Renting an apartment: housing costs in Switzerland
Living in Switzerland is often expensive – especially in large cities. Comparis sheds light on housing costs in Switzerland.
18.04.2024
iStock/struvictory
1. Housing costs in Switzerland
In general, housing costs in Switzerland are expensive. However, there are regional differences. The most expensive apartments are in the major metropolitan regions, especially in the Lake Zurich and Lake Geneva areas.
This is shown in the rental price report from Comparis. There are even notable differences between major Swiss cities. In Zurich, for example, the median monthly price for a 3.5-room apartment is 2,500 francs. Meanwhile, in Biel/Bienne, tenants pay only 1,490 francs per month for a similar apartment.
Are you still looking for an affordable apartment to rent in Switzerland? The Comparis property market includes listings from various property marketplaces in Switzerland – all in one place.
According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), an apartment in Switzerland cost an average of CHF 1,393 per month in 2021 (not including ancillary costs). You can see prices by number of rooms in the table below.
| Number of rooms | Average cost in CHF | Highest average cost in CHF | Lowest average cost in CHF |
|---|---|---|---|
| All sizes | 1,393 | 1,824 (canton of Zug) | 961 (canton of Jura) |
| 1 room | 817 | 972 (canton of Zurich) | 580 (canton of Jura) |
| 2 rooms | 1,131 | 1,450 (canton of Zug) | 799 (canton of Jura) |
| 3 rooms | 1,344 | 1,714 (canton of Zug) | 926 (canton of Jura) |
| 4 rooms | 1,601 | 2,006 (canton of Zug) | 1,102 (canton of Jura) |
| 5 rooms | 1,956 | 2,495 (canton of Zug) | 1,218 (canton of Jura) |
| 6 rooms and more | 2,492 | 3,175, (canton of Basel-Stadt) |
Note: since rental prices were collected for this survey, housing costs in Switzerland have increased again in many places. In 2023, there were many rent increases due to hikes in the reference interest rate. The reference interest rate is decisive for rent adjustments in Switzerland.
At Comparis, you can check how high the prices are in your desired area.
What else you need to know about renting in Switzerland
Generally speaking, your rent should not cost more than one third of your net income. Budgetberatung Schweiz (an organization providing advice on budgeting) even recommends that your rent should not exceed one quarter of your income. This is so that you can cover your housing costs, and are also able to manage any unforeseen expenses.
In Switzerland, you usually pay your rent in advance. However, unless otherwise stipulated in your lease, the law provides for payment at the end of the month or the end of the lease (Art. 257c, Code of Obligations). According to the Tenants’ Association, the usual local payment method may also apply.
2. What does rent in Switzerland cover?
In Switzerland, your gross rent consists of net rent and ancillary costs. These ancillary costs include:
Heating
Water and waste water
Electricity in common areas
Caretaker and lift services
Radio/TV cable subscription
Waste disposal
Administrative flat rate of maximum 3%
Only costs related to the use of the rental property are considered ancillary costs. Costs such as repairs and maintenance may not be charged. In addition, the ancillary costs must be listed in the rental agreement.
Note: since 1998, billing for hot water and heating must be based on consumption in new buildings. In older buildings, landlords often allocate costs according to a distribution key. This is usually based on the size of the apartment.
3. Security deposit for rental apartments in Switzerland
When you enter into a rental agreement, you usually have to pay a deposit. This may amount to a maximum of three months’ worth of gross rent. You pay the deposit into a separate account.
Landlords can request a rental deposit as a security measure for two reasons:
To cover damage to the rental property for which the tenant is responsible.
To cover outstanding rent payments.
4. What is the notice period for rental apartments in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, there are what are known as “official moving days”. This means, there are several official termination dates per year. They vary depending on the canton or municipality. If there is nothing else in the rental agreement, you can cancel your contract on these dates.
In Switzerland, the legal notice period for leaving a rental apartment is three months. You must cancel your rental contract in writing. Everyone who entered into the rental agreement must sign the document.
It is also possible to terminate your rental agreement early. In this case, however, you must propose a new tenant.
Good to know: the three-month notice period also applies to landlords. As a tenant, you have 30 days in which to contest the termination.
5. Standard of housing in Switzerland
In Switzerland, you usually find a high standard of living. Most apartments are equipped with a kitchen. Washer and dryer are also usually available to you – but often in a communal laundry room.
This article was first published on 13.08.2009
