Rental prices in Switzerland: how much does an apartment cost in Switzerland?

Where can I live cheaply in Switzerland? And where are flats most expensive? Find out interesting facts about apartment rentals in Switzerland.

Elena Wetli Foto
Elena Wetli

02.03.2023

A miniature house stands in front of coins.

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1.Rental prices in Switzerland: an overview of the 10 biggest cities
2.How much do apartments cost in Zurich?
3.How much do apartments cost in Geneva?
4.Where are the cheapest apartments in Switzerland?

1. Rental prices in Switzerland: an overview of the 10 biggest cities

The rental price report by Comparis (in German) shows that rental prices rose between 2018 and 2022, especially in Zurich and Winterthur. The reason for this is significant population growth. Geneva remains the most expensive of the ten biggest Swiss cities. Tenants currently pay around 3,222 francs per month for a 4.5-room apartment measuring 90 to 120 square metres. By way of comparison, in Biel, the smallest of the ten major Swiss cities, a 4.5-room apartment costs a median of 1,890 francs.

2. How much do apartments cost in Zurich?

In Zurich, rents for 4.5-room apartments have risen from 2,890 francs to 2,992 francs in the last four years. Tenants paid 2,299 francs for a 3.5-room apartment five years ago. The same apartment would cost 2,500 francs today. For 2-room apartments, rents went from 1,580 francs to 1,690 francs.

The most expensive postcodes in Switzerland are 8002 and 8001 in Zurich. In 8002 (Zurich/Enge), the median rent for a 4.5-room apartment is 4,490 francs. A 3.5-room apartment in 8001 (Zurich/City) costs 3,400 francs. The most expensive 2-room apartments are in 8032 (Zurich/Hirslanden and Hottingen), at 2,300 francs.

3. How much do apartments cost in Geneva?

For the first time in four years, rent for a 4.5-room apartment in Geneva dropped from 3,400 francs to 3,222 francs. Nevertheless, 4.5-room apartments in Geneva are the most expensive in Switzerland as a whole.

The rent for a 3.5-room apartment ranges from 2,585 francs to 2,480 francs. Five years ago, a 2-room apartment cost 1,600 francs – today the same apartment costs 1,677 francs.

4. Where are the cheapest apartments in Switzerland?

The cheapest 4.5-room apartments in Switzerland are currently found in 4717 Mümliswil, with a median price of 1,198 francs. For 3.5-room apartments, 6710 Biasca is the cheapest, with average rent of 1,000 francs. Small apartments are most affordable in 2400 Le Locle and Le Prévoux NE. The median price here is only 785 francs. 

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This article was first published on 10.12.2018

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