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Cost of Living in Switzerland for International and Indian Students 2025

Cost of Living in Switzerland for International and Indian Students 2025

Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on May 12, 2025 05:29 PM IST

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.

This Story also Contains
  1. Cost of Living in Switzerland for International Students 2025
  2. Cost of Studying in Switzerland 2025
  3. Accommodation Cost in Switzerland 2025
  4. Food Expenses in Switzerland
  5. Factors Impacting the Cost of Living in Switzerland
  6. Tips for Saving Money in Switzerland 2025
  7. List of Top Universities in Switzerland With Tuition Fees 2025
  8. Average Salary in Switzerland
Cost of Living in Switzerland for International and Indian Students 2025
Cost of Living in Switzerland for International and Indian Students 2025

Also Read: Switzerland Student Visa Requirements

Cost of Living in Switzerland for International Students 2025

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

Cost of Studying in Switzerland 2025

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.

Accommodation Cost in Switzerland 2025

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.

Cost of Housing in Switzerland

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

Food Expenses in Switzerland

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.

Cost of Food and Groceries in Switzerland

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:

  • Cooking at home rather than frequenting restaurants.
  • Creating a meal plan to avoid impulse buys at the market.
  • Take advantage of student discounts.

Cost of Transportation in Switzerland

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:

  • Students are advised to use public buses and trains to save some money.
  • Opt for a monthly pass to save money.
  • Using biking to travel in Switzerland.
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Healthcare Costs in Switzerland

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.

Utility Costs in Switzerland 2025

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 in Switzerland

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

Factors Impacting the Cost of Living in Switzerland

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.

  • Location of Accommodation
  • Lifestyle
  • Type of Housing
  • Transportation
  • Utilities and Groceries

Tips for Saving Money in Switzerland 2025

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.

List of Top Universities in Switzerland With Tuition Fees 2025

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

University of Basel

131

1,500

University of Geneva

155

1,000

University of Bern

161

1,800

University of Lausanne

224

1,297

USI (Università della Svizzera italiana)

405

8,000

Average Salary in Switzerland

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

Read More

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it expensive to live in Switzerland?

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.

2. What salary do you need to live comfortably in Switzerland?

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.

3. How much do Indians earn 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.

4. Is it cheaper to live in Switzerland than USA?

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.

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