Living Expenses in Switzerland
Living Expenses in Switzerland for Indian Students
With an unmatched quality of education, Switzerland is a great choice for students looking to study abroad. Switzerland's education system is known for its high quality and is a three-tier structure, consisting of primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. It is decentralized, with the cantons (states) having significant control over education. Switzerland's education system was ranked #28 in the world by the World Population Review, 2025, which is also a big reason why students from different borders prefer to study here, considering the high cost of living in Switzerland.
Due to the high exchange rate of its currency Swiss Franc (CHF), i.e. 1 CHF = 102.61 INR (according to the exchange rate on May 01, 2025), many Indian students frequently express concerns regarding the cost of living in Switzerland prior to initiating their application processes in Switzerland’s universities. Therefore, Career Mantra have written this article to address all the doubts that students may have concerning the living expenses in Switzerland.
Cost of Accommodation
in Switzerland:
Accommodation usually accounts for the largest portion of the cost of living expenses in Switzerland. Here is a detailed description of the different types of accommodation available in Switzerland for international students.
| Types of Accommodation | Avg. Monthly Rent (In CHF) | Avg. Monthly Rent (In INR) |
| On Campus Accommodation/University Dormitory | 800-1200 | 82K to 1.23 Lakh |
| Shared Apartment/Student Dormitory | 500-900 | 52K to 94K |
| Private Studio Apartment | 900-1800 | 94K to 1.84 Lakh |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment (Outside City) | 1450 | 1.5 Lakh |
| Homestay (Less Common) | 800-1200 | 83K to 1.25 lakh |
Please keep in mind that these expenses may vary depending
on the property, seller, and location. Additionally, if you choose to rent a
private apartment, you can try to negotiate the rental prices set by local
landlords.
Cost of Food and Groceries:
The following is a detailed breakdown of the expenses related to food and groceries in Switzerland.
| Food Options | Cost in CHF |
| Cooking at Home | CHF 200-500 |
| Food at Outside Home | CHF 15-30 per meal |
| University canteen Meal | CHF 10-15 per meal |
Transportation Expenses in Switzerland:
The expenses associated with transportation in Switzerland are notably elevated. The most cost-effective method of navigating the city is by bicycle. A detailed breakdown of transportation costs is provided below.
| Mode of Transportation | Avg. Cost in CHF |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Student Discount) | CHF 50-100 |
| Bicycle (One Time Purchase) | CHF 200-500 |
| Taxi (Occasional) | CHF 20 for short rides (Expensive) |
TOP 5 Universities in Switzerland:
Along with its breath-taking scenery, Switzerland is also home to 10 universities in the QS top universities list of the world 2025. Universities in Switzerland are a huge attraction among students for the quality of their education and the top 5 universities in Switzerland are listed below.
| Name of The University | University Type | Location |
| ETH Zurich | Public University | Zurich |
| Ecole Polytechnic University of Technology | Public Research University | Ecublens |
| University of Bern | Public Research University | Bern |
| University of Basel | Public Research University | Basel |
| University of Zurich | Public Research University | Zurich |
Career Mantra is your go-to platform for comprehensive career guidance, featuring over 1000 colleges and 300 courses. Explore college options, admission processes, and use interactive tools for college comparisons and reviews across diverse fields like Management, Engineering, and Medicine. Simplify your journey to the ideal Alma Mater with our categorized resources, including rankings, fees, and placement insights.