If anyone thinking about moving to Switzerland or staying for a lengthy amount of time has to be aware of the cost to live there.
Let’s explore the important costs that go into living in Switzerland to help you,
How Much Does It Cost to Live Comfortably in Switzerland?
- Renting an Apartment
A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can rent for anything cost to live from CHF 1,500 to CHF 3,000 a month in large towns like Basel, Geneva, and Zurich.
You could locate comparable apartments for CHF 1,000 to CHF 1,500 per month in smaller towns and rural locations.
Larger homes or flats can be much more expensive; in Zurich, a large three-bedroom apartment might cost up to CHF 6,000 a month.
Rent an apartment in Switzerland – CLICK HERE
Groceries and Dining Out
- Grocery Shopping
Local food stores like Coop and Migros may get pricey; a family of four may spend anywhere from CHF 150 to CHF 300 a week on groceries.
On the other hand, less expensive solutions can be found at discount stores like Aldi and Lidl, and shopping at local markets can further cut expenses.
- Dining Out
Eating out is a luxury in Switzerland, but it is not cheap.
When it comes to mid-range restaurants, a person’s meal can cost anywhere from CHF 25 to CHF 50, not including drinks.
Even fast-food restaurants such as McDonald’s charge between CHF 15 and CHF 20 a meal cost to live.
Transportation Costs
1. Public Transportation
- Depending on the location, a monthly pass for city transportation might cost anywhere from CHF 70 to CHF 100.
- A Swiss Travel Pass, which provides unlimited travel on the Swiss Travel System network, may be a more affordable choice if you frequently travel between cities.
- For a single day, the pass costs CHF 75; extended passes are discounted.
2. Owning a Car
- Gas costs about CHF 1.60 a liter and you will also need to factor in the cost of insurance, parking, and routine maintenance.
- The type of automobile you drive and your driving record affect how much your premium will be, but usually you should budget between CHF 1,000 and CHF 2,000 per year for auto insurance.
- Also, parking licenses in cities can cost anything from CHF 100 to CHF 300 each month.
3. Cycling and Walking
- Riding a bicycle is not only a cheap exercise option but also a green and healthy one.
- Bike-sharing systems are available in many places, making it simple and reasonably cost to live to travel around without a bicycle.
Read: What is the Cheapest and Safest Country to Live in Europe?
Healthcare and Insurance
- Mandatory Health Insurance
The typical monthly premium for an individual is between CHF 300 and CHF 500.
To determine which insurance plan and provider best suits your needs, it is critical to examine prices and features.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses
In most cases, the deductible the amount you have to pay out of cash before your insurance starts to pay ranges from CHF 300 to CHF 2,500 annually.
- Supplementary Insurance
Supplementary insurance usually cost to live between CHF 50 and CHF 200 per month, depending on the provider and the extent of coverage.
Education and Childcare
1. Public vs. Private Schools
- The annual cost of tuition for private schools can vary based on the school and grade level, from CHF 20,000 to CHF 40,000.
- The annual tuition for international schools, which provide curricula in English or other languages, ranges from CHF 25,000 to CHF 50,000. These institutions are also very costly.
2. Childcare Options
- Daycare locations, sometimes referred to as “krippe,” charge between CHF 100 and CHF 150 per day, based on the child’s age and location.
- There are other after-school programs and nannies available, but they are more expensive.
3. Higher Education
- Since tuition at public universities is from CHF 1,000 to CHF 2,000 annually, many locals can afford to further their education.
Bottom Line
The high cost to live in Switzerland means that careful preparation and budgeting are necessary to live comfortably.
