Cost Of Living For a Single Person in Zurich 2025

Single person cost of living chart - individual average monthly expenditure in Zurich

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: CHF
840 5,900 65,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$950 $6,600 $74,000

Average monthly spending for a single person or individual in Zurich

How much money does an individual need in a month to survive in Zurich?

A single person in Zurich spends around 5,900 CHF per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a single individual can survive with a monthly budget as low as 840 CHF or as high as 65,000 CHF. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Zurich

Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Zurich

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

7.9 CHF 16 CHF 26 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.9 $18 $30

Restaurant meal for one

28 CHF 41 CHF 83 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31 $47 $93

Fine dining meal for one

53 CHF 79 CHF 320 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$60 $89 $360

Cappuccino or latte

6.8 CHF 11 CHF 16 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.7 $12 $18

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

5.5 CHF 6.6 CHF 8.3 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.2 $7.5 $9.3

12 eggs

3.9 CHF 5.2 CHF 7.9 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $5.9 $8.9

Fresh whole chicken

9.4 CHF 12 CHF 17 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $14 $20

Pack of beef

11 CHF 17 CHF 34 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $19 $39

Medium bag of rice

4.2 CHF 5.7 CHF 8.1 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.7 $6.4 $9.1

Bag of tomatos

1.6 CHF 2.1 CHF 4 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $2.4 $4.5

Bag of apples

2.9 CHF 3.8 CHF 6.2 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $4.3 $7
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Zurich

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

6.9 CHF 8.3 CHF 17 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.8 $9.4 $19

Average car full tank

40 CHF 53 CHF 110 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$45 $60 $120

Average car 1-day rental

37 CHF 49 CHF 74 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$42 $56 $84

Average car price

19,000 CHF 38,000 CHF 51,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21,000 $43,000 $57,000

Bus ticket one way

1.3 CHF 1.9 CHF 3.8 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $2.1 $4.3

Car Service

52 CHF 77 CHF 150 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$58 $87 $170
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas for a single person in Zurich

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

44 CHF 310 CHF 3,400 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$49 $350 $3,800

Internet and cable

41 CHF 83 CHF 110 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$47 $94 $120

Mobile phone charges

27 CHF 45 CHF 140 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30 $51 $150

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

18 CHF 24 CHF 35 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $27 $40

One month gym membership

65 CHF 81 CHF 160 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$73 $91 $180
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Zurich

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

49 CHF 69 CHF 100 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$55 $78 $120

Woman dress

47 CHF 65 CHF 210 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$53 $74 $240

Woman shoes

42 CHF 57 CHF 130 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$47 $64 $150

Men's shoes

37 CHF 45 CHF 90 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$42 $51 $100

Men suit

41 CHF 52 CHF 280 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$47 $59 $310

Regular t-shirt

21 CHF 28 CHF 85 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $32 $96
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Zurich

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

760 CHF 1,100 CHF 3,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$860 $1,300 $3,400

1-bedroom apartment

1,200 CHF 1,900 CHF 4,700 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $2,100 $5,300

2-bedroom apartment

1,600 CHF 2,400 CHF 6,400 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,800 $2,700 $7,200

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

160,000 CHF 240,000 CHF 480,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180,000 $270,000 $540,000

1-bedroom apartment

200,000 CHF 330,000 CHF 1.2M CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220,000 $370,000 $1.4M

2-bedroom apartment

300,000 CHF 910,000 CHF 1.8M CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340,000 $1M $2.1M
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Zurich

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

780 CHF 980 CHF 1,300 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$880 $1,100 $1,500

Double Bed

540 CHF 800 CHF 1,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$600 $910 $1,100

Single Bed

480 CHF 630 CHF 820 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$550 $710 $930

Living Room

940 CHF 1,200 CHF 4,200 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,100 $1,400 $4,800

Dining Table

390 CHF 520 CHF 980 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440 $590 $1,100

Sofa or Couch

540 CHF 730 CHF 1,600 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$600 $820 $1,800
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Zurich

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

540 CHF 810 CHF 1,600 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$610 $910 $1,800

Fridge or Freezer

490 CHF 750 CHF 1,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$550 $850 $1,200

Washing Machine

590 CHF 850 CHF 1,500 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$670 $960 $1,700

Stove or Cooker

560 CHF 720 CHF 980 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$640 $810 $1,100

Mobile Phone

670 CHF 810 CHF 1,200 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$760 $910 $1,300

Laptop or Computer

750 CHF 920 CHF 1,700 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$850 $1,000 $1,900
Single person or Individual cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Zurich

Single person expenditure to income ratio in Zurich

Analysing the how affordable it is for an individual to live in Zurich

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. Individuals usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a single individual ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

85%

74% to 95%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Individuals in Zurich spend around 85% of their monthly income. Some individuals spend as low as 74% of their income while some as high as 95%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a single person in Zurich

How do individuals spend their money in Zurich?

We asked thousands of individuals about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


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 and accomodation expenditure for individuals

Accomodation Cost34%

34% of total expenses on average (22% to 46%)

LOW$330   300 CHF
AVERAGE$2,300   2,100 CHF
HIGH$26,000   23,000 CHF
Per Month

Individuals in Zurich typically spend from 22% to 46% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 34% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 2,100 CHF with expenditure ranging from 300 CHF to 23,000 CHF. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for individuals

Cost of utilities7%

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

LOW$49   44 CHF
AVERAGE$350   310 CHF
HIGH$3,800   3,400 CHF
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Zurich ranges from 3% to 12% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly cost of utilities is 310 CHF with 44 CHF and 3,400 CHF being the upper and lower limits for a single person.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for individuals

Cost of transport and fuel7%

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

LOW$71   63 CHF
AVERAGE$500   440 CHF
HIGH$5,500   4,900 CHF
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a single person resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a single person would expect to spend from 63 CHF to 4,900 CHF in a month on commuting with 440 CHF being the norm for most individuals. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 5% or as high as 13%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for individuals

Food and Groceries Cost17%

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

LOW$140   120 CHF
AVERAGE$970   860 CHF
HIGH$11,000   9,500 CHF
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical person in a month in Zurich is 860 CHF. The cost of groceries can range between 120 CHF to 9,500 CHF. Individuals spend on average about 17% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 11% and 22% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for individuals

Cost of healthcare10%

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

LOW$69   61 CHF
AVERAGE$480   430 CHF
HIGH$5,400   4,800 CHF
Per Month

Individuals in Zurich allocate 4% to 14% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 61 CHF to 4,800 CHF with 430 CHF being the norm for most individuals.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for individuals

Cost of leisure and shopping4%

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

LOW$43   38 CHF
AVERAGE$300   270 CHF
HIGH$3,400   3,000 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 38 CHF to 3,000 CHF with 270 CHF being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most individuals.

Education and schooling expenditure for individuals

Cost of education and schooling2%

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

LOW$17   15 CHF
AVERAGE$120   110 CHF
HIGH$1,300   1,200 CHF
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different individuals. On average, education constitutes 2% of the monthly expenditure of individuals with 1% and 4% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 110 CHF per month with 15 CHF being the minimum spent amount and 1,200 CHF being the maximum.

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$160   140 CHF
AVERAGE$1,100   1,000 CHF
HIGH$13,000   11,000 CHF
Per Month
Percentage of individuals who manage to save money from their income every month in Zurich

What percentage of individuals in Zurich are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of individuals that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
84%
Not Saving
16%

Almost 84% of surveyed individuals in Zurich said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 16% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


A single person savings to income ratio in Zurich

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.


How much money do individuals manage to add to their savings?

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.

Saving to Income Ratio

21% 34% of income 43%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

280 CHF
$320
2,500 CHF
$2,900
28,000 CHF
$32,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for individuals

Saving To Income Ratio% Individuals
0% - 10%27%
10% - 20%22%
20% - 30%15%
30% - 40%18%
40% - 50%13%
> 50%5%

Interpretation and Analysis

Individuals that are able to save money can put anywhere from 21% to 43% of their monthly income to their savings, with 34% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly amount of money that individuals can put aside is 2,500 CHF with 280 CHF and 28,000 CHF being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

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.

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money in Zurich

Saving Challenges in Zurich

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money

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


Reason% People
Low Income7%
High Expenses10%
Debt and Loans20%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending8%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later15%
Inflation10%
Social Pressure4%
Market Instability3%

Around 7% of the individuals 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. 20% 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. 8% of individuals 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. 15% 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 4% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do individuals choose to put their savings in Zurich

Typical saving choices for individuals in Zurich

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds10%
Gold9%
Savings Accounts18%
Retirement Accounts12%
Cash Savings14%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks7%
Bonds7%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit4%
Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for individuals to live in Zurich

Affordable living in Zurich

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked individuals one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Zurich?


Yes
85%
No
15%

Around 85% of surveyed individuals think that living in Zurich is affordable with proper budgeting while 15% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for individuals. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Zurich

Low-cost alternatives in Zurich

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 individuals how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options65%

Few low-cost options35%


Based on the survey, 65% of the individuals living in Zurich have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 35% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for individuals in Zurich

Financial Literacy in

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 individuals in Zurich 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 single people of have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked 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%

Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Zurich

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Zurich

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


Rent Cost in Zurich

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

760 CHF 1,100 CHF 3,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$860 $1,300 $3,400

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,200 CHF 1,900 CHF 4,700 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $2,100 $5,300

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,600 CHF 2,400 CHF 6,400 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,800 $2,700 $7,200

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

2,000 CHF 3,300 CHF 8,900 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,200 $3,700 $10,000

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

3,700 CHF 9,300 CHF 19,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,200 $11,000 $21,000

Townhouse monthly rent cost

3,100 CHF 4,600 CHF 13,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,400 $5,200 $15,000

House monthly rent cost

3,800 CHF 9,400 CHF 19,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,200 $11,000 $21,000

Villa monthly rent cost

4,600 CHF 11,000 CHF 18,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5,200 $13,000 $21,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Zurich ranges between 760 CHF and 3,000 CHF, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 1,200 CHF to 4,700 CHF. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,600 CHF and 6,400 CHF per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 2,000 CHF to 8,900 CHF. The average rent of a townhouse in Zurich is around 4,600 CHF while house rental costs can be as high as 9,400 CHF per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 4,600 CHF to 18,000 CHF per month.



Apartment and house prices in Zurich

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

160,000 CHF 240,000 CHF 480,000 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180,000 $270,000 $540,000

1-bedroom apartment price

200,000 CHF 330,000 CHF 1.2M CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220,000 $370,000 $1.4M

2-bedroom apartment price

300,000 CHF 910,000 CHF 1.8M CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340,000 $1M $2.1M

3-bedroom apartment price

1M CHF 1.6M CHF 4.7M CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2M $1.8M $5.3M

Townhouse price

1.4M CHF 3.2M CHF 12M CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5M $3.6M $14M

House price

1.6M CHF 9.8M CHF 14M CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9M $11M $16M

Villa price

2M CHF 11M CHF 16M CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2M $12M $18M

The average price of a studio apartment in Zurich can range from 160,000 CHF to 480,000 CHF depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 200,000 CHF to 1.2M CHF. A villa can cost you 11M CHF on average with prices ranging from 2M CHF to 16M CHF.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Zurich 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


68 x204 monthly income 312
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Zurich can be x204 to x312 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x204 multiples of the average monthly salary in Zurich.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


30% 42% of income 54%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Zurich is around 42%. This means that people pay 42% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 30% to 54% 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
33%

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.


13 CHF 130 CHF 1,900 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.

Financial goals and targets of single people living in Zurich

Financial goals of individuals in Zurich

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Zurich, 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 Reduction29%
Retirement Savings7%
Education Funding9%
Homeownership16%
Investing10%
Travel or Lifestyle12%
Healthcare Expenses7%
Financial Independence10%

Around 6% of individuals said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 29% 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. 10% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 12% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 7% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Emergency Funds For Individuals

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 individuals whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes85%

No15%


Based on the survey, 15% of the individuals living in Zurich said that they don't have an emergency fund while 85% said that they do.

Chart showing the percentage of individuals who are in debt in Zurich

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Zurich


Percentage of individuals who are in debt


In Debt
20%
Debt Free
80%

According to the survey, 20% of the individuals in Zurich have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 80% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Zurich

Debt-to-income ratio in Zurich

Debt to income ratio

25%

15% to 35%

( 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 25% of a single person's monthly income in Zurich goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%2%
50% - 60%9%
40% - 50%10%
30% - 40%12%
20% - 30%17%
10% - 20%21%
0% - 10%29%

According to our data, 2% of the debtors in Zurich pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 9% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 10% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 12% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 17% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Zurich

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage15%
Auto Loan25%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card23%
Personal Loan34%

15% of debtors in Zurich confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 23% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 25% of people and personal loans rose at 34%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Zurich.


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 Zurich

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked individuals 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
Never57%
Once a year21%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year3%

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Zurich

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Zurich

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

7.9 CHF 16 CHF 26 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.9 $18 $30

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Zurich is approximatly 16 CHF with meal cost ranging from 7.9 CHF to 26 CHF. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

28 CHF 41 CHF 83 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31 $47 $93

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 28 CHF and 83 CHF with 41 CHF being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Zurich.

Fine dining meal for one price

53 CHF 79 CHF 320 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$60 $89 $360

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 53 CHF to 320 CHF with the average cost being 79 CHF for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Zurich.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

6.8 CHF 11 CHF 16 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.7 $12 $18

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Zurich is around 11 CHF. Price ranges between 6.8 CHF and 16 CHF depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

5.5 CHF 6.6 CHF 8.3 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.2 $7.5 $9.3

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Zurich is 6.6 CHF. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 8.3 CHF and the minimum being 5.5 CHF depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

3.9 CHF 5.2 CHF 7.9 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $5.9 $8.9

A dozen eggs costs around 5.2 CHF on average with 3.9 CHF and 7.9 CHF being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

9.4 CHF 12 CHF 17 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $14 $20

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Zurich is between 9.4 CHF and 17 CHF depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 12 CHF.

Pack of beef price

11 CHF 17 CHF 34 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $19 $39

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 17 CHF. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

4.2 CHF 5.7 CHF 8.1 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.7 $6.4 $9.1

A bag of rice in Zurich costs around 5.7 CHF on average with prices rangeing between 4.2 CHF and 8.1 CHF depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

1.6 CHF 2.1 CHF 4 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $2.4 $4.5

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 1.6 CHF to 4 CHF. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

2.9 CHF 3.8 CHF 6.2 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $4.3 $7

A bag of apples costs 3.8 CHF on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


18% 28% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Zurich is around 28%. This means that individuals spend 28% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 35% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for individuals

Individuals' spending on grocery ranges from 120 CHF to 9,500 CHF with the location, income being the most determinite factors.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Zurich

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Zurich

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / A single person

44 CHF 310 CHF 3,400 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$49 $350 $3,800

Internet and cable cost

41 CHF 83 CHF 110 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$47 $94 $120

Mobile phone bill and charges

27 CHF 45 CHF 140 CHF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30 $51 $150

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of individuals is around 310 CHF. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 41 CHF to 110 CHF with 83 CHF being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 45 CHF but can range between 27 CHF and 140 CHF depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


1.2% 4.7% of income 9.4%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Zurich is around 4.7%. This means that people pay 4.7% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 1.2% to 9.4% depending on salary and location.

Published: August 9, 2024   Last Update: April 18, 2025



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