Cost of Living in Lausanne - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,756 (excluding rent), and $3,487 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $4,585 (excluding rent), and $7,955 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$32.38 CHF 26.06

$29.32 CHF 23.6

$52.5 CHF 42.28

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$149 CHF 120

$112 CHF 89.8

$186 CHF 150

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$19.38 CHF 15.59

$18.82 CHF 15.14

$25.09 CHF 20.19

Cappuccino

$5.86 CHF 4.72

$4.21 CHF 3.39

$7.22 CHF 5.81

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.54 CHF 4.46

$4.39 CHF 3.53

$6.9 CHF 5.55

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.91 CHF 3.95

$3.77 CHF 3.04

$6.91 CHF 5.56

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$9.98 CHF 8.03

$6.24 CHF 5.02

$12.47 CHF 10.04

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.7 CHF 7.01

$6.22 CHF 5.01

$11.2 CHF 9.01

Milk (1 liter)

$2.25 CHF 1.81

$1.88 CHF 1.51

$2.5 CHF 2.01

White Bread (500g)

$4.1 CHF 3.3

$1.47 CHF 1.18

$6.12 CHF 4.93

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.32 CHF 3.47

$2.4 CHF 1.93

$6.02 CHF 4.84

Eggs

$7.14 CHF 5.75

$4.13 CHF 3.33

$10.23 CHF 8.24

Local Cheese (1kg)

$27.13 CHF 21.83

$22.61 CHF 18.2

$32.67 CHF 26.29

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$28.21 CHF 22.7

$14 CHF 11.26

$40.15 CHF 32.31

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$52.3 CHF 42.08

$30.58 CHF 24.61

$97.8 CHF 78.7

Apples (1kg)

$3.78 CHF 3.05

$2.02 CHF 1.63

$6.32 CHF 5.08

Banana (1kg)

$2.18 CHF 1.76

$1.64 CHF 1.32

$4.1 CHF 3.3

Oranges (1kg)

$2.85 CHF 2.29

$1.84 CHF 1.48

$4.84 CHF 3.89

Tomato (1kg)

$6.54 CHF 5.26

$2.47 CHF 1.98

$9.75 CHF 7.85

Potato (1kg)

$2.49 CHF 2

$1.49 CHF 1.2

$4.21 CHF 3.39

Onion (1kg)

$2.4 CHF 1.93

$1.87 CHF 1.5

$3.11 CHF 2.5

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.62 CHF 2.1

$1.89 CHF 1.52

$3.15 CHF 2.53

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.45 CHF 1.17

$0.75 CHF 0.6

$3.12 CHF 2.51

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.99 CHF 8.85

$9.77 CHF 7.87

$14.65 CHF 11.79

Wine (Bottle)

$15.4 CHF 12.39

$10.49 CHF 8.44

$19.74 CHF 15.89

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.03 CHF 1.64

$1.21 CHF 0.98

$4.86 CHF 3.91

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.21 CHF 2.58

$2.35 CHF 1.89

$4.71 CHF 3.79

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$4.94 CHF 3.98

$3.93 CHF 3.17

$6.22 CHF 5.01

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$94.9 CHF 76.4

$92.5 CHF 74.4

$243 CHF 196

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$7.74 CHF 6.23

$7.26 CHF 5.84

$19.36 CHF 15.58

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$3.4 CHF 2.74

$2.94 CHF 2.37

$4.53 CHF 3.65

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$65.7 CHF 52.9

$60.9 CHF 48.99

$146 CHF 118

Gasoline (1 liter)

$2.21 CHF 1.78

$2.15 CHF 1.73

$2.47 CHF 1.99

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$40.2K CHF 32.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$41K CHF 33K

$36.6K CHF 29.4K

$41.9K CHF 33.7K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$325 CHF 262

$185 CHF 149

$450 CHF 362

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$51.2 CHF 41.23

$24.98 CHF 20.1

$86.2 CHF 69.4

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$58.9 CHF 47.41

$49.53 CHF 39.86

$80.6 CHF 64.9

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$77.3 CHF 62.2

$61.6 CHF 49.56

$148 CHF 119

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$48.05 CHF 38.67

$42.94 CHF 34.56

$49.08 CHF 39.5

Cinema Ticket

$26.73 CHF 21.51

$24.93 CHF 20.06

$33.65 CHF 27.08

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$2,781 CHF 2,238

$1,464 CHF 1,178

$3,294 CHF 2,651

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$34.3K CHF 27.6K

$27.3K CHF 22K

$43.5K CHF 35K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$107 CHF 86.5

$48.85 CHF 39.32

$147 CHF 118

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$70.5 CHF 56.7

$43.68 CHF 35.15

$99.8 CHF 80.3

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$151 CHF 122

$99 CHF 79.6

$210 CHF 169

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$188 CHF 151

$100 CHF 80.8

$326 CHF 263

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,852 CHF 1,491

$1,353 CHF 1,089

$2,263 CHF 1,822

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,458 CHF 1,173

$979 CHF 788

$2,118 CHF 1,704

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,617 CHF 2,911

$2,729 CHF 2,196

$5,581 CHF 4,492

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,912 CHF 2,343

$2,332 CHF 1,877

$4,296 CHF 3,458

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$21.5K CHF 17.3K

$20K CHF 16.1K

$28.8K CHF 23.2K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$14.7K CHF 11.8K

$14.1K CHF 11.4K

$19.6K CHF 15.7K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$7,227 CHF 5,816

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

2.5

1.8

2.7

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

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🇪🇺 Europe

Cost of Living in Lausanne - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Lausanne is notably high by many global standards, yet some travelers and expats find it offers strong value when you plan around housing and long-term stays. For short visits, daily costs like meals and transit are predictable, and you can stretch your budget with markets, shared accommodations, and student-friendly places near campuses. Long-term residents often prioritize a well-located apartment, access to reliable public transport, and utilities efficiency to keep expenses predictable. The city rewards deliberate budgeting: seasonal groceries, public services, and free cultural activities help balance higher base costs. Tip: compare neighborhoods and test a few before committing to a lease.

In Lausanne, housing options span compact studios to bright 1-bedroom flats; neighborhoods like Flon or Ouchy offer walkability but can be pricier, while Sous-Gare or Prilly can be more affordable with easy transit links. Food is excellent and methods vary: dine at bistros, shop farmers' markets, or cook with seasonal produce from the local grocer. Transport is hallmarked by clean trams, buses, and bike lanes; a monthly pass is convenient for nomads who roam. Errands are straightforward with well-stocked grocery stores and pharmacies scattered around the center. Lausanne living cost varies by neighborhood. Tip: try a weekend walk through different districts to calibrate prices and vibe.

Quality of life in Lausanne comes from a mix of safety, scenery, and efficient services. Build a simple budgeting framework: fixed housing costs, transport, groceries, and leisure, then allocate a buffer for seasonal needs like heating in winter or lake outings in summer. Neighborhood fit matters: the old town offers charm and walkability, while the north shore neighborhoods are quieter and more affordable, and areas near UNIL/EPFL suit students and remote workers. Look for long-term leases that include heating and building maintenance; consider transit passes and bike-friendly options. Seasonal events and free museum days add value without stressing your wallet. Tip: test a few seasons in a neighborhood before committing.