Cost of living in Zurich, Switzerland

Summary of cost of living in Zurich

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: CHF 6,802
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: CHF 4,034
  • Zurich is the most expensive city in Switzerl. (1 out of 4)
  • Zurich is the 2nd most expensive city in Western Europe (2 out of 51)
  • Zurich is the 2nd most expensive city in the World (2 out of 142)
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List of prices in Zurich
Current as of Jul 2025.

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Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district CHF 25
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) CHF 16
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast CHF 12
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk CHF 1.84
12 eggs, large CHF 8
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes CHF 4.06
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese CHF 9
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples CHF 3.30
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes CHF 2.49
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket CHF 1.95
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality CHF 14
2 liters of coca-cola CHF 3.05
Bread for 2 people for 1 day CHF 1.82
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area CHF 3,773
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area CHF 2,282
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat CHF 177
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area CHF 2,376
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area CHF 1,457
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio CHF 104
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) CHF 34
40” flat screen tv CHF 327
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) CHF 76
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) CHF 12
Hourly rate for cleaning help CHF 30
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) CHF 104
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) CHF 50
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) CHF 89
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes CHF 132
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new CHF 26,830
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas CHF 1.80
Monthly ticket public transport CHF 91
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) CHF 54
Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) CHF 15
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) CHF 21
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) CHF 115
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) CHF 5.38
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) CHF 4.24
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) CHF 4.67
4 rolls of toilet paper CHF 3.69
Tube of toothpaste CHF 3.55
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city CHF 54
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub CHF 57
2 tickets to the movies CHF 32
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) CHF 185
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert CHF 93
1 cocktail drink in downtown club CHF 16
Cappuccino in expat area of the city CHF 5.70
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) CHF 8
Ipad wi-fi 128gb CHF 541
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) CHF 0.49
1 month of gym membership in business district CHF 60
1 package of marlboro cigarettes CHF 9
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 331 prices entered by 56 different people.
Latest price update: July 16, 2025

Moving to Zurich with your children?

International Schools in Zurich

Did you know that ...

Zurich position in our World Ranking

the world
2nd
out of 142
western europe
2nd
out of 51
switzerl.
1st
out of 4

Cheapest and most expensive products in Zurich compared to other cities:

the world
1st
the world
1st
the world
3rd
the world
3rd
the world
3rd
the world
4th

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International Cost of Living Index

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Prices recently added

  • Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district in Oakland, California costs $24 (about 6 hours ago)
  • 1 pack of marlboro cigarettes in Bucharest costs 8 lei (about 6 hours ago)
  • 2 tickets to the movies in Manchester costs £22 (about 7 hours ago)
  • Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district in Barcelona, Spain costs €15 (about 7 hours ago)
  • Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district in Singapore costs SGD $20 (about 8 hours ago)
  • Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district in Melbourne costs AU$25 (about 10 hours ago)

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