee : 100chf /month with the flat
Grocery shopping for a 3 people family: 600 -700 chf/month
Health insurance 3 people 800-900 total/month with maximum franchise at 2500 for the adults and 0 for the child.
Visit Dr= 200 chf but 10% only to pay for the child since well covered.
Public transport : don't know
Public School is free
But activities before and afyer schiol for parents who both work : 1000 chf/month
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