Cost of living in Zurich, Switzerland

Summary of cost of living in Zurich

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: CHF 6,634
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: CHF 3,760
  • Zurich is the 2nd most expensive city in Western Europe (2 out of 43)
  • Zurich is the 3rd most expensive city in the World (3 out of 162)
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List of prices in Zurich
Current as of Oct 2021.

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Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district CHF 29
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) CHF 14
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast CHF 10
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk CHF 1.49
12 eggs, large CHF 7
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes CHF 3.59
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese CHF 10
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples CHF 3.33
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes CHF 2.38
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket CHF 1.57
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality CHF 19
2 liters of coca-cola CHF 2.53
Bread for 2 people for 1 day CHF 2.27
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area CHF 3,194
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area CHF 2,248
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat CHF 158
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area CHF 2,234
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area CHF 1,292
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio CHF 132
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) CHF 38
40” flat screen tv CHF 486
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) CHF 123
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) CHF 20
Hourly rate for cleaning help CHF 31
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) CHF 121
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) CHF 66
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) CHF 130
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes CHF 188
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new CHF 26,824
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas CHF 1.58
Monthly ticket public transport CHF 101
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) CHF 41
Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) CHF 17
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) CHF 29
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) CHF 129
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) CHF 7
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) CHF 4.91
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) CHF 5.81
4 rolls of toilet paper CHF 3.89
Tube of toothpaste CHF 3.71
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city CHF 43
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub CHF 73
2 tickets to the movies CHF 34
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) CHF 262
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert CHF 100
1 cocktail drink in downtown club CHF 16
Cappuccino in expat area of the city CHF 5.05
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) CHF 7
Ipad wi-fi 128gb CHF 495
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) CHF 0.41
1 month of gym membership in business district CHF 121
1 package of marlboro cigarettes CHF 8
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 488 prices entered by 76 different people.
Latest price update: October 24, 2021

Moving to Zurich with your children?

International Schools in Zurich

Did you know that ...

Zurich position in our World Ranking

the world
3rd
out of 162
western europe
2nd
out of 43

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

the world
1st
the world
1st
the world
1st
the world
1st
the world
1st
the world
1st

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Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), with no extras, new

in Zurich?

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