Cost of Living in Switzerland for Indian Students [2025]

Switzerland is renowned for its world-class universities, making it a top choice for Indian students seeking to study abroad. In 2021, the World Population Review ranked Switzerland’s education system 6th globally, highlighting its academic excellence as a major draw for students from around the world. On average, Indian students spend around ₹1,50,000 per month on living expenses in Switzerland, which is approximately 378.3% higher than the cost of living in India. In this blog, we’ll break down the average cost of living in Switzerland, focusing on popular cities for international students. We’ll also share practical tips to help you manage your expenses wisely and make the most of your time in this beautiful country.

Why You Should Consider Studying in Switzerland?

With several highly-ranked universities, the Swiss higher education system allows students to take their education and future careers one step further. This country is also best suited for international students looking for a global promoter in studying abroad. Switzerland is known for its academic excellence and for enabling students to pursue the best career options with high salaries. 

Besides these, here are some popular reasons why you should pursue your education in Switzerland:

• Quality Education: Imagine studying as a student or researcher while receiving a quality, globally-minded education. Switzerland is a country with very high-quality education, active learning, and high standards. It makes sense to choose Switzerland to study since it is highly qualitative with relatively affordable tuition fees.
• Generous Scholarships: At several Swiss universities, international students pay the same tuition fees as domestic students. Moreover, multiple merit-based scholarships can help you cover your tuition costs.
• Cultural Immersion: Switzerland is said to have a lot of cultural heritage. While you are there, you can immerse yourself in several types of cultural activities. Apart from historical and celebratory events, Switzerland is known to offer student travelers from across the globe a unique combination of cultural diversity, natural beauty, and safety.

Pro Tip: Many universities in Switzerland require an IELTS score as part of the admission process. If you need to boost your English skills, check out our English-speaking course.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Living in Switzerland for International Students

The cost of living in Switzerland varies depending on several factors, and understanding these can help international students manage their budgets effectively. Below are the key elements that influence expenses:

• Educational Institutions: The tuition fees you pay will depend on your chosen course, program, and institution. For instance, degrees in fields like medicine or veterinary science typically cost more than other disciplines. Researching and comparing options beforehand can help you find a program that fits your budget.
• Accommodation Type: Housing is a significant expense, and your choice of accommodation can greatly impact your budget. Here are some of the accommodation options that you can choose from in Switzerland:
  • On-Campus Accommodation: Convenient and often includes utilities and meals but tends to be more expensive.
  • Off-Campus Accommodation: A cost-effective option, especially when shared with roommates. Living outside city centers can further reduce costs, with shared flats being a popular choice among students.
• Transportation Cost: Owning a car in Switzerland is very expensive, so most students rely on public transport. The bus and train systems are efficient and well-connected, with student passes offering a budget-friendly way to commute. This can significantly reduce transportation expenses.
• Lifestyle Patterns: Your spending habits play a crucial role in your overall living costs. Regularly dining out, shopping, or traveling can quickly increase expenses. To save money, consider preparing meals at home, exploring free or low-cost leisure activities, and limiting unnecessary spending.

Note: To make more informed decisions about studying abroad, you can enroll in our study abroad program and take consultation from our expert education consultants.

Overview of the Cost of Living in Switzerland for Indian Students

The average cost of living in Switzerland for Indian students varies depending on the location, accommodation type, food, and university tuition fees. On average, the living expenses in Switzerland for an Indian student is around ₹1.4 lakh per month, much higher compared to India which stands at around ₹30,000 per month. We have broken down the living expenses affecting different factors below.

1. Accommodation Costs

Accommodation is often the biggest expense for anyone living in Switzerland, especially for international students on a tight budget. It’s essential to plan your finances carefully and create a budget before moving to ensure you can cover your living expenses. The cost of accommodation varies depending on the type of housing you choose, such as shared apartments, dormitories, or private rentals. Being mindful of your options and choosing wisely can help you manage this significant part of your budget effectively.

Here is a summary table of the average cost of living in Switzerland:

Accommodation Type	Average Monthly Rent (CHF)	Average Monthly Rent (INR)
On-campus Accommodations/University Dormitory	CHF 627.60 – CHF 10,388.78	₹60,000 – ₹9,93,000
One-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)	CHF 1,569 – CHF 1,871.34	₹1.5 lakh – ₹1.79 lakh
Three-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)	CHF 3,138 – CHF 3,296.49	₹3 lakh – ₹3.15 lakh
One-bedroom apartment (Outside City Center)	CHF 1,046 – CHF 1,506.24	₹1 lakh – ₹1.44 lakh
Three-bedroom apartment (Outside City Center)	CHF 2,092 – CHF 2,592	₹2 lakh – ₹2.48 lakh

2. Food and Grocery Expenses

In Switzerland, cooking at home is a more affordable option compared to dining out. The cost of groceries varies based on individual preferences and how often you prepare meals at home. On average, monthly grocery expenses for one person can range between ₹19,000 and ₹49,700. Planning meals and buying in bulk can help further reduce costs while maintaining a balanced diet.

Here’s a table outlining the weekly grocery expenses of various items that you may incur:

Item	Average Price (CHF)	Average Price (INR )
Milk (1 litre)	CHF 1.74	₹166
Bread (loaf)	CHF 3.24	₹310
Eggs (dozen)	CHF 6.11	₹584
Rice (1 kg)	CHF 3.57	₹341
Chicken Fillets (1 kg)	CHF 25.23	₹2,410
Apples (1 kg)	CHF 3.08	₹294
Bananas (1 kg)	CHF 2.12	₹203
Oranges (1 kg)	CHF 2.62	₹250
Potatoes (1 kg)	CHF 2.22	₹212
Tomatoes (1 kg)	CHF 5.27	₹504
Onions (1 kg)	CHF 2.05	₹196
Water Bottle (1.5 litre)	CHF 1.01	₹97
Dining Out (Casual Meal)	CHF 24.98	₹2,388

3. Transportation Costs

Transportation in Switzerland is known to be on the pricier side. Public options like taxis and buses are widely available, while private modes include ride-hailing services and motorbikes. For those looking for a budget-friendly way to get around, cycling is an excellent option. The cost of transportation largely depends on the mode you choose, so planning and exploring different options can help manage expenses effectively.

Here’s a table that gives an overview of transportation expenses for living in Switzerland:

Transportation Mode	Average Price (CHF)	Average Cost Per Trip (INR ₹)
Public Transport (Bus/Train)	CHF 3.49	₹334
Gasoline (per litre)	CHF 1.84	₹176
Taxi Ride (per 1 km)	CHF 3.89	₹372
Renting a Motorbike (per day)	CHF 2.09	₹200

4. Miscellaneous Expenses

To manage expenses in Switzerland, Indian students should familiarise themselves with the breakdown of the average cost of living in Switzerland. Understanding the approximate cost of living in Switzerland will help Indian students prepare their finances accordingly. 

The table below shows the average monthly miscellaneous expenses in Switzerland:

Expense Type	Average Price (CHF)	Average Monthly Cost (INR ₹)
Utilities (Electricity, heating, water, internet)	CHF 221.75	₹21,200
Health Insurance	CHF 282.42	₹27,000
Entertainment/Miscellaneous	CHF 208.81	₹19,900

Cost of Living in Different Cities of Switzerland

When considering settling down in Switzerland, it’s important to know that the cost of living can be rather different from one city to the other. Knowledge of the costs of different cities will allow you to choose where to live and plan your budget according to the fine details. Zurich and Geneva are cities whose prices are generally higher than the rest, while Bern and Lausanne have a reduced cost of living.

Here’s a table of the average costs of living in some popular Swiss cities:

Cities	Average Monthly Living Cost (CHF)	Average Monthly Living Cost (₹)
Geneva	CHF 1996.9	₹1.9 lakh
Zurich	CHF 2102.0	₹2.0 lakh
Bern	CHF 1366.3	₹1.3 lakh
Basel	CHF 1576.5	₹1.5 lakh
Lausanne	CHF 1418.85	₹1.35 lakh

1. Cost of Living in Geneva

The city accommodates no fewer than ten universities, most of which are known worldwide. Such institutions offer high-class courses conducted in universities and allow students to graduate with diplomas recognized in almost all parts of the world. Geneva also differs from other European student towns in terms of multilingualism. 

The table below discusses the estimated living expenses in Geneva:

Expenses	Estimated Monthly Cost (CHF)	Estimated Monthly Cost (₹)
Accommodation	CHF 1,680	₹1.6 lakhs
Grocery	CHF 409.50	₹39,000
Transportation	CHF 82.85	₹7,890
Miscellaneous	CHF 159.66	₹15,206
Phone and Internet Services	CHF 42.00	₹4,000

2. Cost of Living in Zurich

Zurich is known for being prosperous, orderly, and low-tax, so it would almost seem like a millionaire’s haven rather than that of foreign students. But dig a little deeper and you’ll see that it deserves to be counted among the world’s greatest cities for students. 

The table below discusses the estimated average cost of living in Zurich:

Expenses	Estimated Monthly Cost (CHF)	Estimated Monthly Cost (₹)
Accommodation	CHF 2,205.00	₹2.1 lakh
Grocery	CHF 56.92	₹5,421
Transportation	CHF 86.77	₹8,264
Miscellaneous	CHF 171.69	₹16,351
Phone and Internet Services	CHF 52.25	₹4,976

3. Cost of Living in Bern

Academic high performance has earned Bern its international prestige. A large range of education, sports, and cultural events and a high standards of living environment characterize Bern as an interesting place for undergraduate students, researchers, and PhD students. 

The table below discusses the estimated living expenses in Bern:

Expenses	Estimated Monthly Cost (CHF)	Estimated Monthly Cost (₹)
Accommodation	CHF 1,265	₹1.15 lakh
Grocery	CHF 58.66	₹5,333
Transportation	CHF 84.08	₹7,644
Miscellaneous	CHF 152.53	₹13,866
Phone and Internet Services	CHF 39.11	₹3,555

4. Cost of Living in Basel

The city is rather safe and car traffic is often restricted in many residential areas. In addition, there are excellent public schools as well as international schools. There is also a strong economy coupled with an excellent university, which provides various interesting jobs that would make Basel attractive for highly skilled people coming from all over the world. 

The table below discusses the estimated living expenses in Basel:

Expenses	Estimated Monthly Cost (CHF)	Estimated Monthly Cost (₹)
Accommodation	CHF 1,650	₹1.5 lakh
Grocery	CHF 55.73	₹5,066
Transportation	CHF 89.95	₹8,177
Miscellaneous	CHF 166.21	₹15,110
Phone and Internet Services	CHF 65.51	₹5,955

5. Cost of Living in Lausanne

Training courses are also available at high levels in the country’s major cities, like Lausanne. Added to this is the fact that the city schools administer globally accepted diplomas. Culture also comes first in Lausanne, as it is a city of interest in which EPFL, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne is offered with its University (UNIL) hosting these research centers. 

The table below discusses the estimated living expenses in Lausanne:

Expenses	Estimated Monthly Cost (CHF)	Estimated Monthly Cost (₹)
Accommodation	CHF 1,540	₹1.4 lakh
Grocery	CHF 72.35	₹6,577
Transportation	CHF 82.13	₹7,466
Miscellaneous	CHF 144.71	₹13,155
Phone and Internet Services	CHF 48.88	₹4,444

How to Reduce Your Living Expenses in Switzerland?

Though Switzerland is an excellent place for education, living there can become expensive for Indian students. However, that can be well managed with apt finance and planning. Here are some tips to save cost of living in Switzerland for an Indian student:

• Home Cooking: Avoid eating outside very often. People will save much more by cooking at home.
• Buy in Bulk and Value Seeker: Bulk buying of groceries wherever possible will save the grocery expense.
• Use of Public Transport Infrastructure: Use of Switzerland’s well-developed public transport infrastructure will avoid the need to use taxis or hire private cars whenever transport is required.
• Shared Accommodations: There is a possibility of living in shared accommodations with fellow students, thereby reducing the rental outlays.
• Explore Part-time Employment: One can, under legal provisions, seek part-time employment to supplement the income earned.
• Optimize University Assets: Maximize all complementary resources by your university, like library and sports facilities for maximum utilization to maximize value obtained.

By following these suggestions, Indian students will be fully equipped to deal with living expenses in Switzerland and stay financially prudent while enriching their learning process.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Switzerland can be very different based on the city you are living in, personal expenses, and lifestyle choices you are involved in. We have listed here some basic everyday expenses that you might have to budget according to the city in which you live. By using such information, you can save up on your finances and make the most of your study abroad experience.

Moreover, if you are looking for scholarships to fund your degree, check out our detailed guide on Indian government scholarships for studying abroad.

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