Switzerland🇨ðŸ‡
At a Glance
How Switzerland compares across key indices
Cost of Living
110 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
73/100
Healthcare
70/100
Quality of Life
214/200
Climate
81/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Switzerland
Cost of Living
110
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
47
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
110
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
111
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Lugano
Cheapest$3,580/mo
Bern
$3,623/mo
Lausanne
$3,869/mo
Basel
$3,887/mo
Lucerne
$3,981/mo
Geneva
$4,684/mo
Zurich
$4,853/mo
Safety & Crime
Low RiskHow safe residents feel in Switzerland — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
73/100
Crime Index
27/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
59/100
Mixed perception
Walking Safety
17 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 1,885 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in Switzerland
Switzerland has 7 cities with Numbeo data. Monthly costs for a single person range from $3,580 in Lugano to $4,853 in Zurich. Lugano leads on safety, scoring 78/100. Bern ranks highest for quality of life at 208/200.
Lugano
$3,580/mo
Lugano
78/100
Bern
208/200
Lausanne
70/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lugano | $3,580 | 78/100 | — | — | — |
| Bern | $3,623 | 75/100 | 208/200 | 69/100 | 27 |
| Lausanne | $3,869 | 72/100 | 207/200 | 70/100 | 27 |
| Basel | $3,887 | 69/100 | 207/200 | 69/100 | 31 |
| Lucerne | $3,981 | — | — | — | — |
| Geneva | $4,684 | 71/100 | 201/200 | 70/100 | 24 |
| Zurich | $4,853 | 77/100 | 205/200 | 70/100 | 25 |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Switzerland
Healthcare Index
70/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 438 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
CleanAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Switzerland
Pollution Index
20/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 966 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in Switzerland
Average One-Way Commute
34minutes
Average
Traffic Index
126
Moderate congestion
Inefficiency
176
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
3.1kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 421 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Switzerland, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Switzerland?
Switzerland has a cost of living index of 110 relative to New York City (100). It is on par with or more expensive than major US cities. Monthly costs for a single person start around $3,580 in Lugano and reach $4,853 in Zurich.
What is the cheapest city in Switzerland for expats?
Lugano is the most affordable city in Switzerland with Numbeo data, with estimated monthly costs of $3,580 for a single person including rent. Bern is the next most affordable at $3,623/mo.
Is Switzerland safe for expats?
Switzerland has a safety index of 73/100, making it very safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Lugano scores highest on safety at 78/100.
What is the best city in Switzerland for expats and digital nomads?
Bern ranks highest for quality of life in Switzerland, scoring 208/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $3,623/mo for a single person. For budget-conscious expats, Lugano offers the lowest monthly costs at $3,580/mo.
How good is healthcare in Switzerland?
Switzerland scores 70/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it good by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
What is the air quality and pollution like in Switzerland?
Switzerland has a pollution index of 20/100 (lower = cleaner). This is relatively clean by global standards, making it appealing for those prioritising air quality and outdoor lifestyle.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Switzerland
Plan Your Move
Escape Plan Quiz
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Salary Calculator
See what your income is actually worth after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Compare Countries
Side-by-side breakdown of cost of living, safety, healthcare, and more.
90-Day Move Planner
Your personalized countdown checklist — visas, banking, housing, and logistics.
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Set Up International Banking
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