Cost of living in Zurich (Switzerland) is 20% more expensive than in Sacramento, California (United States)
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This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 458 prices entered by 77 different people.
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Currency:
| Food | + 24% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Zurich (Switzerland) is 24% more expensive than in Sacramento, California (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Zurich | Sacramento, California | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | CHF 31 ($34) | $25 | + 36% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | CHF 17 ($18) | $12 | + 56% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | CHF 10 ($10) | $7 | + 47% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | CHF 1.76 ($1.92) | $1.32 | + 46% | |
| 12 eggs, large | CHF 9 ($10) | $7 | + 43% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | CHF 4.20 ($4.58) | $4.18 | + 10% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | CHF 10 ($11) | $8 | + 42% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | CHF 3.51 ($3.83) | $4.35 | - 12% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | CHF 2.60 ($2.84) | $1.55 | + 83% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | CHF 2.16 ($2.36) | $3.25 | - 27% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | CHF 15 ($16) | $17 | - 2% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | CHF 3.01 ($3.29) | $3.04 | + 8% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | CHF 1.96 ($2.14) | $2.60 | - 18% | |
| Housing | + 21% | |||
| Housing in Zurich (Switzerland) is 21% more expensive than in Sacramento, California (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Zurich | Sacramento, California | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | CHF 3,357 ($3,662) | $2,650 | + 38% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | CHF 2,202 ($2,403) | $2,329 | + 3% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | CHF 218 ($238) | $277 | - 14% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | CHF 2,299 ($2,508) | $1,650 | + 52% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | CHF 1,527 ($1,666) | $1,608 | + 4% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | CHF 96 ($105) | $188 | - 44% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | CHF 48 ($53) | $60 | - 13% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | CHF 351 ($383) | $331 | + 16% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | CHF 84 ($92) | $150 | - 39% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | CHF 20 ($21) | $16 | + 37% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | CHF 36 ($39) | $27 | + 43% | |
| Clothes | + 55% | |||
| Clothes in Zurich (Switzerland) is 55% more expensive than in Sacramento, California (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Zurich | Sacramento, California | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | CHF 118 ($128) | $54 | + 140% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | CHF 67 ($73) | $47 | + 56% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | CHF 101 ($110) | $135 | - 19% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | CHF 167 ($182) | $137 | + 33% | |
| Transportation | + 13% | |||
| Transportation in Zurich (Switzerland) is 13% more expensive than in Sacramento, California (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Zurich | Sacramento, California | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | CHF 34,443 ($37,581) | $29,262 | + 28% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | CHF 1.87 ($2.04) | $1.22 | + 67% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | CHF 85 ($93) | $100 | - 7% | |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | CHF 54 ($59) | $25 | + 138% | |
| Personal Care | + 4% | |||
| Personal Care in Zurich (Switzerland) is 4% more expensive than in Sacramento, California (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Zurich | Sacramento, California | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | CHF 16 ($17) | $10 | + 82% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | CHF 22 ($24) | $13 | + 85% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | CHF 124 ($135) | $213 | - 37% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | CHF 5.73 ($6) | $8 | - 26% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | CHF 4.67 ($5.09) | $4.80 | + 6% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | CHF 4.93 ($5.38) | $7 | - 19% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | CHF 4.30 ($4.70) | $6 | - 27% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | CHF 3.59 ($3.91) | $2.42 | + 62% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | CHF 62 ($68) | $27 | + 156% | |
| Entertainment | + 27% | |||
| Entertainment in Zurich (Switzerland) is 27% more expensive than in Sacramento, California (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Zurich | Sacramento, California | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | CHF 62 ($68) | $63 | + 7% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | CHF 37 ($40) | $40 | + 0% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | CHF 197 ($215) | $249 | - 14% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | CHF 143 ($156) | $101 | + 54% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | CHF 18 ($19) | $13 | + 49% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | CHF 6 ($7) | $7 | - 8% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | CHF 8 ($9) | $8 | + 9% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | CHF 543 ($593) | $384 | + 54% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | CHF 0.54 ($0.59) | $0.39 | + 50% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | CHF 76 ($82) | $58 | + 43% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | CHF 9 ($10) | $11 | - 13% | |
 |
TOTAL | + 20% | ||
This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 458 prices entered by 77 different people.
These prices were last updated on January 14, 2025.
Exchange rate:
1.091
USD
/
CHF
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For example, you would need at least $8,778 (CHF 8,045) in Zurich to maintain the same standard of living that you can have with $7,300 in Sacramento, California.
Do you live in Sacramento, California? We need your help!
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