8.6% above the Switzerland average
Ranked #4 of 577 cities · More expensive than 99.3% of cities worldwide
Compared to Switzerland average · See Switzerland ranking →
| Apartment | City Centre | Outside Centre | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | CHF 2,483/mo ≈ $3,008 | CHF 1,958/mo ≈ $2,372 | 21% |
| 3-Bedroom | CHF 4,932/mo ≈ $5,975 | CHF 3,488/mo ≈ $4,225 | 29% |
Prices in local currency, cross-referenced from multiple independent sources. October 2026.
Zurich has a cost of living index of 88.8 (New York = 100, rent included), the average of 4 of 4 data sources.
ShouldIMove price index: our own basket of real item prices plus rent.
Based on 182 country PLI x 1.1 city factor
Zurich is very expensive by global standards (ranked #4 of 577 cities). It is 8.6% more expensive than the Switzerland average, based on 9 cities.
Groceries are expensive and dining out is average. The best value is restaurants and the priciest is rent.
Local purchasing power is strong: residents can afford more goods and services than in most cities.
Workers in Switzerland earning CHF 46,386 gross take home CHF 3,287/month after tax (15% effective rate). See full Switzerland tax calculator →
Add your current city and salary to compare your take-home pay and living costs with Zurich.
Compare your salary in Zurich →Relocation Toolkit
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