Cost of Living in Chur: An Updated 2024 Guide

Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland, boasts a rich history dating back over 5,000 years. Nestled in the Rhine Valley, it serves as the capital of the Graubünden canton. Chur is renowned for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, featuring charming cobblestone streets and historical buildings, including the iconic Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption. The town serves as a cultural hub with museums, galleries, and festivals. 

Surrounded by stunning Alpine landscapes, Chur offers outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for hiking and winter sports. Its strategic location as a transportation hub further enhances its significance, making it a vibrant and fascinating destination. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate through student expenses, helping you plan a financially savvy study abroad adventure. Let’s go!

Also Read: MBA in Switzerland

Why Study in Chur?

Studying in Chur, Switzerland, offers numerous advantages. Some of the reasons why one should consider to study in Chur are as follows: 

• Firstly, Chur is the oldest town in Switzerland, providing a rich historical and cultural backdrop. The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) in Chur offers high-quality education with a focus on practical applications, preparing students for successful careers. 
• Switzerland is renowned for its excellent education system and research facilities, making Chur an attractive destination for academic pursuits.
• The stunning Alpine surroundings of Chur provide a picturesque setting, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing.
• Switzerland’s commitment to innovation and a strong economy also enhances the prospects for internships and job placements for students. 
• Additionally, the country’s multilingual environment, with German, Italian, and Romansh spoken in different regions, provides a unique linguistic experience. Chur’s small size fosters a close-knit community, creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for international students. 
• Overall, studying in Chur combines academic excellence, a high quality of life, and a breathtaking natural environment.

Cost of Living in Chur

Chur is renowned for its elevated cost of living, particularly in terms of accommodation expenses. Nevertheless, the city maintains its appeal due to matching salaries, coupled with low taxes, making it an attractive choice for both residents and expatriates. The transportation system is both efficient and dependable, featuring a well-connected network of trains and buses that facilitate easy travel across the region. Immerse yourself in the delightful ambiance of Chur, experiencing the distinctive fusion of urban amenities and natural landscapes that characterizes this Swiss town.

Here’s a general overview:

Living Costs	Monthly Cost
Accommodation	$ 2452
Food	$ 868
Utilities and Bills	$ 1216
Transportation	$117

Let’s explore these costs in further detail.

Living Accommodation

Given below is the monthly rent for different types of accommodation for international students in Chur: 

Type of Accommodation	Monthly Rent
1 bedroom apartment in city Center, 40 m2 or 430 ft2	$1201
Cheap 1 bedroom apartment, 40 m2 or 430 ft2	$992
3 bedroom apartment in city Center, 80 m2 or 860 ft2	$2116
Cheap 3 bedroom apartment, 80 m2 or 860 ft2	$2014

Food/Restaurants

Here’s a list of groceries and their prices available in the city’s supermarkets:

Grocery	Price
Water, 0.33 liter Bottle	$3.94
Milk, Regular,1 liter	$1.80
Loaf of Fresh White Bread, 0.5 kg	$1.77
White Rice, 1 kg	$2.98
Eggs, 12 pack	$4.82
Chicken Breasts, Boneless and Skinless, 1 kg	$20.83
Apples, 1 kg	$3.94
Banana, 1 kg	$2.81
Oranges, 1 kg	$3.38
Tomato, 1 kg	$4.22
Potato, 1 kg	$2.36
Onion, 1 kg	$2.03
Lettuce, 1 head	$2.02

Given below is the cost of eating out in: 

Expense	Monthly Cost
Meal in Inexpensive Restaurant	$27.02
McMeal at McDonalds or Alternative Combo Meal	$14.64
Cappuccino	$5.07
Coca-Cola, 0.33 liter Bottle	$4.50

Utilities 

Given below is the monthly cost of utilities in: 

Utility	Monthly Cost
Basic utilities for 85m2 Apartment including Electricity, Heating or Cooling, Water and Garbage	$225.16
Internet, 60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL	$63.42

Transportation 

Here’s how much various means of transportation contribute to your monthly cost of living in: 

Mode of Transport	Monthly Cost
One-way Ticket, Local Transport	$3.49
Taxi Start, Normal Tariff	$9.01
Taxi, price for 1 km, Normal Tariff	$4.50
Gasoline, 1 liter	$1.75

Also Read: Universities in Switzerland

Average Tuition Fees in Chur 

Switzerland stands out as one of the most picturesque countries in Europe, recognized for its exceptional education standards and pioneering research. This acclaim extends globally, with Swiss MBAs and PhD programs earning widespread recognition and admiration. 

Swiss public universities benefit from substantial government funding, resulting in more affordable tuition fees compared to universities in the UK or the US. International students participating in exchange programs in Switzerland are exempt from paying any tuition fees. Here are the average tuition fees at Swiss public universities:

• Bachelor’s and Master’s programs:  400 to 4042.25 USD per year.
• PhD degrees: 100 and 900 USD per year.

Things to Consider Before Moving to Chur 

Moving to Chur, Switzerland, as an international student is an exciting venture, but it’s essential to consider various factors to ensure a smooth transition and enjoyable experience. Here are some things to consider:

1. Student Visa and Residence Permit: Research and understand the visa and residence permit requirements for international students in Switzerland. Ensure all necessary documentation is prepared and submitted in a timely manner.

2. Language: While many Swiss people speak English, especially in academic settings, it’s beneficial to learn some basic German, as it is one of the official languages in Chur. Language courses may be available through the university or local institutions.

3. Cost of Living: Switzerland is known for its high cost of living. Consider accommodation, transportation, food, and other daily expenses when planning your budget. Explore available scholarships, part-time job opportunities, or financial aid.

4. Health Insurance: Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Switzerland. Make sure to obtain comprehensive health coverage before arriving.

5. Cultural Adjustment: Be prepared for cultural differences. Swiss culture may differ from your home country, so keep an open mind and be willing to adapt. Attend orientation programs and meet other international students to build a support network.

Before making any decisions, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and, if possible, visit Chur beforehand to get a feel for the city and its offerings. Additionally, reach out to the university’s international office for specific information and assistance tailored to your needs as an international student.

Also Read: ETH Excellence Scholarship

FAQs

We hope that you got all the information regarding the cost of living in Chur for international students. For more updates on student life abroad, keep following Leverage Edu. Thank you for reading!