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Switzerland is renowned for its high standard of living, picturesque landscapes, and efficient public services. However, these benefits come with a substantial cost. The cost of living in Switzerland can be determined by factors such as the cost of studying in Switzerland, accommodation rent, utility bills, grocery expenses, etc.
As we delve into the fascinating world of living in Switzerland, we must appreciate the presence of some of the top universities in the world and the unparalleled quality of life. Understanding the cost of living in Switzerland helps students determine how much money they need to have in their accounts to enjoy a worry-free stay in Switzerland. So, keep reading this blog for essential insights.
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Cost of Living in Switzerland
The average cost of living in Switzerland for a single person, including housing rent, is approximately CHF 1,477, according to numbeo Data. For a one-bedroom apartment, individuals can expect to pay between CHF 1300 and CHF 2,500. The overall cost of living in Switzerland can vary according to the standard of living, preferred area, and other essential criteria for students.
To estimate the cost of living in Switzerland, a study abroad student must consider transportation charges, student accommodation, utility bills, grocery expenses, and healthcare expenditures.
Also Read: Cost of Living in Cork, Ireland: Updated Prices, Other Cities Comparison
Grocery cost in Switzerland
Monthly grocery bills vary depending on daily consumption, eating habits, and preferred brands of food products. Studying in Switzerland students must allocate around CHF 400 to CHF 650 every month for groceries. Students residing in Basel and Zurich have to pay extra as the prices are higher in these two cities. To save some money, students can purchase perishable products after 5 pm or from global supermarket chains like Lidl or Aldi.
It’s important to compare prices across different stores or vendors, to get the best value when shopping for groceries in Switzerland. Below is a table summarizing the average grocery expenses in Switzerland:
| Grocery Item | Approx Cost |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | CHF 1.73 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | CHF 6.09 |
| Apples (1kg) | CHF 3.15 |
| Banana (1kg) | CHF 1.43 |
| Oranges (1kg) | CHF 2.60 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | CHF 22.88 |
| Potato (1kg) | CHF 2.19 |
| Tomato (1kg) | CHF 5.12 |
| Onion (1kg) | CHF 2.08 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | CHF 1.01 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | CHF 3.26 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | CHF 3.52 |
Cost of Food in Switzerland
When students don’t want to cook at home, they can explore the cosmopolitan cuisine of Switzerland. To eat out, residents can eat a value meal from McDonald’s at CHF 15 or a pizza at CHF 25. Additionally, a student can dine out at a cheap restaurant for CHF 25. Furthermore, the cost of a three-course meal for two individuals in Switzerland is nearly CHF 100.
Moreover, the average price of a regular cappuccino in Switzerland is nearly CHF 4.70. However, in Zurich, the cost climbs to around CHF 5, which is slightly higher than in other European cities like Berlin, London, and Paris. Eating out regularly can affect the cost of living in Switzerland for students because dining can be more expensive than cooking at your residence.
Cost of Utility Bills in Switzerland
The average monthly charge for water and gas in Switzerland is CHF 194 and that for electricity is CHF 130. Whereas, the average monthly internet cost is nearly CHF 56. Furthermore, the average annual radio and television fee in this European country is nearly CHF 355. However, planning your monthly cost of living in Switzerland must include the utility expenses as they can affect your overall costs.
Also read: Cost of Living in Norway: Updated Prices, Other Countries Comparison
Cost of Transportation in Switzerland
Switzerland has well-connected public transportation. Each city has its own pricing for different means of public transport, taxis, and gasoline. It is important to evaluate Travel costs in Switzerland for you as a student because you will have to commute to and from college.
For your reference, we have given the average transportation cost in the table below so that you can estimate and add your transportation budget to your cost of living in Switzerland accordingly. The table below displays the average prices of different means of communication:
| Transportation Costs in Switzerland | Average Prices |
| Monthly Pass for Public Transportation | CHF 80 |
| Single Ticket for Public Transportation | CHF 3.50 |
| Standard Tariff of Taxi for 5 km | CHF 25.75 |
| 1 litre Gasoline | CHF 1.86 |
Cost of Healthcare in Switzerland
Health insurance is mandatory for everyone in Switzerland and can be quite expensive. In the event of a medical emergency, the costs can significantly impact both your mental well-being and the overall cost of living in Switzerland. The average cost of healthcare insurance premiums in Switzerland is nearly CHF 372 per month. This amount varies as per the economy of the insurer and canton. The premium cost is announced by the OFSP (Federal Public Health Office). The Swiss government has devised a tool to compare premiums between different areas. Students can compare the premium costs and opt for one to get access to one of the premium healthcare systems in the world.
Furthermore, a beneficiary of health insurance in Switzerland needs to pay the initial CHF 300 of yearly treatment costs even though state insurance covers nearly 80% to 90% of total medical costs. The CHF 300 is the extra amount, known as excess. However, dental treatment costs are not covered by state healthcare insurance. Thus, to minimize these costs, people often opt for private dental insurance.
Cost of Accommodation in Switzerland
The expense of accommodation in Switzerland is high and it also depends on the type of accommodation and student’s preferences. If you choose to stay in the university hostel your cost of living in Switzerland can be lower, however, if you want a private space, your average rent for a room apartment can be around CHF 1,000 to CHF 2,500 per month.
Students often worry about the cost of renting in Switzerland. Here are some accommodation options for overseas students planning to study in Switzerland:
| Type of Accommodation | 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside City Centre | 3 Bedroom House/Apartment in City Centre | 3 Bedroom House/Apartment Bordering City Centre |
| Average Rent in Bern (Monthly) | CHF 1,190 | CHF 944 | CHF 2,339 | CHF 1,609 |
| Average Rent in Zurich (Monthly) | CHF 1,928 | CHF 1,531 | CHF 3,694 | CHF 2,718 |
| Average Rent in Geneva (Monthly) | CHF 2,007 | CHF 1,605 | CHF 4,069 | CHF 2,999 |
| Average Rent in Switzerland (Monthly) | CHF 1,701 | CHF 1,362 | CHF 3,005 | CHF 2,474 |
Miscellaneous Costs in Switzerland
Apart from accommodation, food, and travel costs, you may need to consider a few miscellaneous expenses while living in Switzerland, such as gym subscriptions, movie tickets, clothing, and occasional doctor’s appointments. These miscellaneous expenses can add up over time, so it’s important to account for them in your budget.
These expenses can vary depending on individual lifestyles and preferences. Please refer to the table below for a detailed list of these miscellaneous expenses.
| Miscellaneous | Approx Cost |
| Movie Ticket | CHF 19.95 |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) | CHF 110.62 |
| Fitness Club (Gym Membership) | CHF 75.18 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | CHF 116 |
| Doctor’s visit | CHF 129 |
Cost of Living Comparison: Switzerland vs Other Countries
When comparing the cost of living in Switzerland to other countries worldwide, several factors come into play. Switzerland is renowned for its high living expenses, particularly in terms of housing and transportation. However, Switzerland remains an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Understanding the cost of living comparison between Switzerland and other countries is crucial for making informed decisions about relocation or long-term stays. To give you a thorough understanding of how the cost of living in Switzerland compares to other countries and cities like the USA, Germany, Singapore, the UK, Canada, Australia, New York and Ireland we have compiled relevant data. Please take a look for more clarity:
| Cost of Living City/Country Wise | Average Cost of living | Comparison with Cost of Living in Switzerland |
| Cost of Living in the USA | CHF 1032 (including rent) | Lower than Switzerland |
| Cost of Living in Germany | CHF 930 (including rent) | Lower than Switzerland |
| Cost of Living in Singapore | CHF 977 (excluding rent) | Lower than Switzerland |
| Cost of Living in the UK | CHF 914 (excluding rent) | Approximately equal to Switzerland |
| Cost of Living in New York | CHF 1462 (excluding rent) | Approximately equal to Switzerland |
| Cost of Living in Australia | CHF 980 (excluding rent) | Lower than Switzerland |
| Cost of Living in Canada | CHF 931 (excluding rent) | Lower than Switzerland |
| Cost of Living in Ireland | CHF 933 (excluding rent) | Lower than Switzerland |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Denmark: Updated Prices, Comparison with Its Cities
Average Tuition Fees in Switzerland
In comparison to some of the European universities, Swiss universities offer higher education at an affordable tuition fee. In Switzerland, public universities charge less than private institutions of higher education. The average Tuition fees for a bachelor’s course and master’s programme in Switzerland for international students are CHF 18,500 to CHF 24,000 and CHF 3,000 to CHF 13,000, respectively.
Pursuing higher education in Switzerland can be high, and it may affect your cost of living in Switzerland and budget. The average Tuition Fee of some of the premium universities in Switzerland is tabulated below:
| University | Type of University | Average Tuition Fee |
| ETH Zurich | Public | CHF 1200 |
| University of Basel | Public | CHF 1,900 |
| University of Lausanne | Public | CHF 950 |
| University of Geneva | Private | CHF 830 |
| University of Bern | Public | CHF 1560 |
| University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland | Public | CHF 1160 |
Why Choose Switzerland to Study Abroad?
Apart from the high cost of living in Switzerland, it is a popular destination for international students looking to study in Switzerland for several reasons. Here are some key factors that make Switzerland an attractive choice for studying:
- High-Quality Education: Switzerland is renowned for its excellent education system and high academic standards. The country is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities and research institutions such as the University of Zurich, the University of Geneva, the University of Fribourg, ETH Zurich, the University of Bern, and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.
- Multilingual Environment: Switzerland is a multilingual country, with four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. This diversity provides an enriching linguistic and cultural environment for international students.
- Research and Innovation: The country invests heavily in scientific research and is known for its cutting-edge technologies and breakthrough discoveries. As a student in Switzerland, one can benefit from the country’s advanced research facilities and collaborate with leading researchers in her/their/his field of study.
- Internship and Job Opportunities: Switzerland is known for its strong economy and offers ample internship and job opportunities, especially in sectors such as banking and finance, pharmaceuticals, hospitality, and technology.
- Central Location in Europe: Switzerland’s central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for exploring the continent. With excellent transportation connections, overseas students can easily travel to neighbouring countries and experience different cultures, languages, and historical sites during their study breaks or weekends.
Things to Consider When Moving to Switzerland
If any overseas student is planning to study in Switzerland, she/they/he must research the average cost of living in Switzerland and living conditions in the country. She/they/he is advised to seek consultation from official sources or expatriate communities to acquire accurate and latest information about basic amenities in the country. One must consider the following factors when moving to Switzerland:
- Visa and Residence Permits
- Cost of Studying
- Cost of Living
- Employment Opportunities
- Housing/Accommodation
- Linguistic Diversity
- Healthcare Facilities
- Social Fabric
- Culture and Lifestyle
- Banking and Taxes
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FAQs on Cost of Living in Switzerland
Answer: For international students, the average cost of living in Switzerland is approximately CHF 1,477 per month, excluding rent. This amount covers essential expenses such as utility bills, food, and public transportation.
Answer: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around CHF 1,701/month, whereas, the one-room apartment rent outside the city is around CHF 1,362.
Answer: This European nation is expensive, owing to the high standard of living and handsome salaries in the country. Some of the costliest cities in Switzerland are Bern, Zurich, and Geneva. The average cost of living in Switzerland is approximately CHF 1,477 per month for a single person, excluding rent.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Switzerland. To explore study abroad opportunities and calculate the cost of living abroad, stay in tune with Leverage Edu and Leverage Live. To plan your foreign studies journey, feel free to contact us at 1800 572 000.
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