Cost of living in Lausanne, Switzerland

Summary of cost of living in Lausanne

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: CHF 6,486
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: CHF 3,544
  • Lausanne is the 3rd most expensive city in Western Europe (3 out of 50)
  • Cost of living in Lausanne is more expensive than in 97% of cities in the World (6 out of 148)
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List of prices in Lausanne
Current as of Apr 2025.

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Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district CHF 26
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) CHF 16
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast CHF 11
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk CHF 1.78
12 eggs, large CHF 8
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes CHF 4.64
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese CHF 11
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples CHF 4.28
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes CHF 2.55
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket CHF 3.69
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality CHF 18
2 liters of coca-cola CHF 2.41
Bread for 2 people for 1 day CHF 2.76
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area CHF 2,975
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area CHF 2,075
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat CHF 203
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area CHF 1,784
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area CHF 1,391
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio CHF 106
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) CHF 45
40” flat screen tv CHF 647
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) CHF 160
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) CHF 19
Hourly rate for cleaning help CHF 31
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) CHF 123
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) CHF 62
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) CHF 156
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes CHF 184
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new CHF 31,413
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas CHF 1.83
Monthly ticket public transport CHF 70
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) CHF 32
Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) CHF 19
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) CHF 38
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) CHF 110
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) CHF 8
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) CHF 3.96
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) CHF 6
4 rolls of toilet paper CHF 2.90
Tube of toothpaste CHF 4.13
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city CHF 46
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub CHF 92
2 tickets to the movies CHF 40
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) CHF 114
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert CHF 113
1 cocktail drink in downtown club CHF 16
Cappuccino in expat area of the city CHF 5.04
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) CHF 8
Ipad wi-fi 128gb CHF 708
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) CHF 0.36
1 month of gym membership in business district CHF 82
1 package of marlboro cigarettes CHF 9
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 51 prices entered by 10 different people.
Latest price update: April 21, 2025

Moving to Lausanne with your children?

International Schools in Lausanne

Did you know that ...

Lausanne position in our World Ranking

the world
6th
out of 148
western europe
3rd
out of 50
switzerl.
2nd
out of 4

Cheapest and most expensive products in Lausanne compared to other cities:

the world
2nd
the world
2nd
the world
2nd
the world
3rd
the world
3rd
the world
3rd

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Prices recently added

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