Cost Of Living in Lausanne 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Lausanne

Whether you're living in Lausanne or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

6,400 CHF

per month
$7,200

490 CHF   $550
$72,000   64,000 CHF

Single

4,400 CHF

per month
$5,000

1,500 CHF   $1,700
$33,000   29,000 CHF

Couple

7,300 CHF

per month
$8,300

2,400 CHF   $2,800
$44,000   39,000 CHF

Family

9,800 CHF

per month
$11,000

3,400 CHF   $3,900
$61,000   54,000 CHF

Student

3,100 CHF

per month
$3,500

1,300 CHF   $1,400
$6,400   5,700 CHF
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Lausanne is 4,400 CHF. Expenses can range from 1,500 CHF at the minimum level to 29,000 CHF at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Lausanne is 7,300 CHF. Expenditure can range from 2,400 CHF to 39,000 CHF per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Lausanne is 9,800 CHF per month. Families spend anywhere from 3,400 CHF to 54,000 CHF.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Lausanne is 3,100 CHF. Students spend from 1,300 CHF to 5,700 CHF per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Lausanne


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
0.79 CHF 0.90 CHF 1 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.89 $1 $1.2
Fast food combo meal
6.7 CHF 13 CHF 22 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.6 $15 $25
Restaurant meal for one
23 CHF 34 CHF 69 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $39 $77
Fine dining meal for one
46 CHF 69 CHF 270 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$52 $77 $310
Soda or Soft Drink
0.96 CHF 1.1 CHF 1.3 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.3 $1.5
Cappuccino or latte
5.6 CHF 9 CHF 13 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.3 $10 $15

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
4.5 CHF 5.4 CHF 6.7 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.1 $6.1 $7.6
Loaf of bread
0.81 CHF 0.92 CHF 1.1 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.91 $1 $1.2
12 eggs
3.4 CHF 4.5 CHF 6.7 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $5.1 $7.6
Fresh whole chicken
7.6 CHF 9.9 CHF 14 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.6 $11 $16
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
9 CHF 13 CHF 27 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $15 $30
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
3.6 CHF 4.9 CHF 7 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.1 $5.6 $7.9
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
1.3 CHF 1.8 CHF 3.4 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $2 $3.8
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
2.4 CHF 3.1 CHF 5.2 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $3.5 $5.8

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
5.7 CHF 6.9 CHF 14 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.4 $7.7 $15
Average car full tank
34 CHF 45 CHF 90 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$38 $51 $100
Average car 1-day rental
35 CHF 47 CHF 70 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$39 $53 $79
Average car price
17,000 CHF 34,000 CHF 45,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19,000 $38,000 $51,000
Bus ticket one way
1.2 CHF 1.7 CHF 3.5 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $2 $3.9
Car Service
47 CHF 70 CHF 140 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$53 $79 $160

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
88 CHF 260 CHF 1,800 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$99 $300 $2,000
Utility Bill - Couple
120 CHF 370 CHF 2,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140 $410 $2,200
Utility Bill - Family
100 CHF 290 CHF 1,600 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $330 $1,800
Internet and cable
34 CHF 67 CHF 90 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$38 $76 $100
Mobile phone charges
27 CHF 45 CHF 130 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30 $51 $150

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
17 CHF 22 CHF 34 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $25 $38
One month gym membership
56 CHF 70 CHF 140 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$63 $79 $160

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
41 CHF 58 CHF 87 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$46 $66 $99
Woman dress
39 CHF 54 CHF 170 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$44 $61 $200
Woman shoes
37 CHF 50 CHF 120 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$42 $56 $130
Men's shoes
32 CHF 39 CHF 78 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$36 $44 $88
Men suit
35 CHF 44 CHF 230 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$39 $49 $260
Regular t-shirt
17 CHF 23 CHF 70 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $26 $79

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
580 CHF 870 CHF 2,300 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660 $990 $2,600
1-bedroom apartment
870 CHF 1,400 CHF 3,500 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$990 $1,600 $3,900
2-bedroom apartment
1,200 CHF 1,700 CHF 4,700 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $2,000 $5,300

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
120,000 CHF 170,000 CHF 350,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $200,000 $390,000
1-bedroom apartment
140,000 CHF 230,000 CHF 870,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160,000 $260,000 $990,000
2-bedroom apartment
230,000 CHF 700,000 CHF 1.4M CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260,000 $790,000 $1.6M

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
670 CHF 840 CHF 1,100 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$760 $950 $1,300
Double Bed
450 CHF 670 CHF 840 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$510 $760 $950
Single Bed
400 CHF 520 CHF 670 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$450 $580 $760
Living Room
750 CHF 960 CHF 3,400 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$840 $1,100 $3,800
Dining Table
340 CHF 450 CHF 840 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $510 $950
Sofa or Couch
450 CHF 610 CHF 1,300 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$510 $690 $1,500

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
450 CHF 670 CHF 1,300 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$510 $760 $1,500
Fridge or Freezer
400 CHF 610 CHF 840 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$450 $690 $950
Washing Machine
520 CHF 750 CHF 1,300 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$580 $840 $1,500
Stove or Cooker
480 CHF 610 CHF 840 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$540 $690 $950
Mobile Phone
560 CHF 670 CHF 960 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$630 $760 $1,100
Laptop or Computer
610 CHF 750 CHF 1,300 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$690 $840 $1,500

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Lausanne

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

83%

73% to 93%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%6%
50% - 60%12%
60% - 70%18%
70% - 80%27%
80% - 90%15%
90% - 100%9%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Lausanne is 83% This means that on average, people spend around 83% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 18% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
75%
Spending-Income-Ratio
65%
84%

Couple
79%
Spending-Income-Ratio
69%
89%

Family
87%
Spending-Income-Ratio
76%
98%

How do people spend their money in Lausanne?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure27%

27% of total expenses on average (16% to 35%)

LOW$170   150 CHF
AVERAGE$2,200   1,900 CHF
HIGH$22,000   19,000 CHF
Per Month

People living in Lausanne typically spend from 16% to 35% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 27% being the average. The average spend on housing is 1,900 CHF with expenditure ranging from 150 CHF to 19,000 CHF. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$28   24 CHF
AVERAGE$360   320 CHF
HIGH$3,600   3,200 CHF
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Lausanne ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 320 CHF with 24 CHF and 3,200 CHF being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$55   49 CHF
AVERAGE$720   640 CHF
HIGH$7,200   6,400 CHF
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 49 CHF to 6,400 CHF on commuting with 640 CHF being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 9% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 13%.

Food and Groceries Cost26%

26% of total expenses on average (18% to 32%)

LOW$140   120 CHF
AVERAGE$1,800   1,600 CHF
HIGH$18,000   16,000 CHF
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Lausanne is 1,600 CHF. The cost of groceries can range between 120 CHF to 16,000 CHF. People spend on average about 26% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 18% and 32% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services8%

8% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$39   34 CHF
AVERAGE$500   450 CHF
HIGH$5,000   4,500 CHF
Per Month

People in Lausanne allocate 3% to 11% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 8%. The range of medical expenses range from 34 CHF to 4,500 CHF with 450 CHF being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$22   20 CHF
AVERAGE$290   250 CHF
HIGH$2,900   2,500 CHF
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 20 CHF to 2,500 CHF with 250 CHF being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$33   29 CHF
AVERAGE$430   380 CHF
HIGH$4,300   3,800 CHF
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 380 CHF per month with 29 CHF being the minimum spent amount and 3,800 CHF being the maximum.

Other Expenses12%

12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$72   64 CHF
AVERAGE$930   830 CHF
HIGH$9,300   8,300 CHF
Per Month

How much money can you save in Lausanne every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Lausanne manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
78%
Not Saving
22%

Almost 78% of the surveyed people in Lausanne said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 22% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Lausanne

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles78%22%
Couples73%28%
Families67%33%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

16% 26% of income 36%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

210 CHF
$240
2,700 CHF
$3,100
27,000 CHF
$31,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 16% to 36% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 26% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 2,700 CHF on average with savings ranging from 210 CHF to 27,000 CHF.

78% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 73% of couples said the same. 67% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Lausanne?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

19% 30% of income 38%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

630 CHF
$710
1,900 CHF
$2,100
13,000 CHF
$14,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%28%
10% - 20%22%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%17%
40% - 50%13%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 19% to 38% of their monthly income to savings, with 30% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 1,900 CHF with 630 CHF and 13,000 CHF being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

17% 28% of income 37%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,000 CHF
$1,200
3,100 CHF
$3,500
17,000 CHF
$19,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%32%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%12%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 17% to 37% of their monthly income, with 28% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 3,100 CHF with 1,000 CHF and 17,000 CHF being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

15% 24% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,500 CHF
$1,700
4,200 CHF
$4,700
23,000 CHF
$26,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%35%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%9%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Lausanne can save anywhere between 15% to 33% of their monthly income, with 24% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 4,200 CHF with 1,500 CHF and 23,000 CHF being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Lausanne

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Lausanne?


Yes
88%
No
12%

Around 88% of surveyed residents think that living in Lausanne is affordable with proper budgeting while 12% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Lausanne

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options67%

Few low-cost options33%


Based on the survey, 67% of the people living in Lausanne have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 33% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Lausanne whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes88%

No12%


Based on the survey, 12% of the people living in Lausanne said that they don't have an emergency fund while 88% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Switzerland

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy80%


We asked residents of Switzerland whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 20% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 80% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Switzerland have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 10% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 90% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance10%

Easily manages finances90%

Financial goals of people in Lausanne

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Lausanne, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund6%
Debt Reduction32%
Retirement Savings7%
Education Funding9%
Homeownership16%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle11%
Healthcare Expenses8%
Financial Independence9%

Around 6% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 32% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 7% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 9% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 16% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 11% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 8% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Lausanne

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Lausanne. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income7%
High Expenses10%
Debt and Loans19%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending9%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later17%
Inflation10%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 7% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 10% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 19% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 9% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 17% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 10% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Lausanne

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds10%
Gold10%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts12%
Cash Savings15%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds7%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Lausanne

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Lausanne and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Switzerland is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Lausanne:
AgeAmount
2518,000 CHF
3036,000 CHF
3564,000 CHF
4091,000 CHF
45140,000 CHF
50190,000 CHF
55230,000 CHF
60280,000 CHF
65340,000 CHF

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Lausanne about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions14%
Savings21%
Investments14%
Social Security9%
Annuities9%
Part-time Job9%
Real Estate16%
Dividends and Interest9%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Lausanne

1,000 CHF
$1,200
3,100 CHF
$3,600
21,000 CHF
$24,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Lausanne


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
21%
Debt Free
79%

According to the survey, 21% of the people in Lausanne have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 79% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Lausanne

Debt to income ratio

26%

16% to 36%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 26% of the people's monthly income in Lausanne goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%11%
40% - 50%11%
30% - 40%13%
20% - 30%16%
10% - 20%19%
0% - 10%28%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Lausanne pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 11% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 11% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 13% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 16% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Lausanne

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage14%
Auto Loan23%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card24%
Personal Loan36%

14% of debtors in Lausanne confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 24% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 23% of people and personal loans rose at 36%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Lausanne.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Lausanne

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Lausanne how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never56%
Once a year22%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Lausanne

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Lausanne

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
580 CHF 870 CHF 2,300 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660 $990 $2,600
1-bedroom apartment
870 CHF 1,400 CHF 3,500 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$990 $1,600 $3,900
2-bedroom apartment
1,200 CHF 1,700 CHF 4,700 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $2,000 $5,300
3-bedroom apartment
1,400 CHF 2,300 CHF 6,400 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $2,600 $7,200
Furnished apartment
2,800 CHF 7,000 CHF 14,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,200 $7,900 $16,000
Townhouse
2,300 CHF 3,500 CHF 10,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,600 $3,900 $11,000
House
2,800 CHF 7,000 CHF 14,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,200 $7,900 $16,000
Villa
3,500 CHF 8,700 CHF 14,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,900 $9,900 $16,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Lausanne ranges between 580 CHF and 2,300 CHF, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 870 CHF to 3,500 CHF. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,200 CHF and 4,700 CHF per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,400 CHF to 6,400 CHF. The average rent of a townhouse in Lausanne is around 3,500 CHF while house rental costs can be as high as 7,000 CHF per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 3,500 CHF to 14,000 CHF per month.



Apartment and house prices in Lausanne

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
120,000 CHF 170,000 CHF 350,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $200,000 $390,000
1-bedroom apartment
140,000 CHF 230,000 CHF 870,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160,000 $260,000 $990,000
2-bedroom apartment
230,000 CHF 700,000 CHF 1.4M CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260,000 $790,000 $1.6M
3-bedroom apartment
780,000 CHF 1.2M CHF 3.5M CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$880,000 $1.3M $3.9M
Townhouse
1,000,000 CHF 2.3M CHF 8.7M CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1M $2.6M $9.9M
House
1.2M CHF 7M CHF 10M CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3M $7.9M $11M
Villa
1.4M CHF 7.8M CHF 12M CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6M $8.8M $13M

The average price of a studio apartment in Lausanne can range from 120,000 CHF to 350,000 CHF depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 140,000 CHF to 870,000 CHF. A villa can cost you 7.8M CHF on average with prices ranging from 1.4M CHF to 12M CHF.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Lausanne will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


52 x155 monthly income 238
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Lausanne can be x155 to x238 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x155 multiples of the average monthly salary in Lausanne.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


26% 36% of income 47%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Lausanne is around 36%. This means that people pay 36% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 26% to 47% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
34%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.5%
AVERAGE
3.5%
TO
4.5%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


9.8 CHF 130 CHF 1,300 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Lausanne

Housing33%

33% of total expenses on average (21% to 45%)

LOW$600   530 CHF
AVERAGE$1,800   1,600 CHF
HIGH$12,000   11,000 CHF
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)

LOW$99   88 CHF
AVERAGE$300   260 CHF
HIGH$2,000   1,800 CHF
Per Month

Transport, Fuel7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$130   120 CHF
AVERAGE$400   350 CHF
HIGH$2,700   2,300 CHF
Per Month

Food and Groceries17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 22%)

LOW$270   230 CHF
AVERAGE$800   700 CHF
HIGH$5,300   4,700 CHF
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 14%)

LOW$150   130 CHF
AVERAGE$450   400 CHF
HIGH$3,000   2,600 CHF
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$83   73 CHF
AVERAGE$250   220 CHF
HIGH$1,700   1,500 CHF
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$33   29 CHF
AVERAGE$99   88 CHF
HIGH$660   590 CHF
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$300   260 CHF
AVERAGE$890   790 CHF
HIGH$6,000   5,300 CHF
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Lausanne

Housing30%

30% of total expenses on average (23% to 40%)

LOW$910   810 CHF
AVERAGE$2,700   2,400 CHF
HIGH$15,000   13,000 CHF
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$140   120 CHF
AVERAGE$410   370 CHF
HIGH$2,200   2,000 CHF
Per Month

Transport, Fuel11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 16%)

LOW$330   290 CHF
AVERAGE$990   880 CHF
HIGH$5,300   4,700 CHF
Per Month

Food and Groceries15%

15% of total expenses on average (10% to 20%)

LOW$390   340 CHF
AVERAGE$1,200   1,000 CHF
HIGH$6,200   5,500 CHF
Per Month

Healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$300   270 CHF
AVERAGE$910   810 CHF
HIGH$4,900   4,300 CHF
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$170   150 CHF
AVERAGE$500   440 CHF
HIGH$2,700   2,300 CHF
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$55   49 CHF
AVERAGE$170   150 CHF
HIGH$880   780 CHF
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$470   420 CHF
AVERAGE$1,400   1,200 CHF
HIGH$7,500   6,700 CHF
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Lausanne

Housing29%

29% of total expenses on average (24% to 39%)

LOW$1,200   1,100 CHF
AVERAGE$3,500   3,100 CHF
HIGH$19,000   17,000 CHF
Per Month

Transport, Fuel7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 9%)

LOW$310   270 CHF
AVERAGE$880   780 CHF
HIGH$4,900   4,300 CHF
Per Month

Food and Groceries19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 25%)

LOW$700   620 CHF
AVERAGE$2,000   1,800 CHF
HIGH$11,000   9,700 CHF
Per Month

Healthcare9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW$310   270 CHF
AVERAGE$880   780 CHF
HIGH$4,900   4,300 CHF
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$190   170 CHF
AVERAGE$550   490 CHF
HIGH$3,000   2,700 CHF
Per Month

Education14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$540   480 CHF
AVERAGE$1,500   1,400 CHF
HIGH$8,500   7,500 CHF
Per Month

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$460   410 CHF
AVERAGE$1,300   1,200 CHF
HIGH$7,300   6,500 CHF
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Lausanne

Housing21%

21% of total expenses on average (16% to 27%)

LOW$340   300 CHF
AVERAGE$850   750 CHF
HIGH$1,500   1,400 CHF
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$57   50 CHF
AVERAGE$140   130 CHF
HIGH$260   230 CHF
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)

LOW$99   88 CHF
AVERAGE$250   220 CHF
HIGH$450   400 CHF
Per Month

Food and Groceries21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 25%)

LOW$280   250 CHF
AVERAGE$710   630 CHF
HIGH$1,300   1,100 CHF
Per Month

Healthcare7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$85   75 CHF
AVERAGE$210   190 CHF
HIGH$380   340 CHF
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$71   63 CHF
AVERAGE$180   160 CHF
HIGH$320   280 CHF
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$270   240 CHF
AVERAGE$670   600 CHF
HIGH$1,200   1,100 CHF
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$210   190 CHF
AVERAGE$530   470 CHF
HIGH$960   850 CHF
Per Month
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