Cost of living in Switzerland

1. Higher salaries than in other European countries

According to the UN Quality of Life Index, Switzerland is one of the best places to live. This is thanks to high salaries, excellent healthcare, modern infrastructure and plenty of nature.

People living in Switzerland can expect to earn more than in other European countries. For example, on average salaries in Switzerland are about 1.8 times higher than in Germany.

2. Higher food prices in Switzerland

What you have left over from your salary at the end of the month after you move to Switzerland depends on the cost of living. You’ll notice significant price differences, e.g. when buying food.

For example, the price level index for food and beverages in Switzerland was 163.4 in 2022 (only available in German). The EU average, which has a set value of 100, was taken as the base value. This means that when you buy food and drink in Switzerland, you’ll pay around 60% more compared to other European countries.

3. Housing costs

The cost of living in Switzerland is higher than in other European countries – and this includes housing costs. The only exceptions are metropolises such as London and Paris. How much you pay for rent depends, among other factors, on your canton of residence.

You should expect to spend between 20% and 30% of your salary on rent.

Broadcasting fees in Switzerland

In Switzerland, you have to pay a radio and television fee (“Serafe”, formerly “Billag”). It costs 335 francs per year.

4. More on the cost of food in Switzerland

In some cases, food prices in Switzerland differ significantly from those in other countries – even neighbouring countries such as Germany and Austria. One example is meat, meat products and cheese. These foods can sometimes be up to four times more expensive by the kilo than in Germany, for instance.

These higher food prices are sometimes the result of the high import duties that Switzerland imposes on imported food.

5. Conclusion: higher salaries make up for higher living costs

If you move to Switzerland, you will typically earn more for the same job than in your home country. On the other hand, the cost of living in Switzerland is much higher. Rent and other living expenses, including health insurance, will likely cost much more.

Our tip: when it comes to salary negotiations at your new job in Switzerland, or the targeted turnover for your self-employment in Switzerland, you should expect to earn 1.7 or 1.8 times your previous income. This way, you should be able to live as comfortably as you did previously as a single person, couple or family, even factoring in the higher cost of living.