Cost of living in Zurich, Switzerland

Summary of cost of living in Zurich

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: CHF 7,659
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: CHF 4,609
  • Zurich is the most expensive city in Switzerl. (1 out of 5)
  • Zurich is the most expensive city in Western Europe (1 out of 76)
  • Zurich is the 3rd most expensive city in the World (3 out of 212)
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List of prices in Zurich
Current as of Oct 2023.

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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 14
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk CHF 1.67
12 eggs, large CHF 9
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes CHF 3.53
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese CHF 12
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples CHF 3.82
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes CHF 2.07
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket CHF 2.12
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality CHF 13
2 liters of coca-cola CHF 3.03
Bread for 2 people for 1 day CHF 2.97
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area CHF 4,113
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area CHF 2,952
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat CHF 156
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area CHF 1,927
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area CHF 1,626
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio CHF 95
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) CHF 55
40” flat screen tv CHF 412
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) CHF 115
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) CHF 19
Hourly rate for cleaning help CHF 34
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) CHF 124
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) CHF 68
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) CHF 125
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes CHF 200
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new CHF 34,001
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas CHF 1.84
Monthly ticket public transport CHF 86
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) CHF 46
Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) CHF 15
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) CHF 24
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) CHF 135
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) CHF 7
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) CHF 4.58
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) CHF 5.61
4 rolls of toilet paper CHF 3.75
Tube of toothpaste CHF 3.16
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city CHF 60
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub CHF 63
2 tickets to the movies CHF 38
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) CHF 166
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 5.72
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) CHF 7
Ipad wi-fi 128gb CHF 516
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) CHF 0.41
1 month of gym membership in business district CHF 91
1 package of marlboro cigarettes CHF 10
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 249 prices entered by 63 different people.
Latest price update: October 01, 2023

Moving to Zurich with your children?

International Schools in Zurich

Zurich position in our World Ranking

the world
3rd
out of 212
western europe
1st
out of 76
switzerl.
1st
out of 5

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Summer dress in a High Street Store (Zara, H&M or similar retailers)

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International Cost of Living Index

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Prices recently added

  • Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district in Santiago de Cali costs COL$70,000 (19 minutes ago)
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  • 1 pack of marlboro cigarettes in Umeå costs 66 kr (about 1 hour ago)

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