Cost of Living in Switzerland: Is It the Most Expensive Country?

Studying in Switzerland offers incredible opportunities, but what about the cost? Over 2,500 Indian students are currently enrolled in top universities like ETH Zurich, the University of Geneva, and EPFL. But is it the most expensive country?

How much do Indian students spend per month?

• Cost of living in Switzerland ranges from CHF 2,000–CHF 3,500 (₹1.9L–₹3.3L), depending on the city and lifestyle.
• Groceries cost CHF 300–CHF 600 (₹29K–₹58K) per month. Stores like Migros, Coop, and Aldi have affordable options.
• Public transport passes cost CHF 70–CHF 100 (₹6,700–₹9,600) per month, and students get discounts.

What about job opportunities?

• Switzerland has big companies like Nestlé, Novartis, and UBS, attracting professionals from around the world.
• Part-time jobs help students cover costs, but Swiss work regulations limit international students to 15 hours per week during the semester.

Switzerland may seem expensive, but smart budgeting makes student life manageable. 

This blog covers everything from accommodation and food to transport and student discounts. Ready to plan your budget? 

Check Out: Scholarships in Switzerland

Cost of Living in Switzerland for Indian Students

Switzerland is a dream destination for many Indian students. The universities are world-class, the cities are safe, and career opportunities are endless. But what about living expenses? 

Zurich and Geneva cost the most, while Bern, Lausanne, and Basel are more budget-friendly. Students who choose shared housing, student meal plans, and public transport passes can save a good amount every month.

Annual Cost of Living in Switzerland for Indian Students (2025)

Expense	2024 Cost (CHF + INR Equivalent)	2025 Cost (CHF + INR Equivalent)	Increase (%)
Rent (Shared Apartment)	CHF 800–CHF 1,500 (₹78K–₹1.4L)	CHF 900–CHF 1,800 (₹87K–₹1.6L)	10%
Groceries	CHF 350–CHF 600 (₹34K–₹58K)	CHF 400–CHF 650 (₹38K–₹62K)	8%
Public Transport	CHF 70–CHF 100 (₹6,700–₹9,600)	CHF 75–CHF 110 (₹7,200–₹10.5K)	6%
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet)	CHF 100–CHF 150 (₹9,600–₹14.4K)	CHF 110–CHF 160 (₹10.5K–₹15.3K)	7%

Monthly Cost of Living in Switzerland for Indian Students

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (CHF + INR Equivalent)
Rent (Shared Apartment)	CHF 900–CHF 1,800 (₹87K–₹1.6L)
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet)	CHF 110–CHF 160 (₹10.5K–₹15.3K)
Groceries	CHF 400–CHF 650 (₹38K–₹62K)
Eating Out (Occasionally)	CHF 120–CHF 250 (₹11.5K–₹24K)
Public Transport	CHF 75–CHF 110 (₹7,200–₹10.5K)
Health Insurance (Mandatory for Students)	CHF 100–CHF 250 (₹9.6K–₹24K)
Entertainment & Miscellaneous	CHF 100–CHF 250 (₹9.6K–₹24K)
Total Estimated Cost (Monthly)	CHF 2,000–CHF 3,500 (₹1.9L–₹3.3L)

Tips to Save Money:

• Apply for student housing early to get lower rent.
• Shop at Aldi, Lidl, and Coop for cheaper groceries.
• Get a student public transport pass to save CHF 30–CHF 50 per month.

Must Read: Swiss Education System

Cost of Accommodation in Switzerland: Renting vs. Student Housing

Finding the right place to live is one of the first things students worry about. Should you rent an apartment or apply for student housing? The right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and how early you apply.

Student housing is the cheapest option, but spaces are limited. Shared apartments help cut costs, while private studios offer more privacy but come at a higher price. Here’s what you can expect to pay:

Annual Accommodation: Cost of Living in Switzerland for Indian Students

Accommodation Type	Annual Rent (CHF + INR Equivalent)	Pros	Cons
Student Housing (On-Campus)	CHF 4,800–CHF 10,800 (₹4.6L–₹10.3L)	Cheaper, near university	Limited availability
Shared Apartment (Off-Campus)	CHF 10,800–CHF 21,600 (₹10.3L–₹20.7L)	More independence	Higher rent
Private Studio (1BHK)	CHF 18,000–CHF 30,000 (₹17.3L–₹28.8L)	Privacy, fully furnished	Expensive, utilities extra

ETH Zurich and the University of Geneva have a high demand for on-campus housing, so applying early is key to securing affordable student dorms.

Monthly Rent Breakdown by City

City	Shared Apartment Rent (CHF + INR Equivalent)	Studio (1BHK) Rent (CHF + INR Equivalent)
Zurich	CHF 1,200–CHF 1,800 (₹1.15L–₹1.73L)	CHF 2,200–CHF 3,000 (₹2.1L–₹2.88L)
Geneva	CHF 1,000–CHF 1,700 (₹96K–₹1.63L)	CHF 1,800–CHF 2,800 (₹1.73L–₹2.69L)
Lausanne	CHF 900–CHF 1,500 (₹87K–₹1.44L)	CHF 1,500–CHF 2,500 (₹1.44L–₹2.4L)
Bern	CHF 850–CHF 1,400 (₹82K–₹1.35L)	CHF 1,500–CHF 2,400 (₹1.44L–₹2.3L)
Basel	CHF 850–CHF 1,300 (₹82K–₹1.25L)	CHF 1,400–CHF 2,300 (₹1.34L–₹2.2L)

Best Budget-Friendly Cities: Basel and Bern have lower rent than Zurich and Geneva.

Hidden Housing Cost of Living in Switzerland to Budget For

Many students focus only on rent but forget about deposits, utilities, and move-in costs.

Expense	Estimated Cost (CHF + INR Equivalent)
Security Deposit (1–3 months’ rent)	CHF 1,500–CHF 4,500 (₹1.44L–₹4.3L)
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet)	CHF 100–CHF 160 (₹9.6K–₹15.3K)
Furniture & Setup Costs (If Renting Unfurnished)	CHF 500–CHF 2,000 (₹48K–₹1.9L)

How to Reduce Housing Costs:

• Apply for student housing early – on-campus dorms are much cheaper than private rentals.
• Look for shared apartments – splitting rent with roommates can cut costs by 40%.
• Check for fully furnished listings – saves CHF 1,000+ on furniture setup.

Cost of Living in Switzerland: Food Habits and Grocery for Indian Students

Food takes up a significant part of a student’s budget in Switzerland. Eating out is expensive, but cooking at home makes a big difference. Indian students often look for affordable grocery options to buy essentials like rice, dal, spices, and vegetables. Knowing where to shop and what to cook can save CHF 200–CHF 400 (₹19K–₹38K) per month.

How Much Do Indian Students Spend on Food in Switzerland?

Expense	Average Cost (CHF + INR Equivalent)
Groceries (Monthly, Cooking at Home)	CHF 300–CHF 600 (₹29K–₹58K)
Budget Meal (Fast Food, Takeaway)	CHF 12–CHF 18 (₹1,150–₹1,730) per meal
Mid-Range Restaurant Meal	CHF 25–CHF 40 (₹2,400–₹3,800) per meal
Fine Dining (Three-Course Meal for Two)	CHF 80–CHF 150 (₹7,600–₹14,400)

Tip: Cooking at home saves up to CHF 500 (₹48K) per month compared to eating out daily.

Where Do Indian Students Buy Groceries in Switzerland?

Store Type	Examples	What to Expect
Discount Supermarkets	Lidl, Aldi, Denner	Cheapest groceries, good for students
Mid-Range Supermarkets	Coop, Migros	Good quality, reasonable prices
Indian & Asian Grocery Stores	Aggarwal Indian Food (Zurich), Bollywood Indian Store (Geneva)	Dal, rice, spices—higher prices than local stores
Traditional Markets	Local farmer’s markets	Fresh vegetables, dairy, and meat

Tip: Buy staples like rice, atta, and masalas in bulk from Indian stores to save money. Lidl and Aldi offer the best deals on fresh vegetables, dairy, and bread.

How Indian Students Can Reduce Food Costs

Shop smart: Buy fresh produce from farmer’s markets and essentials from discount stores.
Meal prep: Cooking in bulk saves time and money.
Use student meal plans: University cafeterias offer meals for CHF 6–CHF 12, much cheaper than restaurants.
Split groceries with roommates: Sharing bulk purchases reduces waste and cost.

Public Transport vs. Private Transport: What’s Cheaper for Students?

Switzerland has one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world. Students rely on trains, trams, and buses to get around, while only a few own cars due to high fuel and insurance costs.

A monthly student public transport pass costs CHF 70–CHF 120 (₹6,700–₹11,500) and covers unlimited travel within the city. Owning a car costs at least CHF 500 (₹48K) per month, making public transport the best option for students.

Monthly Transport Costs for Students

Transport Option	Monthly Cost (CHF + INR Equivalent)	What’s Covered?
Public Transport (Bus, Tram, Train Pass)	CHF 70–CHF 120 (₹6,700–₹11,500)	Unlimited travel within the city
Taxi Ride (5 km)	CHF 20–CHF 30 (₹1,900–₹2,900)	One-way trip
Car Rental (Long-Term Lease)	CHF 400–CHF 700 (₹38K–₹67K)	Includes insurance & maintenance
Fuel (Per Liter)	CHF 1.80 (₹170–₹180)	Petrol or diesel costs
Car Insurance (Annual)	CHF 800–CHF 2,000 (₹76K–₹1.9L)	Required for private car owners

Tip: Students get transport discounts of up to 50% on Swiss Travel Passes, making public transport an even better choice.

Public Transport vs. Private Transport: Which One Is Better for Students?

Factor	Public Transport	Private Car
Monthly Cost	CHF 70–CHF 120 (₹6,700–₹11,500)	CHF 400–CHF 700 (₹38K–₹67K)
Convenience	Available everywhere	Parking is expensive
Flexibility	Fixed routes & schedules	Travel anywhere anytime
Long-Distance Travel	High-speed trains (SBB) are fast & cheap	Fuel & tolls add costs

Best Ways to Save on Transport:

• Buy a Swiss Travel Pass for long-distance travel discounts.
• Use bike-sharing services for short distances.
• Book train tickets early to save up to 30% on fares.

Most students choose public transport because it’s affordable, reliable, and easy to use. Owning a car adds CHF 400–CHF 700 (₹38K–₹67K) per month in extra costs, making it impractical for student life.

How Much Do Health Insurance and Medical Services Cost in Switzerland?

Health insurance is mandatory for all international students in Switzerland. Unlike some countries where public healthcare is free, Switzerland requires every resident—including students—to have private health insurance. The good news? Students get discounted rates with special health insurance plans designed for international students.

Expect to spend CHF 100–CHF 250 (₹9,600–₹24,000) per month on health insurance, depending on the provider and coverage.

Health Insurance Costs for Students in Switzerland

Insurance Type	Monthly Cost (CHF + INR Equivalent)	Coverage
Basic Student Health Insurance	CHF 100–CHF 250 (₹9,600–₹24,000)	Doctor visits, hospital stays, medical tests
Comprehensive Private Insurance	CHF 250–CHF 500 (₹24,000–₹48,000)	Extra benefits (dental, vision, alternative treatments)
Emergency Doctor Visit (Without Insurance)	CHF 100–CHF 300 (₹9,600–₹28,800)	Consultation only
Specialist Visit (Dermatologist, ENT, etc.)	CHF 150–CHF 400 (₹14,400–₹38,400)	Consultation + treatment
Hospital Stay (Per Night, Without Insurance)	CHF 500–CHF 2,000 (₹48,000–₹1.9L)	Treatment + accommodation

Switzerland’s healthcare system is ranked #2 in the world for efficiency and quality.

How to Get Student Health Insurance?

• Choose a provider – SwissCare, CSS, Helsana, and Assura offer special student plans.
• Apply within 3 months of arriving in Switzerland.
• Get an exemption – If you have equivalent private insurance from India or another country, you may not need Swiss insurance (depends on canton rules).

Tip: Some universities offer group health plans at lower rates—check with student services.

Ways to Save on Healthcare Costs

• Choose a student-specific health plan—cheaper than standard insurance.
• Visit public hospitals instead of private clinics for lower fees.
• Use telemedicine services for minor issues—many insurance plans cover online consultations.
• Ask for generic medicines—they cost 30–50% less than branded ones.

Which Swiss Cities Are Most Affordable for Students?

Switzerland has a reputation for being expensive, but some cities offer a lower cost of living than others. Zurich and Geneva are among the priciest, while Bern, Lausanne, and Basel provide a balance between affordability and quality education.

Most Affordable Swiss Cities for Students

City	Monthly Living Cost (CHF + INR Equivalent)	Why It’s Affordable
Bern	CHF 1,800–CHF 2,500 (₹1.73L–₹2.4L)	Lower rent, student-friendly lifestyle
Basel	CHF 1,900–CHF 2,600 (₹1.82L–₹2.5L)	Cheaper rent, strong public transport
Lausanne	CHF 2,000–CHF 2,800 (₹1.9L–₹2.7L)	Student discounts on housing and transport
St. Gallen	CHF 1,700–CHF 2,400 (₹1.6L–₹2.3L)	Smaller city, lower living costs
Fribourg	CHF 1,600–CHF 2,300 (₹1.5L–₹2.2L)	One of the cheapest student cities

Best Budget-Friendly City? Bern offers great affordability while being close to major universities.

Cost of Living in Switzerland Breakdown: Expensive vs. Affordable Cities

Expense	Zurich/Geneva (Expensive Cities)	Bern/Basel (More Affordable Cities)
Rent (Shared Apartment)	CHF 1,200–CHF 1,800 (₹1.15L–₹1.73L)	CHF 900–CHF 1,400 (₹87K–₹1.35L)
Public Transport Pass	CHF 75–CHF 120 (₹7,200–₹11,500)	CHF 50–CHF 90 (₹4,800–₹8,700)
Groceries	CHF 400–CHF 650 (₹38K–₹62K)	CHF 300–CHF 550 (₹28K–₹52K)
Eating Out (Budget Meal)	CHF 20–CHF 30 (₹1,900–₹2,900)	CHF 15–CHF 25 (₹1,440–₹2,400)

Tip: Fribourg and St. Gallen are 40% cheaper than Zurich and Geneva.

What Makes a City Affordable for Students?

• Lower rent and student housing options – Bern and Basel have cheaper shared apartments.
• Good public transport with student discounts – Many cities offer free or discounted passes.
• Cheaper food and groceries – Smaller cities have lower prices at supermarkets and restaurants.
• Part-time job opportunities – Some cities have more work options for students.

Suggested Reading: PhD in Switzerland for Indian Students

Unexpected Expenses You Should Budget for While Studying in Switzerland

Rent, fees, food, and transport are easy to plan for. But what about the things you don’t think about—visa renewals, housing deposits, medical costs, or even buying winter clothes? These extras add up faster than you expect.

Most students don’t realize how much these small expenses can impact their budget. A last-minute flight home, a new SIM card, or even textbooks can cost more than planned. Setting aside CHF 2,000–CHF 3,000 (₹1.9L–₹2.9L) per year for these costs keeps you covered. No surprises, no stress.

Hidden Costs of Studying in Switzerland

Expense	Estimated Cost (CHF + INR Equivalent)	Why It’s Important?
Student Visa Renewal (Every Year)	CHF 95–CHF 150 (₹9,100–₹14,400)	Required to extend stay beyond one year
Security Deposit for Housing	CHF 1,500–CHF 3,000 (₹1.4L–₹2.9L)	One-time refundable deposit for rent
Electricity, Water, and Internet Setup	CHF 100–CHF 250 (₹9,600–₹24,000)	Connection fees for new apartments
Textbooks & Course Materials	CHF 100–CHF 500 (₹9,600–₹48,000)	Engineering & business courses may cost more
Flight Tickets (India–Switzerland Round Trip)	CHF 600–CHF 1,200 (₹57,000–₹1.15L)	Prices vary by season and airline
Unexpected Medical Costs	CHF 50–CHF 200 (₹4,800–₹19,200)	Non-covered treatments like dental & vision
Public Transport Card Deposit	CHF 5–CHF 30 (₹480–₹2,800)	Refundable but must be paid upfront

Tip: Booking flights early and applying for student discounts can save CHF 500–CHF 1,000 (₹48K–₹96K) per year.

Other Unexpected Expenses to Keep in Mind

• Bank Fees & Currency Exchange: Some Swiss banks charge CHF 5–CHF 10 per month for account maintenance.
• Mobile Plans: Budget CHF 20–CHF 50 per month for Swiss SIM cards from Sunrise, Swisscom, or Salt.
• Event & Travel Costs: Weekend trips within Switzerland can cost CHF 50–CHF 200 per trip.

Knowing these costs upfront helps you plan better. Setting aside CHF 2,000–CHF 3,000 (₹1.9L–₹2.9L) per year for hidden expenses ensures you’re financially prepared.

Read: Permanent Residency in Switzerland for Indians

How Indian Students Can Save Money While Studying in Switzerland

Switzerland is expensive, but you don’t have to spend more than necessary. Picking the right housing, using student discounts, and cooking at home can save CHF 500–CHF 800 (₹48K–₹77K) every month.

A few smart choices make a big difference. Want to cut costs without missing out? Here’s how students keep expenses low while enjoying life in Switzerland.

Best Ways to Save Money in Switzerland

Category	How to Save Money?
Accommodation	Apply for student housing (CHF 400–CHF 900/month) instead of private rentals.
Food & Groceries	Shop at Aldi, Lidl, and Coop for budget groceries. Buy in bulk with roommates.
Public Transport	Get a Swiss Travel Pass or regional student discounts to save CHF 30–CHF 50/month.
Health Insurance	Compare plans and choose basic student health insurance (CHF 100–CHF 250/month).
Books & Study Materials	Borrow from university libraries or buy second-hand books.
Entertainment & Shopping	Use student discount cards for restaurants, theaters, and online shopping.

CAF Housing Allowance: Some students qualify for CHF 100–CHF 300 per month in rent subsidies—check with local authorities.

How Much Can Students Save Per Month?

Expense	Without Budgeting	With Smart Planning	Savings Per Month
Rent (1BHK in Zurich)	CHF 1,500 (₹1.4L)	CHF 800 (₹77K, student housing)	CHF 700 (₹67K)
Groceries & Eating Out	CHF 600 (₹57K)	CHF 350 (₹33K, meal prepping + shopping at Lidl & Aldi)	CHF 250 (₹24K)
Transport	CHF 120 (₹11.5K, taxis + per ride tickets)	CHF 75 (₹7,200, student pass)	CHF 45 (₹4,300)
Entertainment & Shopping	CHF 200 (₹19K)	CHF 100 (₹9,600, student discounts & free events)	CHF 100 (₹9,600)
Total Monthly Savings	CHF 2,400 (₹2.3L)	CHF 1,325 (₹1.27L)	CHF 1,075 (₹1.04L per month)

Biggest Savings? Rent, food, and transport. Choosing student housing and cooking at home can save CHF 12,000+ (₹11.5L) per year.

Bonus Tips for Cutting Cost of Living in Switzerland

• Apply for Student Discounts: Get discounts on travel, museums, gyms, and restaurants with your student ID.
• Use Public Transport Instead of Taxis: The Swiss public transport system is one of the best in the world.
• Cook Meals Instead of Eating Out: A home-cooked meal costs CHF 5–CHF 8, while eating out costs CHF 25+.
• Join University Groups for Second-Hand Books & Furniture: Many students sell items for half the original price.
• Work Part-Time: Students can work 15 hours per week during the semester to earn CHF 1,200–CHF 2,400 per month.

Also Read: MBBS in Switzerland for Indian Students

MBA in Switzerland

Can You Work While Studying in Switzerland? Rules and Earnings Explained

Need extra money while studying in Switzerland? You can work part-time, but there are rules. Students can work 15 hours per week during semesters and full-time during holidays. After six months in Switzerland, you can apply for a work permit.

Hourly wages range from CHF 20–CHF 35 (₹1,900–₹3,400) depending on the job. Part-time work in cafés, retail, and tutoring helps students cover daily expenses.

Job Type	Hourly Pay (CHF + INR Equivalent)	Max Monthly Earnings (15 hrs/week)
On-Campus Jobs	CHF 20–CHF 25 (₹1,900–₹2,400)	CHF 1,200–CHF 1,500 (₹1.1L–₹1.4L)
Retail & Café Work	CHF 22–CHF 30 (₹2,100–₹2,900)	CHF 1,300–CHF 1,800 (₹1.2L–₹1.7L)
Tutoring & Freelancing	CHF 25–CHF 35 (₹2,400–₹3,400)	CHF 1,500–CHF 2,100 (₹1.4L–₹2L)

Tip: Finding a job through your university is easier than applying off-campus.

How upGrad Abroad Can Help You Study in Switzerland

upGrad Abroad makes the study in Switzerland process easy.

University Selection – Get expert advice on top Swiss universities.
Visa & SOP Assistance – Step-by-step support for a smooth application.
Scholarship Guidance – Explore funding options to reduce costs.
Job Support – Learn how to find part-time work while studying.

Planning to study in Switzerland? upGrad Abroad helps you every step of the way! Schedule 1:1 consultation. 

Check out upGrad Abroad Expense Calculator.