Monthly budget by household
Living costs in Switzerland are high, but so are salaries. What matters is the balance between rent, health insurance, taxes and everyday spending. The table shows typical net budgets including taxes and 10 % savings, for the Swiss Plateau; city centres are CHF 800 to 1,500 higher.
| Household | Rent incl. charges | Health insurance 2027 | Net income needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | CHF 1,400–1,900 | about CHF 488 | CHF 5,000–6,500 |
| Couple | CHF 1,900–2,600 | about CHF 975 | CHF 7,500–9,500 |
| Family, 2 children | CHF 2,300–3,200 | about CHF 1’231 | CHF 9,000–11,500 |
Zurich, Geneva, Basel or Bern?
Zurich, Geneva and Zug have the highest rents; a new two-bedroom flat in the city often costs CHF 2,500 to 3,500. Basel and Lausanne are somewhat cheaper, Bern and Lucerne cheaper still. Taxes vary a lot too: Zug and Schwyz are among the lowest, Geneva and Vaud among the highest. Health insurance is most expensive in Basel-Stadt, Geneva and Ticino.
Many expats reduce costs by living in the agglomeration and commuting by train. A half-fare card or regional pass is usually much cheaper than a car.
- Zurich/Geneva: highest rents
- Zug: low taxes, high rents
- Agglomeration + train: often cheapest
From gross to net
About 12 to 15 % of the gross salary goes to social security (AHV/IV/EO, unemployment insurance, accident insurance, pension fund). Taxes are not deducted from the salary for Swiss and C-permit holders – you pay them separately and should set aside money monthly. For B-permit holders, tax is usually deducted at source.
A 13th month's salary is common: about three quarters of employees receive one. Check whether a salary offer is stated over 12 or 13 payments before comparing.
A sample single budget in Zurich
A single person in Zurich with CHF 6,200 net might spend: CHF 2,000 on rent including charges, about CHF 488 on health insurance, CHF 700 set aside for taxes, CHF 600 on food and household, CHF 90 for a city transport pass, CHF 200 for phone, internet, Serafe and insurance, CHF 450 for leisure and eating out, CHF 150 for clothing and CHF 150 for health costs. That leaves around CHF 1,350 for holidays, reserves and savings.
The same person in Bern or Lucerne would typically pay CHF 400 to 600 less rent and slightly lower taxes – a difference of over CHF 6,000 per year. That is why comparing net budgets, not just gross salaries, is essential when deciding where to live and work.
Costs newcomers often forget
Rental deposit (up to three months' rent), furniture, health insurance from the first month, Serafe radio and TV fee, household and liability insurance, deductibles and dental costs (not covered by basic insurance), and the first tax bill. A buffer of three to six months of expenses protects you in the first year.
Track your real numbers in BudgetHub: enter income and fixed costs once and see each month what is left – free, no bank connection, data hosted in Switzerland.