Cost of Living in Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich has a cost of living index of 94/100 (New York = 100). It is 6% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

94/100
Cost Index
$7,600/mo
Median Income
92/100
Safety Index
temperate oceanic
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 92/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$3,000/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$2,000/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$5,000/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 88/100
Milk (1 liter)$2.15/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$3.5/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$2.25/kg
Dining OutScore: 86/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$20/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$110/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$12.5/meal
TransportationScore: 82/100
Monthly Transit Pass$115/month
One-Way Ticket$3.25/trip
Taxi (1 km)$4.75/km
UtilitiesScore: 80/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$250/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$65/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$45/month
HealthcareScore: 78/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$125/visit
Dentist Visit$140/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$18/course
EntertainmentScore: 75/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$16/ticket
Theater Ticket$55/ticket
Museum Entry$18/ticket
FitnessScore: 70/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$65/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$28/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$10/entry
Personal CareScore: 75/100
Haircut (Men)$30/cut
Haircut (Women)$60/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$7/bottle
ClothingScore: 80/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$85/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$50/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$115/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

145 Mbps
Internet Speed
$450
Coworking/Month
excellent
Café WiFi
high
English Level
large
Nomad Community
85/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Wiedikon, Kreis 5, Altstetten

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zurich cheap to live in?

Zurich has a cost of living index of 94/100, where New York = 100. It is 6% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $1,880–$2,632 per month.

How much does rent cost in Zurich?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Zurich costs approximately $3,000/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $2,000/month.

Is Zurich good for digital nomads?

Zurich has a large digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 145 Mbps, café wifi reliability is excellent, and coworking spaces run about $450/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in Zurich?

The median net monthly salary in Zurich is approximately $7,600 USD. The income tax rate is around 18%.

How does Zurich compare to New York for cost of living?

Zurich (cost index 94) is 6% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $150/month by moving from New York to Zurich.

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