Living at home: how much board should adult children pay?

1. Living with adult children in Switzerland: study results at a glance

Young adults are staying with their parents longer and longer. The representative survey by Comparis shows:

• Around a quarter of 20 to 29-year-olds live with their parents.

• More than half of those living at home can’t afford their own apartment because they are still in education or training.

• Almost one in two people pay nothing towards rent or food.

• Almost a quarter live with their parents to avoid having to participate in housework.

2. How much board can I charge adult children?

Parents should ask for board towards living costs and food. Paying board helps young adults get used to the cost of living. Board suggestions are available from Budgetberatung Schweiz (not available in English).

3. Tips for living together

1. Determine how adult children will contribute financially to the household.

2. Establish rules for living together, including housework.

3. Things will not always go smoothly. In case of conflict, try to approach each other as equals. Generally, the relationship should move towards a shared household rather than the previous parent-child paradigm.