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St. Gallen is a picturesque city located in the northeastern part of Switzerland. It is known worldwide for its rich history, culture, and stunning architecture. The city is home to several world-renowned universities, making it a popular destination for international students. In this guide, we will provide an updated overview of the cost of living in St. Gallen Switzerland, to help students plan their finances better. Let’s go!
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Why Choose St Gallen Switzerland to Study Abroad in 2024?
Despite the high cost of living in St. Gallen Switzerland, it is a great place to study abroad for several reasons. Here are some of them:
- Quality Education: St. Gallen is home to some of the best universities in Switzerland, including the University of St. Gallen, ranked among the top business schools in Europe.
- Diverse Crowd: The city has a diverse population, with people from different parts of the world living and studying here. This makes it an ideal place for international students who want to experience different cultures.
- Beautiful Scenery: St. Gallen is surrounded by beautiful mountains and lakes, making it a great place for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and swimming.
- Safe and Secure: Switzerland is known for its safety and security, and St. Gallen is no exception. The city has a low crime rate, making it a safe place for students to live and study.
Also Read: Study in Switzerland for Indian Students
Cost of Living in St Gallen Switzerland
The cost of living in St Gallen Switzerland for international students is around CHF 4,270 per month. Here is a breakdown of the other essential monthly living costs in St. Gallen, Switzerland, as of 2024:
Accommodation
Below is the table showing the monthly rent for different types of student accommodations in St Gallen Switzerland:
| Type of Accommodation | Monthly Cost (in CHF) |
| Shared Room | 600 – 800 |
| Studio Apartment | 900 – 1200 |
| One-Bedroom Apartment | 1200 – 1500 |
Food/Restaurants
Given below are the prices of individual grocery items available in supermarkets in St Gallen Switzerland:
| Grocery | Price (in CHF) |
| 1kg Chicken Breast | 10 |
| 1L Whole Fat Milk | 1.56 |
| 12 Eggs | 5.41 |
| 1kg Tomatoes | 3.67 |
| 500g Local Cheese | 8 |
| 1kg Apples | 4.35 |
| 1kg Potatoes | 3.65 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | 1.80 |
| Bottle of Red Table Wine | 13 |
| 2L Coca-Cola | 2.25 |
Since eating out can be expensive for an international student living in St Gallen Switzerland, here’s how much
| Expenses | Monthly Cost (in CHF) |
| Basic Lunchtime Menu | 20 |
| Combo Meal at Fast Food Restaurant | 13 |
Entertainment
Given below is how much some modes of entertainment cost in St Gallen Switzerland:
| Entertainment Mode | Monthly Cost (in CHF) |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 56.67 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 17 |
Transportation & Commutation
The table given below shows the monthly cost of transportation through various modes in St Gallen Switzerland:
| Transport Mode | Monthly Cost (in CHF) |
| Public Transport Pass | 70 – 100 |
| Taxi (5km within city) | 20 – 25 |
Utility Bill/Expenses
Here’s how much some essential utilities cost for an international student in St Gallen Switzerland:
| Utility | Monthly Cost (in CHF) |
| Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage (85m2 Apartment) | 166 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 46.25 |
Personal Care
Given below are the cost of some personal care items available in St Gallen Switzerland:
| Expense | Cost |
| Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, firenado, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | CHF 13 |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | CHF 26 |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | CHF 211 |
| 1 box of 32 tampons | CHF 5.94 |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | CHF 4.15 |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | CHF 7 |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | CHF 4.35 |
| Tube of toothpaste | CHF 4.98 |
| Standard men’s haircuts in expat areas of the city | CHF 54 |
Also, Read the List of the Safest Countries for Women to Study Abroad!
Average Tuition Fees in St Gallen Switzerland
The average tuition fees for international students in St. Gallen Switzerland will vary with the university and the program of study. However, on average, international students can expect to pay between CHF 1,000 and CHF 2,500 per semester.
The tuition fees for public universities are the same for all international students, including the University of St. Gallen. Bachelor’s and Master’s programs typically range from 400 – 3,700 EUR/year, but PhD programs are much cheaper, ranging from 100 – 900 EUR/year. On the other hand, private universities can be significantly higher, up to 43,000 EUR/year.
Also Read: Scholarships in Switzerland
Things to Consider Before Moving to St Gallen, Switzerland
Here are some things that international students must keep in mind before moving to St. Gallen for their education in 2024:
- Visa Requirements: International students must obtain a student visa before moving to Switzerland. The visa application process can take several weeks, so it’s important to start early.
- Language: While English is widely spoken in St. Gallen, it’s always a good idea to learn some basic German to help with day-to-day communication.
- Accommodation: Finding affordable accommodation in St. Gallen can be challenging, so it’s important to start looking early. Students can consider sharing an apartment or renting a studio to save money.
- Transportation: St. Gallen has an excellent public transportation system, which is affordable and efficient. Students can purchase a monthly pass to save money on transportation costs.
- Culture Shock: Moving to a new country can be overwhelming, and students may experience culture shock. It’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to adapt to new customs and traditions.
FAQs
Ans. Rent is one of the biggest expenses in St. Gallen, as in most of Switzerland. Here is the average monthly rent for different kinds of accommodations in the city:
A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre – CHF 1,500 per month,
A 2-bedroom apartment – CHF 2,000 per month.
Prices can vary depending on the size, location, and amenities of the apartment.
Ans. Groceries in St. Gallen are generally more expensive than in other parts of Europe. The average cost of a week’s worth of groceries for one person is around CHF 150. However, you can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets or buying local produce.
Ans. Public transportation in St. Gallen is very efficient and affordable. A single ticket within the city costs CHF 2.40, while a day pass costs CHF 7.60. You can also purchase a monthly pass for unlimited travel, which costs CHF 60.
Ans. In addition to rent, groceries, and transportation, there are a few other expenses to consider in St. Gallen, such as:
Average cost of utilities for a 1-bedroom apartment – CHF 100 per month
The average cost of the internet – CHF 50 per month
The average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant is CHF 30
Approximately, a movie ticket costs around CHF 15
Relevant Reads:
| Universities in Switzerland | ETH Zurich: Where the Future Begins |
| Best Countries For Life Sciences Research | ETH Excellence Scholarship |
| MBA in Switzerland | SOP for Switzerland |
We hope that this blog provides you with all the information regarding the cost of living in St Gallen, Switzerland. To discover more study-abroad destinations, tune into Leverage Edu today. Thank you for reading!
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