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Cost of living in Switzerland for students: Studying and living in Switzerland can be slightly more expensive for international students than in India. The average living expenses in Switzerland per month is CHF 1,445 (INR 1,55,295) without rent, according to Numbeo. The overall cost of living in Switzerland for Indian students is approximately 469.1% higher than in India. The rent or accommodation cost in Switzerland is 995.4% higher than in India. Students can expect to pay an average of CHF 1,630 (INR 1,75,175) to cover the accommodation cost of living in Switzerland per month. Switzerland's education system has been ranked 28th globally in the 2025 World Population Review. Despite the high cost of living, many international students choose to study there for its quality education. Some of the factors that contribute to the cost of living in Switzerland for international students include accommodation, food, clothing, transportation, books, & other supplies. Generally, the tuition fees in Swiss universities vary according to the institution; however, the average cost of tuition in Switzerland is CHF 1,000–2,000 (INR 1L - 2L) per semester. Students planning to study in Switzerland should read the entire article to learn about differences in living expenditures in famous cities in Switzerland, top university tuition fees, techniques for saving money in the country, and more.
Also Read: Switzerland Student Visa Requirements
The average living expenses in Switzerland for international students is approximately INR 1.5L - 2L per month. These living expenses are calculated by summing up all the basic expenditures such as accommodation, food, transportation, and utilities. Here are the details for living in Switzerland.
Living expense list | Estimated expenses (CHF) | Estimated expenses (INR) |
Accommodation/Rent (1 bedroom) | 1,350-1,630 | 1.3L - 1.6L |
Food/Grocery | 470 - 595 | 47,260 - 59,825 |
Transportation | 80-150 | 8,045 - 15,080 |
Leisure | 20 - 70 | 2,010 - 7,040 |
Utility Bills | 48 - 215 | 4,825 - 21,615 |
The average cost of studying in Switzerland in public universities ranges from CHF 1,000 and CHF 2,000 (approximately INR 1L - 2.1L), and in private universities, it ranges from CHF 17,000 to CHF 90,000 (approximately INR 18L - 96L ) per year. Apart from tuition fees, students are subjected to additional charges such as application fees, scholarship funds, sports association fees, and more. With 10 universities in Switzerland ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2025, it is a great choice for Indian students. However, the exact tuition fees vary depending on the educational institution, level, and the course of choice.
Rent in Switzerland is 993.3% higher than in India. The single-room accommodation cost in Switzerland is approximately between 1.3L - 1.6L per month. However, outside the city centre, housing facilities are available at much cheaper rates. Students can choose either University dorms or off-campus apartments for living in Switzerland. Finding cheap and best housing in Switzerland can be challenging but not impossible. Hence, check out the cost of housing in Switzerland for Indian students in the table below.
Accommodation type | Average Monthly Costs (CHF) | Average Monthly Costs (INR) |
On campus Accommodations | 500 - 800 | 50,000 to 80,000 |
1 Bedroom Apartment (in the city centre) | 1,630 | 1.6L |
1 Bedroom Apartment (outside the city centre) | 1,350 | 1.3L |
3 Bedroom Apartment (in the city centre) | 2,940 | 2.9L |
3 Bedroom Apartment (outside the city centre) | 2,385 | 2.3Lakh |
Source: Numbeo
Switzerland has high food expenses for international students. It is advisable that students opt for home-cooked meals to reduce restaurant or other food expenses. Hence, the breakdown of the cost of food and groceries in Switzerland is given below for Indian students.
Particulars | Cost in CHF | Cost in INR |
Milk (1 liter) | 1.78 | 191 |
Bread (500g) | 3.05 | 328 |
Rice (1kg) | 3.44 | 370 |
Eggs (12) | 6.03 | 648 |
Local Cheese (1kg) | 23.13 | 2,489 |
Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 27.20 | 2,927 |
Apples (1kg) | 3.02 | 324 |
Banana (1kg) | 2.03 | 218 |
Oranges (1kg) | 2.46 | 264 |
Tomato (1kg) | 5.01 | 539 |
Potato (1kg) | 2.10 | 225 |
Onion (1kg) | 1.94 | 208 |
Lettuce (1 head) | 2.09 | 224 |
Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 1.14 | 122 |
Source: Numbeo
Tips to save money on food in Switzerland include:
Public transport in Switzerland 2025 is quite affordable. Other than public transportation, the cost of transportation is pretty high in Switzerland. A more affordable way to get around the city is using biking for Indian students. Other costs for transportation in Switzerland are mentioned below.
Particulars | Cost in CHF | Cost in INR |
One-way Ticket | 3.4 | 366 |
Monthly Pass | 80 | 8,616 |
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 6.5 | 700 |
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 3.8 | 409 |
Taxi 1 hour waiting | 65 | 7,000 |
Source: Numbeo
Tips to save money on transportation in Switzerland include:
Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland. The cost of health insurance in Switzerland for international students ranges between CHF 300 - 400 (approximately INR 32,310 - 43,080) per month. Note that the cost of healthcare and insurance in Switzerland might vary by age and coverage level. In addition, the cost of visiting a general practitioner ranges from CHF 100 - 250.
Apart from housing, food, and transportation fees, international students have to cover other expenses such as electricity, water, mobile phone bills, internet charges, and more. It is an important component of the average living cost in Switzerland 2025. The cost of utilities in Switzerland for Indian students is mentioned below.
Particulars | Cost in CHF | Cost in INR |
Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage | 215 | 23,155 |
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 35 | 3,770 |
Internet | 50 | 5,385 |
Source: Numbeo
Entertainment and leisure costs vary depending on lifestyle and activities. These include social activities, gym memberships, and outings.
Particulars | Cost in CHF | Cost in INR |
Meal at an inexpensive Restaurant | 25 | 2,690 |
Meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant (3-course meal) | 105 | 11,285 |
Gym | 70 | 7,520 |
Tennis Court (1 hour) | 40 | 4,300 |
Cinema | 20 | 2,150 |
Source: Numbeo
The cost of living in Switzerland varies for each individual. There are several factors to consider while calculating the living expenses in Switzerland as an international student.
Living in Switzerland can be financially exhausting for Indian students. However, some effective tips can help students to save their money while studying in Switzerland. Check out the below-mentioned tips that can help students manage their living expenses in Switzerland:
Shared housing: To save money on rent, students must look for a house or flat (in sharing) outside the city centre.
Home-cooked meals: Cook the meals at home to avoid spending money at costly places or expensive restaurants.
Use public transport: Try to take public transport or local trains for shorter trips.
Thrift shop: To save money on clothing, buy thrifted clothes or from local department stores.
Scholarships: Seek financial aid and scholarships from the university to reduce the burden of educational expenses.
Research types of universities available: Choose public universities over private universities to minimise tuition fees.
Avail free student services: Make use of public libraries, sports facilities, and computer labs which are often free for students.
University | QS WUR (2025) | Tuition fees per year for Indian students (CHF) |
ETH Zurich | 7 | 1,470 |
EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) | 26 | 1,266 |
University of Zurich | 109 | 1,470 |
131 | 1,500 | |
155 | 1,000 | |
161 | 1,800 | |
224 | 1,297 | |
USI (Università della Svizzera italiana) | 405 | 8,000 |
According to Glassdoor, the average salary in Switzerland, approximately CHF 79,980 per year, which is approximately CHF 6,665 per month. The salary for various popular sectors is as follows:
Sector | Average Annual Salary (CHF) | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
Legal | 1,08,225 | 1.16Cr |
IT | 1,05,404 | 1.13Cr |
Management | 1,11,111 | 1.19Cr |
Lawyer | 1,11,600 | 1.19Cr |
Engineer | 1,08,500 | 1.16Cr |
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Yes, living in Switzerland is highly expensive for Indian students. Living expenses include the cost of housing, food, transportation, and other personal expenses. The overall cost of living in Switzerland is 469.1% higher than in India. Cities like Zurich, Geneva, and others are known for their high standard of living, however, the quality of life and other benefits are also exceptional.
To live comfortably in Switzerland, a single person usually needs a salary of 70,000 to 100,000 CHF per year, depending on location and lifestyle. This covers housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and other activities which can provide a comfortable life with a high standard of living in Switzerland.
Indians in Switzerland usually have an average income ranging from CHF 90,000 to CHF 130,000 per year. This can vary based on various factors such as industry, job role, experience, and qualifications. Indian people can get higher salaries in high-demand sectors such as IT, finance, and engineering.
Living expenditures in Switzerland are generally higher than those in the United States. The cost of living in the United States is 30.3% lower than in Switzerland. Several factors such as strong currency, and expensive healthcare all contribute to Switzerland's high standard of living.
Correct Answer: leaving
Solution : The correct choice is the fourth option.
The word leaving fits contextually, indicating that the water passes through at least one electric power plant before leaving the country.
Correct Answer: through
Solution : The correct choice is the third option.
The sentence suggests that water falling in 93% of Switzerland passes through at least one electric power plant before leaving the country. Through implies a process of passing or moving, which makes sense in the context of the water passing through the power plant.
Correct Answer: used
Solution : The correct choice is the fourth option.
The word used fits in the blank to convey that the glacial meltwaters are utilised for hydropower. The sentence then suggests that the glacial meltwaters serve as a source of energy, specifically for hydropower generation.
Correct Answer: energy
Solution : The correct choice is the second option.
The term that appropriately fits in the blank and maintains the context is energy. The complete sentence would be: "melting glaciers help to supply energy for low rainfall in times of drought, filling reservoirs to supply the nation's energy supply."
This reflects the idea that the energy generated from melting glaciers is crucial for meeting the nation's energy needs.
Correct Answer: compensate
Solution : The correct choice is the first option.
The sentence suggests that melting glaciers play a role in compensating for low rainfall during droughts by filling reservoirs to supply the nation's water needs. Compensate in this context means to make up for or offset the effects of low rainfall.
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