Last update: Oct 2026 Switzerland 12.5K

Cost of Living in Glarus

For one person, living costs in Glarus are estimated at $3,297 a month, including rent and utilities, which take about half of the total. Other living expenses average about $53 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Glarus

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Glarus actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $3,297 per month with rent, or $1,626 for everyday expenses alone.

$3,297 /mo

A couple spends around $4,996 per month with rent, or $2,853 for everyday expenses alone.

$4,996 /mo

A family of three spends around $6,696 per month with rent, or $4,079 without housing.

$6,696 /mo

Overall, Glarus is 137–144% above the global median across household types. Within Europe, costs are 88% above average – among the most expensive in the region.

Currency
Do you live in Glarus? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$29.24 CHF 24.08
$18.28 CHF 15.05
$73.1 CHF 60.2
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$122 CHF 100
$79.8 CHF 65.7
$195 CHF 160
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$17.09 CHF 14.07
$16.50 CHF 13.59
$23.57 CHF 19.41
Cappuccino
$5.88 CHF 4.84
$5.29 CHF 4.36
$7.06 CHF 5.81
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.76 CHF 3.10
$2.15 CHF 1.77
$6.08 CHF 5.01
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.82 CHF 3.15
$2.18 CHF 1.80
$6.05 CHF 4.98
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$9.11 CHF 7.50
$5.46 CHF 4.50
$10.32 CHF 8.50
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.26 CHF 5.15
$4.77 CHF 3.92
$8.23 CHF 6.78
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.20 CHF 1.81
$1.95 CHF 1.61
$2.44 CHF 2.01
White Bread (500g)
$3.14 CHF 2.58
$1.45 CHF 1.19
$6.03 CHF 4.96
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.82 CHF 2.32
$2.11 CHF 1.74
$5.80 CHF 4.78
Eggs
$7.70 CHF 6.34
$4.74 CHF 3.90
$11.53 CHF 9.50
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.58 CHF 7.06
$8.58 CHF 7.06
$35.53 CHF 29.26
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$14.56 CHF 11.99
$14.56 CHF 11.99
$40.03 CHF 32.97
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$37.65 CHF 31.01
$34.71 CHF 28.59
$40.60 CHF 33.44
Apples (1kg)
$3.04 CHF 2.51
$2.39 CHF 1.97
$4.77 CHF 3.93
Banana (1kg)
$1.55 CHF 1.27
$1.43 CHF 1.18
$2.38 CHF 1.96
Oranges (1kg)
$2.40 CHF 1.98
$1.84 CHF 1.51
$3.68 CHF 3.03
Tomato (1kg)
$5.41 CHF 4.46
$4.21 CHF 3.47
$9.51 CHF 7.83
Potato (1kg)
$1.64 CHF 1.35
$1.17 CHF 0.96
$5.83 CHF 4.80
Onion (1kg)
$2.09 CHF 1.72
$1.79 CHF 1.47
$2.38 CHF 1.96
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.19 CHF 1.80
$1.55 CHF 1.28
$2.50 CHF 2.06
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.18 CHF 0.97
$0.71 CHF 0.58
$3.31 CHF 2.73
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$11.00 CHF 9.06
$11.00 CHF 9.06
$12.22 CHF 10.06
Wine (Bottle)
$11.23 CHF 9.25
$9.71 CHF 8.00
$19.42 CHF 16.00
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.15 CHF 1.77
$1.57 CHF 1.29
$3.02 CHF 2.49
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.32 CHF 1.91
$1.83 CHF 1.51
$7.32 CHF 6.03
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$5.89 CHF 4.85
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$221 CHF 182
$107 CHF 88.5
$334 CHF 275
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$6.50 CHF 5.36
$5.91 CHF 4.87
$8.28 CHF 6.82
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$4.71 CHF 3.88
$4.71 CHF 3.88
$4.71 CHF 3.88
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$77.2 CHF 63.6
$77.2 CHF 63.6
$77.2 CHF 63.6
Gasoline (1 liter)
$2.18 CHF 1.79
$1.95 CHF 1.60
$2.49 CHF 2.05
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$34.3K CHF 28.3K
$34.3K CHF 28.3K
$42.8K CHF 35.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$39.6K CHF 32.6K
$39.0K CHF 32.1K
$77.9K CHF 64.2K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$311 CHF 256
$216 CHF 178
$467 CHF 385
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$38.06 CHF 31.35
$24.11 CHF 19.85
$84.4 CHF 69.5
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$53.5 CHF 44.03
$47.70 CHF 39.29
$119 CHF 98.2
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$160 CHF 132
$84.4 CHF 69.5
$299 CHF 246
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$41.77 CHF 34.40
$23.87 CHF 19.66
$59.7 CHF 49.14
Cinema Ticket
$25.57 CHF 21.06
$14.60 CHF 12.03
$34.08 CHF 28.07
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$2,254 CHF 1,857
$1,777 CHF 1,464
$2,731 CHF 2,249
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$31.7K CHF 26.1K
$21.4K CHF 17.6K
$42.0K CHF 34.6K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$103 CHF 84.5
$103 CHF 84.5
$169 CHF 139
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$41.84 CHF 34.46
$41.84 CHF 34.46
$95.6 CHF 78.8
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$131 CHF 108
$119 CHF 98.4
$167 CHF 138
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$96.4 CHF 79.4
$84.3 CHF 69.4
$241 CHF 198
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,676 CHF 1,380
$1,436 CHF 1,183
$2,154 CHF 1,774
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,359 CHF 1,120
$1,086 CHF 894
$1,810 CHF 1,491
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,950 CHF 2,430
$2,667 CHF 2,197
$3,152 CHF 2,596
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,306 CHF 1,899
$2,184 CHF 1,799
$2,427 CHF 1,999
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
2.1
1.5
3

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 13, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Glarus $3,297
Accommodation & Living
$1.4K
Eating Out
$444
Groceries & Markets
$438
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$402
Getting Around
$274
Sport & Entertainment
$211
Clothing & Footwear
$167

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $438 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $122 – above the European average of $73.0.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $221 – above the European average of $49.00.

Cost Highlights

Glarus has the 9th most expensive public transport monthly pass worldwide

Glarus has the 3rd most expensive gym membership in Europe

Eggs is more expensive than 99% of cities in Europe

Good to know
🕒 Local time
03:18 3:18 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
12,500
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to CHF – Swiss Franc Converter

Swiss Franc exchange rates as of October 20, 2026: 1 USD = 0.824 CHF (1 CHF = 1.21 USD). 1 EUR = 0.926 CHF (1 CHF = 1.08 EUR).

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Glarus Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Glarus - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cost of living in Glarus, Switzerland compare for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who will find it good value?
Glarus, Switzerland offers a measured blend of alpine charm and practicality, so travelers, expats, and digital nomads can find value with mindful budgeting. When you review Cost of Living in Glarus, Switzerland, you’ll see it reflects a tight balance between high-quality services and predictable infrastructure, paired with a compact town feel and easy access to nature. Those who value safety, efficiency, and a slower pace tend to feel the everyday expenses are manageable with thoughtful planning. Housing options cluster in town centers and hillside areas, while groceries and dining provide options ranging from casual to refined. Tip: Build a weekly routine that pairs outdoor time with occasional outings to optimize your budget.
What does daily life look like in Glarus, especially housing search, food, transport, or coworking options?
Daily life centers on compact streets, reliable transit, and easy access to outdoor recreation. Housing search favors smaller, well-located flats with efficient layouts; consider neighborhoods near the old town for walkability or hillside routes for quieter mornings. Food options span farmers' markets, bakeries, and seasonal produce, plus good-value eateries a short ride away. The town benefits from a connected bus network and bike-friendly routes; coworking spaces suit both solo work and small teams. When you weigh Glarus, Switzerland living cost, you’ll notice affordability tends to be steadier for longer stays and shorter commutes, with seasonal shifts in demand around holidays. Tip: Build a flexible routine that minimizes back-and-forth trips.
Which neighborhoods fit different lifestyles in Glarus, and how can you budget effectively across the seasons?
Quality of life leans on balance: crisp air, a compact center, and access to hikes, lakes, and local culture. For budgeting, adopt a framework that separates fixed essentials (housing, utilities) from variable expenses (food, entertaining, transit). Seasonal nuances matter: shoulder seasons bring calmer streets and better housing options, while peak times may require planning for longer waits or shorter leases. Neighborhood fit matters: choose the town center for walkability and proximity to services, or tranquil hillside lanes for views and quieter mornings. Practical tips include negotiating lease terms, using local markets for seasonal produce, and testing a coworking day pass before committing. Tip: set a monthly review to adjust plans as seasons change.
How much does it cost to live in Glarus per month?
Plan for roughly $3,297 a month in Glarus if you're renting, or around $1,626 for non-housing expenses. That covers one person's basics: food, bills, getting around, and a modest social life. Couples and families will need more, especially for housing and childcare.
What drives the high cost of living in Glarus?
Glarus is expensive by global standards – monthly costs hit about $3,297. Housing is the main driver: central rents are steep, and even outer neighborhoods cost more than the global average. Strong demand, high local incomes, and limited supply all push prices up.
What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Glarus?
You'll want at least $4,945 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Glarus. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
What is the average rent for an apartment in Glarus?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Glarus runs about $1,676 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $1,359. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
How much does grocery shopping cost per month in Glarus?
Groceries are expensive in Glarus – about $438 per month for one person. Imported goods and organic products are widely available but pricey. Local markets and discount stores help, but food is a noticeable budget item.
What is a monthly transit pass in Glarus?
Public transport in Glarus costs about $221 per month – usually unlimited rides on buses, metro, or trams within the main zone. Much cheaper than owning a car, and the practical choice for most residents.
Can a person live on $2,500 monthly in Glarus?
$2,500 in Glarus is a stretch – monthly costs with rent hit $3,297, and housing alone takes a big chunk. Even with a shared flat and minimal going out, there's very little buffer for surprises or savings.
What is quality of life like in Glarus?
Quality of life in Glarus is genuinely good – highlights include fast internet, low crime rates, clean air, and monthly costs hover around $3,297. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.

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