Cost Of Living in Zurich 2025
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Zurich
Whether you're living in Zurich 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
Currency: CHF
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: CHF
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: CHF
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: CHF
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: CHF
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 residents of 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 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%
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Zurich is 5,900 CHF. Expenses can range from 840 CHF at the minimum level to 65,000 CHF at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Zurich is 8,700 CHF. Expenditure can range from 1,300 CHF to 80,000 CHF per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Zurich is 10,000 CHF per month. Families spend anywhere from 2,100 CHF to 100,000 CHF.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Zurich is 4,100 CHF. Students spend from 640 CHF to 46,000 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 Zurich
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one
Cappuccino or latte
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Pack of beef
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
Average car 1-day rental
Average car price
| 19,000 CHF | 38,000 CHF | 51,000 CHF |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
Utility Bill - Couple
Utility Bill - Family
Internet and cable
Mobile phone charges
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
Woman dress
Woman shoes
Men's shoes
Men suit
Regular t-shirt
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 760 CHF | 1,100 CHF | 3,000 CHF |
1-bedroom apartment
| 1,200 CHF | 1,900 CHF | 4,700 CHF |
2-bedroom apartment
| 1,600 CHF | 2,400 CHF | 6,400 CHF |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 160,000 CHF | 240,000 CHF | 480,000 CHF |
| $180,000 | $270,000 | $540,000 |
1-bedroom apartment
| 200,000 CHF | 330,000 CHF | 1.2M CHF |
2-bedroom apartment
| 300,000 CHF | 910,000 CHF | 1.8M CHF |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 780 CHF | 980 CHF | 1,300 CHF |
Double Bed
| 540 CHF | 800 CHF | 1,000 CHF |
Single Bed
Living Room
| 940 CHF | 1,200 CHF | 4,200 CHF |
Dining Table
Sofa or Couch
| 540 CHF | 730 CHF | 1,600 CHF |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 540 CHF | 810 CHF | 1,600 CHF |
Fridge or Freezer
| 490 CHF | 750 CHF | 1,000 CHF |
Washing Machine
| 590 CHF | 850 CHF | 1,500 CHF |
Stove or Cooker
Mobile Phone
| 670 CHF | 810 CHF | 1,200 CHF |
Laptop or Computer
| 750 CHF | 920 CHF | 1,700 CHF |
How do people spend their money in Zurich?
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 Expenditure28%
28% of total expenses on average (17% to 36%)
| LOW | $220 190 CHF |
| AVERAGE | $2,200 1,900 CHF |
| HIGH | $33,000 29,000 CHF |
| Per Month |
People living in Zurich typically spend from 17% to 36% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 28% being the average. The average spend on housing is 1,900 CHF with expenditure ranging from 190 CHF to 29,000 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, Water, Internet, Mobile6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $32 28 CHF |
| AVERAGE | $320 280 CHF |
| HIGH | $4,800 4,300 CHF |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Zurich ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 280 CHF with 28 CHF and 4,300 CHF being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute9%
9% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)
| LOW | $69 61 CHF |
| AVERAGE | $690 610 CHF |
| HIGH | $10,000 9,200 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 61 CHF to 9,200 CHF on commuting with 610 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 | $170 150 CHF |
| AVERAGE | $1,700 1,500 CHF |
| HIGH | $25,000 22,000 CHF |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Zurich is 1,500 CHF. The cost of groceries can range between 150 CHF to 22,000 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 | $42 37 CHF |
| AVERAGE | $420 370 CHF |
| HIGH | $6,300 5,600 CHF |
| Per Month |
People in Zurich 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 37 CHF to 5,600 CHF with 370 CHF being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $27 24 CHF |
| AVERAGE | $270 240 CHF |
| HIGH | $4,000 3,600 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 24 CHF to 3,600 CHF with 240 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 | $40 36 CHF |
| AVERAGE | $400 360 CHF |
| HIGH | $6,100 5,400 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 360 CHF per month with 36 CHF being the minimum spent amount and 5,400 CHF being the maximum.
Other Expenses11%
11% of total expenses on average (6% to 18%)
| LOW | $92 81 CHF |
| AVERAGE | $920 810 CHF |
| HIGH | $14,000 12,000 CHF |
| Per Month |
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.
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 residents 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 people 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.
Affordable living in Zurich
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Zurich?
Around 85% of surveyed residents 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.
Expenditure to Income Ratio 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.
Spending to Income Ratio
92%
80% to 100%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 7% |
| 50% - 60% | 12% |
| 60% - 70% | 19% |
| 70% - 80% | 27% |
| 80% - 90% | 14% |
| 90% - 100% | 8% |
| 100% - 110% | 5% |
| 110% - 120% | 3% |
| 120% - 130% | 2% |
| 130% - 140% | 1% |
| > 140% | 1% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Zurich is 92%
This means that on average, people spend around 92% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 19% 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
85%
Spending-Income-Ratio
74%
95%
Couple
91%
Spending-Income-Ratio
80%
100%
Family
94%
Spending-Income-Ratio
82%
110%
Saving Challenges in Zurich
Reasons that make it difficult for people 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 Income | 7% |
| High Expenses | 10% |
| Debt and Loans | 20% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 10% |
| Impulsive Spending | 8% |
| Financial Emergencies | 6% |
| Living the moment | 7% |
| Will do it later | 15% |
| Inflation | 10% |
| Social Pressure | 4% |
| Market Instability | 3% |
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. 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% 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.
Financial goals of people 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 Fund | 6% |
| Debt Reduction | 29% |
| Retirement Savings | 7% |
| Education Funding | 9% |
| Homeownership | 16% |
| Investing | 10% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 12% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 7% |
| Financial Independence | 10% |
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 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.
Typical saving choices for people in Zurich
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 10% |
| Gold | 9% |
| Savings Accounts | 18% |
| Retirement Accounts | 12% |
| Cash Savings | 14% |
| Real Estate | 10% |
| Investment | 6% |
| Stocks | 7% |
| Bonds | 7% |
| Mutual Funds | 3% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 4% |
How much money can you save in Zurich 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 Zurich manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 84% of the surveyed people in Zurich said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 16% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Zurich
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 84% | 16% |
| Couples | 82% | 18% |
| Families | 73% | 27% |
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
Average Monthly Saved Amount
290 CHF
$330 | 2,900 CHF
$3,300 | 44,000 CHF
$50,000 |
For most people, 18% to 41% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 29% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 2,900 CHF on average with savings ranging from 290 CHF to 44,000 CHF.
84% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 82% of couples said the same. 73% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Zurich?
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
Average Monthly Saved Amount
280 CHF
$320 | 2,500 CHF
$2,900 | 28,000 CHF
$32,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 27% |
| 10% - 20% | 22% |
| 20% - 30% | 15% |
| 30% - 40% | 18% |
| 40% - 50% | 13% |
| > 50% | 5% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 21% to 43% of their monthly income to savings, with 34% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 2,500 CHF with 280 CHF and 28,000 CHF being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
570 CHF
$650 | 3,700 CHF
$4,200 | 34,000 CHF
$39,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 31% |
| 10% - 20% | 24% |
| 20% - 30% | 18% |
| 30% - 40% | 13% |
| 40% - 50% | 10% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 19% to 43% of their monthly income, with 33% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 3,700 CHF with 570 CHF and 34,000 CHF being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
880 CHF
$1,000 | 4,400 CHF
$5,000 | 44,000 CHF
$50,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 34% |
| 10% - 20% | 27% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 10% |
| 40% - 50% | 7% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Zurich can save anywhere between 16% to 36% of their monthly income, with 26% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 4,400 CHF with 880 CHF and 44,000 CHF being the minimum and maximum respectively.
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 whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes85%
No15%
Based on the survey, 15% of the people living in Zurich said that they don't have an emergency fund while 85% said that they do.
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Zurich
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Zurich and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in 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:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Zurich:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 15,000 CHF |
| 30 | 31,000 CHF |
| 35 | 56,000 CHF |
| 40 | 81,000 CHF |
| 45 | 110,000 CHF |
| 50 | 160,000 CHF |
| 55 | 200,000 CHF |
| 60 | 250,000 CHF |
| 65 | 280,000 CHF |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 14% |
| Savings | 21% |
| Investments | 14% |
| Social Security | 9% |
| Annuities | 9% |
| Part-time Job | 8% |
| Real Estate | 16% |
| Dividends and Interest | 9% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Zurich 470 CHF
$530 | 4,200 CHF
$4,800 | 47,000 CHF
$53,000 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Zurich
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 20% of the people 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.
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 the people's monthly income in Zurich goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly 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 Mortgage | 15% |
| Auto Loan | 25% |
| Student Loan | 3% |
| Credit Card | 23% |
| Personal Loan | 34% |
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 managementManaging 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 residents 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 |
|---|
| Never | 57% |
| Once a year | 21% |
| Twice a year | 11% |
| Three times a year | 8% |
| Four times a year | 3% |
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
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
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
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..
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Zurich is around 28%. This means that people 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 every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 860 CHF per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 120 CHF and 9,500 CHF depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 1,100 CHF per month. That number can be get as low as 170 CHF or a high as 10,000 CHF. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 320 CHF to 16,000 CHF with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
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 |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 1,200 CHF | 1,900 CHF | 4,700 CHF |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 1,600 CHF | 2,400 CHF | 6,400 CHF |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 2,000 CHF | 3,300 CHF | 8,900 CHF |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 3,700 CHF | 9,300 CHF | 19,000 CHF |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 3,100 CHF | 4,600 CHF | 13,000 CHF |
House monthly rent cost
| 3,800 CHF | 9,400 CHF | 19,000 CHF |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 4,600 CHF | 11,000 CHF | 18,000 CHF |
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 |
| $180,000 | $270,000 | $540,000 |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 200,000 CHF | 330,000 CHF | 1.2M CHF |
2-bedroom apartment price
| 300,000 CHF | 910,000 CHF | 1.8M CHF |
3-bedroom apartment price
Townhouse price
| 1.4M CHF | 3.2M CHF | 12M CHF |
House price
| 1.6M CHF | 9.8M CHF | 14M CHF |
Villa price
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 |
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
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.
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.
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.
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 / Individual
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
Internet and cable cost
Mobile phone bill and charges
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 expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Zurich ranges between 44 CHF and 3,400 CHF with average being 310 CHF, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 330 CHF with 45 CHF and 3,700 CHF being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 430 CHF. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and 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
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.
Cost of living comparison by city
#1 Biel
The average cost of living in Biel is 3,600 CHF, which is 50% less than the country average. Biel is ranked first in Switzerland in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#2 Lugano
The average cost of living in Lugano is 3,900 CHF, which is 50% less than the country average. Lugano is ranked second in Switzerland in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#3 St. Gallen
The average cost of living in St. Gallen is 4,200 CHF, which is 33% less than the country average. St. Gallen is ranked third in Switzerland in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#4 Luzern
The average cost of living in Luzern is 4,400 CHF, which is 33% less than the country average. Luzern is ranked fourth in Switzerland in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#5 Winterthur
The average cost of living in Winterthur is 4,700 CHF, which is 33% less than the country average. Winterthur is ranked fifth in Switzerland in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#6 Bern
The average cost of living in Bern is 5,000 CHF, which is 17% less than the country average. Bern is ranked sixth in Switzerland in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#7 Lausanne
The average cost of living in Lausanne is 5,400 CHF, which is 17% less than the country average. Lausanne is ranked seventh in Switzerland in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#8 Basel
The average cost of living in Basel is 5,700 CHF, which is 17% less than the country average. Basel is ranked eighth in Switzerland in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#9 Geneve
The average cost of living in Geneve is 6,000 CHF, which is same as the country average. Geneve is ranked ninth in Switzerland in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#10 Zurich
The average cost of living in Zurich is 6,400 CHF, which is same as the country average. Zurich is ranked tenth in Switzerland in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
Published: February 27, 2024 Last Update: April 5, 2025
