Cost of living in Zurich, Switzerland

Summary of cost of living in Zurich

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: CHF 6,962
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: CHF 3,869
  • Zurich is the most expensive city in Switzerl. (1 out of 4)
  • Zurich is the 2nd most expensive city in Western Europe (2 out of 53)
  • Zurich is the 3rd most expensive city in the World (3 out of 153)
What salary will you need in Zurich?
Find out with your own Salary Calculation.

List of prices in Zurich
Current as of Jan 2025.

Change the currency:
Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district CHF 31
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) CHF 17
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast CHF 10
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk CHF 1.76
12 eggs, large CHF 9
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes CHF 4.20
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese CHF 10
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples CHF 3.51
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes CHF 2.60
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket CHF 2.16
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality CHF 15
2 liters of coca-cola CHF 3.01
Bread for 2 people for 1 day CHF 1.96
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area CHF 3,357
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area CHF 2,202
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat CHF 218
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area CHF 2,299
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area CHF 1,527
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio CHF 96
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) CHF 48
40” flat screen tv CHF 351
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) CHF 84
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) CHF 20
Hourly rate for cleaning help CHF 36
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) CHF 118
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) CHF 67
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) CHF 101
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes CHF 167
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new CHF 34,443
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas CHF 1.87
Monthly ticket public transport CHF 85
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) CHF 54
Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) CHF 16
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) CHF 22
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) CHF 124
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) CHF 5.73
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) CHF 4.67
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) CHF 4.93
4 rolls of toilet paper CHF 4.30
Tube of toothpaste CHF 3.59
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city CHF 62
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub CHF 62
2 tickets to the movies CHF 37
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) CHF 197
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert CHF 143
1 cocktail drink in downtown club CHF 18
Cappuccino in expat area of the city CHF 6
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) CHF 8
Ipad wi-fi 128gb CHF 543
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) CHF 0.54
1 month of gym membership in business district CHF 76
1 package of marlboro cigarettes CHF 9
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 273 prices entered by 59 different people.
Latest price update: January 13, 2025

Moving to Zurich with your children?

International Schools in Zurich

Did you know that ...

Zurich position in our World Ranking

the world
3rd
out of 153
western europe
2nd
out of 53
switzerl.
1st
out of 4

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

the world
1st
the world
1st
the world
2nd
the world
2nd
the world
3rd
the world
3rd

Do you live in Zurich? We need your help!

What is the price of

Furnished accommodation in EXPENSIVE area

in Zurich?

CHF

Are you moving to Zurich? Do you know how much money you will need there to maintain your current standard of living?

Find out what is the real equivalent in Zurich of your current salary and improve your chances of a happy relocation.

Get a Salary Calculation for Zurich

International Cost of Living Index

loading...

Prices recently added

  • Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district in Ponta Grossa costs R$ 40 (about 2 hours ago)
  • 1 pack of marlboro cigarettes in Seoul costs ₩4,500 (about 2 hours ago)
  • Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city in Dubrovnik costs €12 (about 3 hours ago)
  • 1 pack of marlboro cigarettes in Baghdad costs 2,455 Dinar (about 3 hours ago)
  • Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district in Mendoza costs ARS $20,000 (about 4 hours ago)
  • Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) in Tijuana costs Mex$ 200 (about 5 hours ago)

Make a different comparison:

Compare cost of living between cities:
vs