Cost of Living in Switzerland (2025)

Switzerland is famous for its quality of life, safety, and excellent education. Naturally, the cost of living in Switzerland is high. For a family of four, monthly expenses excluding rent average around 5,249 CHF (INR 6 Lakhs). A single person spends about 1,434 CHF (INR 2 Lakhs) monthly, excluding rent. Overall, living costs in Switzerland are roughly 482.7% higher than in India, and rent alone is about 1,046.9% higher.  

In this guide, you'll read more about the average cost of living in Switzerland, cost of living in Geneva, Switzerland, accommodation and rent options, food and transport costs, tuition fees, utilities, scholarships, and student budgeting tips.  

Recommended Read: Study in Switzerland | Swizz Education System  

Average Cost of Living in Switzerland (2025) 

Switzerland is well-known for its high living, and naturally, the ally, the cost of living in Switzerland is higher than in most countries. For a family of four, monthly expenses excluding rent average 5,249 CHF (INR 6 Lakhs), while a single person spends around 1,434 CHF (INR 2 Lakhs) monthly, excluding rent. 

Monthly Average Expenses:  

Expense Type	Cost (CHF / INR)
Rent (1-bedroom apt)	1,200–2,500 CHF (INR 1–3L)
Groceries	400–600 CHF (INR 44–66K)
Transport	70–120 CHF (INR 8–13K)
Utilities	150–250 CHF (INR 17–28K)
Miscellaneous	200–400 CHF (INR 22–44K)

For anyone asking is the cost of living in Switzerland high, the answer is yes, but it reflects the country’s excellent quality of life, safety, healthcare, and education 

City-Wise Cost of Living in Switzerland 

Switzerland offers a high standard of living, but costs vary depending on the city.  

Here's a beginner-friendly breakdown of living expenses in major Swiss cities:  

Zurich 

Zurich is Switzerland’s financial capital and one of the world’s most expensive cities. 

Average monthly costs: 

• Rent (1-bedroom in city centre): 2,130 CHF (INR 2 lakhs)
• Public transport (monthly pass): 87 CHF (INR 10K)
• Groceries (basic monthly estimate): 500–600 CHF (INR 0.6–0.7L)

Why Zurich is costly: 

• High demand for housing 
• Premium services and infrastructure 
• Strong job market with high salaries 

So, despite the price tag, Zurich offers excellent public services, safety, and global connectivity. 

Geneva 

Geneva’s cost of living is driven by its international presence, hosting organizations like the UN and WHO. 

Average monthly costs: 

• Rent (1-bedroom in city centre): 2,200 CHF (INR 2 lakhs)
• Public transport (monthly pass): 75 CHF (INR 8K)
• Groceries: 550 CHF (INR 0.6 lakh)

Why Geneva is expensive: 

• High demand from expats and diplomats 
• Premium housing and dining 
• International lifestyle 

Hence, the cost of living in Geneva, Switzerland, is among the highest, especially for professionals in global institutions. 

Lausanne 

Lausanne is more affordable and popular among university students. 

Average monthly costs: 

• Rent (1-bedroom): 1,600 CHF (INR 2 lakhs)
• Public transport: 70 CHF (INR 8K)
• Groceries: 450 CHF (INR 1 lakh)

Why students prefer Lausanne: 

• Home to EPFL and other top universities 
• Affordable student housing 
• Youthful, vibrant atmosphere 

Saying this, Lausanne offers a good balance between affordability and quality of life. 

Bern 

Bern, the capital city, offers mid-range living costs and a calm lifestyle. 

Average monthly costs: 

• Rent (1-bedroom): 1,700 CHF (INR 2 lakhs)
• Public transport: 75 CHF (INR 8K)
• Groceries: 500 CHF (INR 1 lakh)

Why Bern is balanced: 

• Stable government jobs 
• Less touristy, more local 
• Family-friendly environment 

This implies: Bern is ideal for professionals and families seeking a quieter pace. 

Basel 

Basel is near the French and German borders, which helps lower some living costs. 

Average monthly costs: 

• Rent (1-bedroom): 1,600 CHF (INR 2 lakhs)
• Public transport: 70 CHF (INR 8K)
• Groceries: 450 CHF (INR 0.5 lakh)

Why Basel is more affordable: 

• Cross-border shopping options 
• Lower rent compared to Zurich or Geneva 
• Strong pharma and research sectors 

Hence, Basel is a smart choice for those who want Swiss quality with slightly lower expenses. 

Accommodation Costs in Switzerland 

Housing is a major part of the cost of living in Switzerland, and your choice of accommodation can significantly impact your monthly budget.  

Here's a simple breakdown of the most common housing options for students, professionals, and families:  

University Dorms 

Dormitories are the most affordable option, especially for international students. 

Why choose dorms? 

• Budget-friendly 
• Often include utilities 
• Located close to universities 

Average monthly rent: 

 400–800 CHF (INR 44K–88K) 

Dorms help students manage the average cost of living in Switzerland without compromising on essentials. 

Shared Apartments (WG) 

WG (Wohngemeinschaft) means shared living. It’s the most popular choice among students and young professionals. 

Why shared apartments work: 

• Split rent and bills 
• Social and flexible 
• Available in all major cities 

Average monthly rent (per person): 

 700–1,200 CHF (INR 77K–132K)

This is a smart option for a single person or anyone trying to reduce housing costs. 

Private Apartments 

Private apartments offer full privacy and space but come at a higher cost. 

Why go private? 

• Ideal for families or professionals 
• More control over your living space 
• Long-term stability 

Average monthly rent (1-bedroom): 

• City Centre: 1,617 CHF (INR 2 lakhs)
• Outside Centre: 1,340 CHF (INR 1.5 lakhs) 

Food and Grocery Expenses in Switzerland 

Food costs in Switzerland can vary depending on your lifestyle and city, but they’re a key part of the average cost of living in Switzerland.  

Whether you cook at home or eat out often, here’s what you can expect: 

Groceries 

For a single person, monthly grocery expenses typically range between 500–600 CHF (INR 60,000–70,000). This includes basic items like dairy, grains, meat, and produce.

Average prices for common grocery items:

• Milk (1 gallon): 6.75 CHF (INR 1,000)
• Bread (1 lb): 2.75 CHF (INR 300)
• Eggs (12): 6.07 CHF (INR 1,000)
• Rice (1 lb): 1.57 CHF (INR 200)
• Chicken fillets (1 lb): 12.10 CHF (INR 1,300)

These prices reflect the cost of living in Switzerland for a single person, especially those who prefer cooking at home. 

Eating Out 

Dining out in Switzerland is convenient but can be expensive.  

Here's a breakdown: 

Meal Type	Average Cost
Inexpensive restaurant meal	25 CHF (INR 3K)
Mid-range restaurant (2 people)	100 CHF (INR 11K)
McMeal (fast food combo)	15 CHF (INR 2K)

Do you Know? 

Many universities offer cafeteria meals or student meal plans ranging from 8–12 CHF (around INR 1K) per meal, and these are great for managing the cost of living in Switzerland for Indian students or international learners. 

Transportation Costs in Switzerland 

Public transport is widely used in Switzerland. A single person spends around 7% of their monthly budget on commuting. Monthly passes vary by city, and student discounts are available. 

• Average monthly pass: 101.81 CHF (INR 11K)
• Zurich: 108.63 CHF (INR 12K)
• Geneva: 87.40 CHF (INR 10K)
• Lausanne: 97.39 CHF (INR 11K)

Student Discounts: 

• Up to 50% off via SBB and university travel cards. 

Note: Transport makes up 7% of the average cost of living in Switzerland for a single person. 

Utilities and Miscellaneous Expenses 

Utilities and insurance are fixed monthly costs in Switzerland. Health insurance is mandatory and varies by provider.  

Below is a breakdown of monthly expenses for a single person: 

Category	Average Cost
Electricity, heating, water, garbage (85 sqm)	213.57 CHF (INR 24K)
Internet (60 Mbps+)	47.81 CHF (INR 5K)
Mobile plan (10GB+)	33.90 CHF (INR 4K)
Health Insurance (monthly premium)	250–400 CHF (INR 28K–44K)
Gym membership	71.26 CHF (INR 8K)
Movie ticket	17 CHF (INR 2K)

Hence, on average, utilities and basic services in Switzerland cost around 365–500 CHF/month (INR 40K–55K) for a single person, excluding health insurance. 

Scholarships and Financial Aid in Switzerland 

Switzerland offers merit-based, need-based, and mobility scholarships to international students. These help reduce tuition and living costs. 

Scholarship Name	Provider	Estimated Amount (CHF)
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships	Swiss Government	Full tuition + living costs
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (ESOP)	ETH Zurich	12,000/semester + tuition waiver
ETH Zurich Social Scholarships	ETH Zurich	Variable
Solidary Fund for International Students	ETH Zurich	Variable
SEMP Mobility Scholarships	Movetia	380/month (max 10 months)
Severin B. Hacker Fellowship	EPFL	2,500/year
Heyning-Roelli Foundation	Independent Foundation	Travel + subsistence
Zeno Karl Schindler Foundation Grants	Zeno Karl Schindler Foundation	Variable

 Find out how to fund your Swiss education: check out scholarships for Indian students! 

Budget Tips to Reduce the Cost of Living in Switzerland 

Smart budgeting can reduce monthly expenses by up to 30–40%, especially for students and single residents. 

• Rent sharing (WG): Cuts housing costs by 30–50% 
• Meal prepping: Saves 40% on food 
• Student discounts: On transport, museums, gyms 
• Public transport cards: Monthly passes are cheaper than single tickets 
• Part-time jobs: Allowed up to 15 hrs/week 
• Budgeting apps: Use Revolut, YNAB, Swiss-specific tools 

These tips are essential for managing the cost of living in Switzerland for a single person. 

Switzerland vs Other European Countries 

Switzerland has the highest cost of living index in Europe, but offers unmatched public services, safety, and infrastructure. 

Country	Cost of Living Index
Switzerland	112.2
Germany	62.7
France	66.0
Netherlands	64.3
Italy	58.9
Sweden	62.2

So yes, Switzerland’s cost of living is nearly double that of Italy and 70% higher than Germany. 

Conclusion 

Switzerland offers a high standard of living, but it comes at a cost. The average cost of living in Switzerland for a single person ranges from 1,400 to 2,000 CHF/month (INR 1.54 to INR 2.2 lakh) depending on the city and lifestyle.  

Despite the expenses, Switzerland’s public infrastructure, safety, healthcare, and education system justify the price. For international students, especially those from India, understanding the cost of living in Switzerland for Indian students is key to planning a successful academic journey. 

Still confused about tuition, visas, or living costs in Switzerland? Talk to upGrad’s counsellors with a free 1:1 session and get clarity. 
 

Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings  https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Switzerland https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Switzerland https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Zurich https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Geneva https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_countries_result.jsp?country1=India&country2=Switzerland https://www.numbeo.com/food-prices/country_result.jsp?country=Switzerland https://www.numbeo.com/quality-of-life/country_result.jsp?country=Switzerland