Cost of living in Zurich (Switzerland) is 9% cheaper than in New York City (United States)
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This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 976 prices entered by 236 different people.
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Currency:
| Food | + 17% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Zurich (Switzerland) is 17% more expensive than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Zurich | New York City | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | CHF 28 ($30) | $23 | + 33% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | CHF 17 ($19) | $13 | + 48% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | CHF 14 ($16) | $7 | + 121% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | CHF 1.67 ($1.84) | $1.51 | + 22% | |
| 12 eggs, large | CHF 9 ($10) | $6 | + 55% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | CHF 3.53 ($3.90) | $6 | - 40% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | CHF 12 ($13) | $9 | + 49% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | CHF 3.82 ($4.21) | $5.07 | - 17% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | CHF 2.07 ($2.28) | $2.64 | - 14% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | CHF 1.95 ($2.15) | $4.95 | - 57% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | CHF 16 ($18) | $23 | - 23% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | CHF 3.03 ($3.34) | $3.10 | + 8% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | CHF 2.97 ($3.28) | $3.70 | - 11% | |
| Housing | - 29% | |||
| Housing in Zurich (Switzerland) is 29% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Zurich | New York City | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | CHF 3,691 ($4,071) | $5,541 | - 27% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | CHF 2,443 ($2,694) | $3,425 | - 21% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | CHF 156 ($173) | $178 | - 3% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | CHF 1,806 ($1,992) | $4,018 | - 50% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | CHF 1,157 ($1,277) | $2,364 | - 46% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | CHF 95 ($105) | $118 | - 12% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | CHF 48 ($53) | $57 | - 8% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | CHF 412 ($454) | $353 | + 29% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | CHF 115 ($127) | $140 | - 9% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | CHF 19 ($21) | $16 | + 32% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | CHF 34 ($38) | $25 | + 55% | |
| Clothes | + 42% | |||
| Clothes in Zurich (Switzerland) is 42% more expensive than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Zurich | New York City | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | CHF 134 ($148) | $73 | + 101% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | CHF 52 ($57) | $52 | + 11% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | CHF 126 ($139) | $96 | + 45% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | CHF 228 ($251) | $159 | + 58% | |
| Transportation | - 10% | |||
| Transportation in Zurich (Switzerland) is 10% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Zurich | New York City | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | CHF 28,403 ($31,328) | $28,495 | + 10% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | CHF 1.84 ($2.03) | $1.08 | + 87% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | CHF 85 ($94) | $130 | - 27% | |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | CHF 45 ($50) | $37 | + 35% | |
| Personal Care | + 18% | |||
| Personal Care in Zurich (Switzerland) is 18% more expensive than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Zurich | New York City | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | CHF 15 ($17) | $8 | + 101% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | CHF 24 ($26) | $20 | + 34% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | CHF 135 ($149) | $109 | + 36% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | CHF 7 ($8) | $10 | - 21% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | CHF 4.58 ($5.05) | $5.04 | + 0% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | CHF 5.61 ($6) | $8 | - 21% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | CHF 3.75 ($4.14) | $8 | - 47% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | CHF 3.16 ($3.48) | $2.30 | + 51% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | CHF 60 ($66) | $35 | + 87% | |
| Entertainment | - 1% | |||
| Entertainment in Zurich (Switzerland) is about the same as in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Zurich | New York City | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | CHF 63 ($69) | $74 | - 6% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | CHF 35 ($39) | $36 | + 8% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | CHF 166 ($184) | $264 | - 30% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | CHF 114 ($125) | $142 | - 12% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | CHF 18 ($19) | $19 | + 2% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | CHF 6 ($7) | $6 | + 10% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | CHF 7 ($8) | $9 | - 20% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | CHF 516 ($569) | $580 | - 2% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | CHF 0.41 ($0.45) | $0.18 | + 147% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | CHF 78 ($85) | $132 | - 35% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | CHF 11 ($12) | $15 | - 25% | |
 |
TOTAL | - 9% | ||
This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 976 prices entered by 236 different people.
These prices were last updated on September 23, 2023.
Exchange rate:
1.103
USD
/
CHF
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For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require $15,000 in New York City you would need to make just about $13,676 (CHF 12,399) in Zurich.
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