Travel budget and cost of living in Switzerland how much does a trip cost?

Are you planning to go to Switzerland and need to budget for your trip? On this page you can see sample prices. This enables you to get to grips with actual prices and the cost of living in Switzerland. Then, why not use our free tool to calculate your Switzerland travel budget.

Travel budget in Switzerland

Switzerland: calculate your travel budget

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Flight: departure/arrival

Switzerland: sample budgets by traveller type

These example budgets assume a 2-week holiday in Switzerland for 2 people.

Low budget
(backpacker)

Daily budget:

$ 103 for 2 ppl.
$ 26 per person
$ 16 per person
Free activities

Total budget:

$ 2575* (2310 CHF)

Average budget
(traveller)

Daily budget:

$ 155 for 2 ppl.
$ 63 per person
$ 38 per person
$ 21 per person

Total budget:

$ 5533* (4970 CHF)

High budget
(tourist)

Daily budget:

$ 205 for 2 ppl.
$ 109 per person
$ 78 per person
$ 41 per person

Total budget:

$ 9226* (8274 CHF)

* Estimated local budget for 2 people for 2 weeks. This represents an average across the country (budget may vary depending on the city or region visited).

Cost of living in Switzerland in 2020

Cost of living: Switzerland VS United States

Compare with the average cost of living in:

On average, the cost of living in Switzerland in 2020 is essentially the same as in the United States (USA)

The graphic below shows the percentage of variation between prices United States in in the United States (USA) and United States by types of expenses:

Explore each type of expense in detail:

Restaurant Hotel

Food Transport

Housing Leisure activities

Shopping Plane ticket

Cost of living in Switzerland by city

See the table below for the variation in the cost of living in different cities in Switzerland compared to the national average.

Cities	/Switzerland	View Details
Zurich	6% more	Travel budget and cost of living in Zurich
Winterthur	4% more	Travel budget and cost of living in Winterthur
Buchs	4% more	Travel budget and cost of living in Buchs
Geneva	4% more	Travel budget and cost of living in Geneva
Zug	3% more	Travel budget and cost of living in Zug
Davos	1% more	Travel budget and cost of living in Davos
Rapperswil	0% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Rapperswil
Wil	0% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Wil
Lucerne	2% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Lucerne
Lausanne	2% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Lausanne
Basel	2% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Basel
Olten	3% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Olten
Frauenfeld	3% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Frauenfeld
Thun	3% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Thun
Nyon	3% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Nyon
Bern	3% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Bern
Langenthal	4% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Langenthal
Locarno	4% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Locarno
Montreux	4% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Montreux
Glarus	4% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Glarus
Vevey	5% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Vevey
Schaffhausen	5% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Schaffhausen
Interlaken	5% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Interlaken
Arbon	5% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Arbon
Lugano	5% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Lugano
Sion	5% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Sion
Fribourg	7% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Fribourg
Chur	8% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Chur
Neuchatel	8% less	Travel budget and cost of living in Neuchatel

Show all cities (21 more)

Switzerland: get the best price!

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Local prices in Switzerland by expense type

Switzerland: Restaurant budget

On average, budget for eating in a restaurant in Switzerland is 71% more expensive than in the United States (USA).

Lunch

$ 29/person
($ 21 to $ 34)

72% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 17

3 course dinner

$ 57/person
($ 40 to $ 67)

103% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 28

McDonald's meal

$ 15/person
($ 14 to $ 17)

79% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 8.1

Local beer

$ 7.8 for 500ml
($ 5.6 to $ 9)

52% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 5.1

Imported beer

$ 2.6 for 330ml
($ 1.4 to $ 4.1)

16% less than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 3.1

Cappuccino

$ 5/cup
($ 3.9 to $ 5.9)

14% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 4.5

Fizzy drink

$ 4.4/can
($ 2.7 to $ 5.6)

125% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 2

Water bottle

$ 3.8/bottle
($ 2.3 to $ 5.5)

136% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 1.6

Switzerland: Hotel and accommodation budget

On average, hotel and accommodation budget in Switzerland is 20% more expensive than in the United States (USA).

1-star hotel

$ 109/night
($ 96 to $ 126)

2% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 108

2-star hotel

$ 134/night
($ 104 to $ 175)

8% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 125

3-star hotel

$ 176/night
($ 141 to $ 222)

2% less than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 181

4-star hotel

$ 234/night
($ 183 to $ 320)

10% less than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 262

5-star hotel

$ 496/night
($ 355 to $ 722)

2% less than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 508

Hotel/Youth Hostel

$ 124/month
($ 104 to $ 151)

7% less than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 133

Room with kitchen

$ 260/month
($ 163 to $ 462)

53% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 170

Hotel with swimming pool

$ 272/month
($ 155 to $ 498)

63% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 168

Cottage or guest house

$ 163/month
($ 109 to $ 280)

27% less than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 224

Family room

$ 397/month
($ 265 to $ 634)

126% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 176

Switzerland: Supermarket food budget

On average, the price of supermarket food in Switzerland is 68% more expensive than in the United States (USA).

Milk

$ 1.8/litre
($ 1.3 to $ 2.2)

102% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 0.9

Bread

$ 3.1/500g
($ 1.9 to $ 4.4)

10% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 2.8

Rice

$ 3.1/kg
($ 2.3 to $ 5)

24% less than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 4.2

Eggs

$ 6/12 eggs
($ 4.1 to $ 9)

142% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 2.5

Cheese

$ 27/kg
($ 17 to $ 40)

123% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 12

Chicken

$ 28/kg
($ 17 to $ 40)

199% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 9.2

Apples

$ 4.4/kg
($ 3.3 to $ 5.6)

9% less than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 4.9

Oranges

$ 4.1/kg
($ 2.3 to $ 5.6)

5% less than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 4.3

Tomatoes

$ 4.5/kg
($ 3.3 to $ 5.6)

4% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 4.4

Potatoes

$ 3.1/kg
($ 2.3 to $ 4.4)

10% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 2.8

Salad

$ 2.5/salad
($ 1.7 to $ 3.9)

51% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 1.7

Water bottle

$ 1
($ 0.2 to $ 2.3)

51% less than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 1.9

Joint of beef

$ 55/kg
($ 32 to $ 79)

338% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 13

Switzerland: Public and private transport budget

On average, the price of transport in Switzerland is 89% more expensive than in the United States (USA).

Bus ticket

$ 3.8/ticket
($ 3.1 to $ 4.9)

56% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 2.4

Bus pass

$ 89/month
($ 73 to $ 101)

16% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 77

Taxi (per km)

$ 4.4/km
($ 3.3 to $ 5.6)

139% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 1.9

Petrol

$ 1.8/litre
($ 1.7 to $ 1.9)

134% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 0.8

Taxi (initial pick-up charge)

$ 7.5
($ 6.7 to $ 9)

100% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 3.8

Car hire

$ 75/24hrs
($ 29 to $ 174)

88% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 40

Switzerland: Budget for living and housing

On average, the cost of housing in Switzerland is 56% more expensive than in the United States (USA).

Electricity, water...

$ 205/month
($ 113 to $ 335)

24% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 165

Mobile phone

$ 0.2/min.
($ 0.1 to $ 0.6)

100% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 0.1

Broadband internet

$ 65/month
($ 46 to $ 90)

7% less than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 70

Studio flat (city centre)

$ 1615/month
($ 1004 to $ 2231)

15% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 1408

Studio flat (suburbs)

$ 1263/month
($ 837 to $ 1784)

13% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 1124

Flat (centre)

$ 2994/month
($ 2008 to $ 4461)

32% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 2272

Flat (suburbs)

$ 2360/month
($ 1673 to $ 3346)

33% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 1782

Gym

$ 91/month
($ 57 to $ 134)

130% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 40

Private nursery

$ 2482/month
($ 1395 to $ 3123)

153% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 981

Private primary school

$ 29503/yr
($ 20069 to $ 39021)

70% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 17402

Switzerland: Leisure activity budget

On average, budget for leisure activities in Switzerland is 90% more expensive than in the United States (USA).

Cinema

$ 21/ticket
($ 18 to $ 23)

55% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 13

Tennis

$ 38/hr
($ 23 to $ 57)

126% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 17

Switzerland: Budget for clothes and price of cigarettes

On average, shopping budget in Switzerland is 69% more expensive than in the United States (USA).

Cigarettes

$ 9.4/pack
($ 9 to $ 9.9)

17% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 8.1

Levi's jeans

$ 119
($ 79 to $ 157)

153% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 47

Summer dress

$ 55
($ 34 to $ 90)

44% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 39

Trainers

$ 126
($ 90 to $ 168)

56% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 81

Leather shoes

$ 177
($ 113 to $ 268)

74% more than in the United States (USA)

Average price in the United States (USA): $ 102

Plane ticket budget

Los Angeles → Zurich

$ 1033
(fair price: $ 758)

New York City → Geneva

$ 968
(fair price: $ 668)

New York City → Zurich

$ 776
(fair price: $ 547)

Toronto (Ontario) → Zurich

$ 829
(fair price: $ 737)

Los Angeles → Geneva

$ 839
(fair price: $ 692)

Edinburgh → Geneva

$ 220
(fair price: $ 177)

Dublin → Geneva

$ 208
(fair price: $ 163)

Sydney → Zurich

$ 1250
(fair price: $ 1060)

Toronto (Ontario) → Geneva

$ 843
(fair price: $ 752)

Montreal → Geneva

$ 931
(fair price: $ 802)

Melbourne → Zurich

$ 1254
(fair price: $ 1081)

Dublin → Zurich

$ 249
(fair price: $ 186)

Manchester → Geneva

$ 224
(fair price: $ 170)

Edinburgh → Zurich

$ 304
(fair price: $ 249)

Montreal → Zurich

$ 986
(fair price: $ 855)

Sydney → Geneva

$ 1348
(fair price: $ 1170)

Perth → Zurich

$ 1171
(fair price: $ 1014)

Auckland → Zurich

$ 1372
(fair price: $ 1142)

Melbourne → Geneva

$ 1426
(fair price: $ 1232)

Manchester → Zurich

$ 253
(fair price: $ 206)

London → Geneva

$ 231
(fair price: $ 152)

Perth → Geneva

$ 1499
(fair price: $ 1277)

London → Zurich

$ 205
(fair price: $ 181)

Auckland → Geneva

$ 1504
(fair price: $ 1269)

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About the information on the cost of living in Switzerland

The information about the cost of living in Switzerland shown on this page comes from multiple sources, including : Numbeo, Easyvoyage and Hotels.com.

Information about cost of living in Switzerland updated on 25-01-2020.

Travel budget and cost of living in Switzerland how much does a trip cost?

Travel budget in Switzerland

Switzerland: calculate your travel budget

Switzerland: sample budgets by traveller type

Low budget
(backpacker)

Average budget
(traveller)

High budget
(tourist)

Cost of living in Switzerland in 2020

Cost of living: Switzerland VS United States

Explore each type of expense in detail:

Cost of living in Switzerland by city

Switzerland: get the best price!

Find a flight to Switzerland:

Local prices in Switzerland by expense type

Switzerland: Restaurant budget

Switzerland: Hotel and accommodation budget

Switzerland: Supermarket food budget

Switzerland: Public and private transport budget

Switzerland: Budget for living and housing

Switzerland: Leisure activity budget

Switzerland: Budget for clothes and price of cigarettes

Plane ticket budget

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About the information on the cost of living in Switzerland

Budget and cost of living nearby

Franche-Comté
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Rhône-Alpes
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Burgundy
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Champagne
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Provence/Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
Travel budget and cost of living

Luxembourg
Travel budget and cost of living

Auvergne
Travel budget and cost of living

Île-de-France (Parisian region)
Travel budget and cost of living

Travel budget and cost of living in Switzerland how much does a trip cost?

Travel budget in Switzerland

Switzerland: calculate your travel budget

Switzerland: sample budgets by traveller type

Low budget (backpacker)

Average budget (traveller)

High budget (tourist)

Cost of living in Switzerland in 2020

Cost of living: Switzerland VS United States

Explore each type of expense in detail:

Cost of living in Switzerland by city

Switzerland: get the best price!

Find a flight to Switzerland:

Local prices in Switzerland by expense type

Switzerland: Restaurant budget

Switzerland: Hotel and accommodation budget

Switzerland: Supermarket food budget

Switzerland: Public and private transport budget

Switzerland: Budget for living and housing

Switzerland: Leisure activity budget

Switzerland: Budget for clothes and price of cigarettes

Plane ticket budget

Recommended for you:

About the information on the cost of living in Switzerland

Budget and cost of living nearby

Low budget
(backpacker)

Average budget
(traveller)

High budget
(tourist)