.svg)
.avif)
Switzerland offers an exceptional standard of education, making it a top choice for students looking to study abroad. In 2021, the World Population Review ranked Switzerland's education system as the 6th best globally, which is a key factor in its popularity among international students despite the higher cost of living.
Due to the strong exchange rate of the Swiss Franc (CHF), currently 1 CHF = 95.40 INR, many Indian students are concerned about the cost of living in Switzerland even before they begin their application process.
By the end of this blog, you will know
- The cost of living in Switzerland includes accommodation, restaurants, and other costs.
- The miscellaneous costs involved so that students can have a fair idea of the total cost of living in Switzerland,
- The best universities in Switzerland for Indian students and tips to save money.
Cost of living in Switzerland: Housing Cost
Accommodation often represents the largest portion of living expenses for students in Switzerland. Here's a detailed breakdown of the different types of housing options available for international students:
| Type of Accommodation | Average Monthly Rent (CHF) | Average Monthly Rent (INR) (at an exchange rate of 1 CHF = 95.40 INR) |
|---|---|---|
| On-campus Accommodation/University Dorm | 800-1200 | 59.6k to 99.3k |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) | 1800 (varies by city) | 1.79 L |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment (Outside City Centre) | 1450 | 1.44 L |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) | 3176 | 3.15 L |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment (Outside City Centre) | 2500 | 2.48 L |
(as of 2025-26; indicative)
If you are thinking of purchasing property for the duration of your stay in Switzerland, here are the Property Purchase Costs:
| Item | Average Cost (CHF) | Cost Range (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| The price per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment in the City Centre | 14,776.54 | 8,500.00 - 26,250.00 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment Outside of Centre | 11,405.47 | 7,000.00 - 17,000.00 |
Please note that these prices can vary depending on the property, vendor, and location. If you're renting a private apartment, there's also the possibility of negotiating the rent with local landlords.
Are you exploring the option of shifting to Switzerland for an MBA course? Then, explore more about an MBA in Switzerland, including the cost of living, expenses and jobs.
Unlock Fast, Collateral-Free Education Loans with Propelld Today!
Living Cost in Switzerland: Transportation Costs
Transportation in Switzerland can be expensive, but cycling is an affordable alternative to getting around the city. Below is a breakdown of transportation costs:
| Mode of Transportation | Average Cost (CHF) | Average Cost (INR) (at an exchange rate of 1 CHF = 95.40 INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Local Transport (1 Way Ticket) | 3.50 | 348 |
| Local Transport Monthly Pass | 80 | 7944 |
| Taxi | 4 - 69 | 397 - 6852 |
Here's a breakdown of typical transportation expenses in Switzerland and their cost range:
| Item | Average Cost (CHF) | Cost Range (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 3.50 | 2.80 - 5.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 80.00 | 66.67 - 166.67 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 6.50 | 5.00 - 10.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 3.90 | 3.00 - 5.00 |
| Taxi 1-hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 69.00 | 45.00 - 80.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 1.82 | 1.74 - 2.00 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (New Car) | 32,800.00 | 32,800.00 - 32,800.00 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6L 97kW Comfort (New Car) | 33,726.17 | - |
Get your Loan Disbursed 10 times Faster than Banks. Click to Know How!
Switzerland Living Cost per Month: Food and Groceries
The cost of food and groceries in Switzerland can vary. Here's a breakdown of typical food-related expenses:
| Food/Grocery Options | Average Cost (CHF) | Average Cost (INR) (at an exchange rate of 1 CHF = 95.40 INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | 200 - 500 | 19.9k - 49.7k |
| Eating Out (Per Meal) | 20 - 40 | 1,925 - 3,850 |
Here's a breakdown of typical restaurant expenses as a part of the cost of living in Switzerland specific to the food:
| Item | Average Cost (CHF) | Cost Range (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | 25.00 | 18.00 - 40.00 |
| Meal for 2 People at a Mid-range Restaurant (Three-course) | 110.00 | 80.00 - 170.04 |
| McMeal at McDonald's (or equivalent combo meal) | 15.00 | 14.50 - 18.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5-litre draught) | 7.00 | 5.00 - 9.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33-litre bottle) | 6.00 | 5.00 - 8.32 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 4.94 | 3.00 - 6.50 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33-litre bottle) | 4.42 | 3.30 - 5.00 |
| Water (0.33-litre bottle) | 4.01 | - |
Here's a breakdown of typical grocery prices in Switzerland:
| Item | Average Cost (CHF) | Cost Range (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (regular, 1 litre) | 1.75 | 1.20 - 2.00 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 3.22 | 1.50 - 4.50 |
| Rice (white, 1kg) | 3.55 | 1.70 - 4.95 |
| Eggs (regular, 12) | 6.14 | 3.48 - 8.40 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 23.24 | 16.00 - 45.00 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 25.06 | 12.00 - 35.00 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | 40.67 | 25.00 - 70.00 |
| Apples (1kg) | 3.11 | 2.00 - 5.00 |
| Bananas (1kg) | 2.13 | 1.50 - 4.00 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 2.64 | 1.50 - 5.00 |
| Tomatoes (1kg) | 5.31 | 2.00 - 7.90 |
| Potatoes (1kg) | 2.22 | 1.10 - 3.50 |
| Onions (1kg) | 2.06 | 1.50 - 3.00 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 2.09 | 1.50 - 3.00 |
| Water (1.5-liter bottle) | 0.99 | 0.60 - 2.00 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 12.00 | 8.00 - 20.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5-litre bottle) | 2.07 | 1.00 - 3.41 |
| Imported Beer (0.33-litre bottle) | 2.43 | 1.00 - 4.00 |
| Cigarettes (20 Pack, Marlboro) | 9.00 | - |
Are you exploring your options and looking to find the best country to study abroad for Indian Students? Check out the top universities in each country and decide which country aligns the best with your goals.
Approval Based on Student Potential. Easy Education Loans from Propelld. Do Check your Eligibility.
Miscellaneous Expenditures: Cost of Living in Switzerland
In addition to food, travel, and accommodation, students should consider other potential expenses when budgeting for the cost of living in Switzerland:
| Particulars | Average Monthly Cost (CHF) | Average Cost (INR) (at an exchange rate of 1 CHF = 95.40 INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance | 200 - 400 | 19.9k - 39.7k |
| Phone and Internet Bills | 30 - 60 | 2,979 - 5,958 |
| Entertainment Activities | 100 - 200 | 9,930 - 19.9k |
Here's a breakdown of typical utility expenses in Switzerland:
| Item | Average Cost (CHF) | Cost Range (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage for 85m² Apartment) | 218.97 | 141.67 - 350.00 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan (with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | 43.88 | 20.00 - 69.00 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 48.76 | - |
Are you considering taking out an education loan for studying abroad? Check out all the features and eligibility criteria for applying for an education loan in Switzerland.
Total Cost of Living in Switzerland for Indian Students
For Indian students planning to study and bear the cost of living in Switzerland, it's crucial to understand the breakdown of living expenses. This helps in preparing finances for a smooth transition to life there. Below is an overview of the typical monthly cost of living in Switzerland:
| Expense Category | Average Range (CHF) | Average Range (INR) (at an exchange rate of 1 CHF = 95.40 INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (if applicable) | 400 - 3,800 | 39.7k - 3.77 L |
| Study Materials | 50 - 100 | 4,965 - 9,930 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, Internet) | 150 - 300 | 14.9k - 29.8k |
| Health Insurance | 200 - 400 | 19.9k - 39.7k |
| Transportation | 70 - 120 | 6.9k - 11.9k |
| Food | 300 - 500 | 29.8k - 49.7k |
| Accommodation | 800 - 1500 | 79.4k - 1.49L |
| Entertainment/Miscellaneous | 100 - 200 | 9,930 - 19.9k |
Your Partner in Education. Quick, Hassle-Free Student Loans with a Fully Digital Process. Explore Now!
Average Salary in Switzerland
Here is the average salary in Switzerland for you to have a fair idea of the incoming and outcoming money:
| Item | Average Cost (CHF) |
|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | 5,955.41 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate (Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate) | 2.46% |
Best Universities in Switzerland
Switzerland is not only famous for its stunning landscapes but also for its high-quality education. In 2026, Switzerland boasts 10 universities in the QS world rankings, making it a popular destination for international students. Below are some of the top universities and their average first-year tuition fees:
| Top Swiss Universities | QS World University Rankings 2025 | Average 1st Year Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| ETH Zurich, Zurich | 7 | ₹1.37 L |
| EPFL, Lausanne | 26 | ₹1.37 L |
| University of Zurich, Zurich | =109 | ₹1.35 L |
| University of Basel, Basel | 131 | ₹1.6 L |
| University of Geneva, Geneva | =155 | ₹93.99 K |
Check out course-specific details for studying abroad, such as pursuing an MS Abroad. You can also find information about the top colleges, fees, and other useful information related to the course.
Get a no collateral Education Loan
How to Save Money in Switzerland
Living in Switzerland can be expensive, but there are several ways to reduce the cost of living in Switzerland. Here are some practical tips for saving money during your stay:
1. Cook at home
Prepare your meals as often as possible instead of dining out.
2. Take advantage of student discounts
Many stores, services, and public transport offer discounts for students.
3. Use public transport or bike
To save on transportation costs, take buses, trams, or bicycles instead of taxis.
4. Look for part-time jobs
Finding a part-time job can help supplement your income while studying.
5. Live outside major cities
Consider living in smaller towns or cities outside of Zurich and Geneva, as these areas are usually less expensive than the larger metropolitan cities.
Switzerland offers a rewarding experience for Indian students, but managing the high cost of living requires careful budgeting. By understanding the various living expenses and planning accordingly, you can enjoy your time in Switzerland without financial strain. Additionally, exploring scholarship and loan opportunities can further ease your financial burden.
If you need financial aid and are looking for education loans to help with the cost of living in Switzerland, consider a Propelld education loan.
A Propelld education loan is a student-friendly and flexible option for students who aspire to afford the cost of living in Switzerland and other countries and achieve their dreams. Let's take a quick look at some unique benefits of a Propelld education loan.
Why Propelld?
Propelld provides education loans for students. With easy paperwork, flexible eligibility criteria, and convenient repayment schedules, Propelld helps students worldwide achieve their dreams quickly! There are many more benefits to getting an education loan with Propelld. Take a look at them!
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Max Loan Amount | 50 Lakhs |
| Collateral | Not Required |
| Moratorium | Available |
| Processing Time | 10 Times Faster than Banks |
| Disbursal Time | 7 Days |
| Approval Rate | Higher than Other Banks |
| Special USP | Marks Based Approval |
| % Financed | 100% of Fees |
Get an education loan with Propelld today!
