Cost of Living in Lausanne - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,746 (excluding rent), and $3,587 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $4,569 (excluding rent), and $7,954 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$32.76 CHF 26.31

$29.67 CHF 23.83

$53.2 CHF 42.68

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$151 CHF 121

$113 CHF 90.8

$188 CHF 151

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$19.41 CHF 15.59

$18.85 CHF 15.14

$25.13 CHF 20.18

Cappuccino

$5.83 CHF 4.68

$4.19 CHF 3.37

$7.19 CHF 5.77

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

$5.50 CHF 4.41

$4.35 CHF 3.50

$6.85 CHF 5.50

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.80 CHF 3.85

$3.68 CHF 2.96

$6.75 CHF 5.42

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$10.09 CHF 8.10

$6.30 CHF 5.06

$12.60 CHF 10.12

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.50 CHF 6.83

$6.07 CHF 4.88

$10.94 CHF 8.78

Milk (1 liter)

$2.26 CHF 1.82

$1.89 CHF 1.52

$2.52 CHF 2.02

White Bread (500g)

$4.17 CHF 3.35

$1.50 CHF 1.20

$6.23 CHF 5.01

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.51 CHF 3.62

$2.51 CHF 2.02

$6.28 CHF 5.05

Eggs

$7.06 CHF 5.67

$4.09 CHF 3.28

$10.12 CHF 8.12

Local Cheese (1kg)

$26.33 CHF 21.15

$21.95 CHF 17.62

$31.71 CHF 25.46

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$28.65 CHF 23.01

$14.21 CHF 11.41

$40.78 CHF 32.74

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$53.6 CHF 43.05

$31.35 CHF 25.17

$100 CHF 80.6

Apples (1kg)

$3.75 CHF 3.02

$2.00 CHF 1.61

$6.27 CHF 5.03

Banana (1kg)

$2.16 CHF 1.73

$1.62 CHF 1.30

$4.05 CHF 3.25

Oranges (1kg)

$2.91 CHF 2.33

$1.87 CHF 1.50

$4.93 CHF 3.96

Tomato (1kg)

$6.61 CHF 5.31

$2.50 CHF 2.00

$9.87 CHF 7.93

Potato (1kg)

$2.41 CHF 1.93

$1.44 CHF 1.15

$4.07 CHF 3.27

Onion (1kg)

$2.41 CHF 1.93

$1.87 CHF 1.50

$3.12 CHF 2.50

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.59 CHF 2.08

$1.87 CHF 1.50

$3.11 CHF 2.50

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.47 CHF 1.18

$0.76 CHF 0.61

$3.17 CHF 2.54

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.92 CHF 8.77

$9.71 CHF 7.80

$14.55 CHF 11.69

Wine (Bottle)

$15.72 CHF 12.62

$10.70 CHF 8.60

$20.15 CHF 16.18

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.05 CHF 1.64

$1.22 CHF 0.98

$4.89 CHF 3.93

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.26 CHF 2.62

$2.39 CHF 1.92

$4.78 CHF 3.84

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$4.73 CHF 3.80

$3.77 CHF 3.02

$5.96 CHF 4.78

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$94.4 CHF 75.8

$92.0 CHF 73.9

$242 CHF 194

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$7.92 CHF 6.36

$7.42 CHF 5.96

$19.80 CHF 15.90

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$3.40 CHF 2.73

$2.94 CHF 2.36

$4.53 CHF 3.64

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$67.8 CHF 54.5

$62.8 CHF 50.4

$151 CHF 121

Gasoline (1 liter)

$2.17 CHF 1.74

$2.11 CHF 1.69

$2.42 CHF 1.95

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

$40.7K CHF 32.7K

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

$41.3K CHF 33.1K

$36.9K CHF 29.6K

$42.2K CHF 33.9K

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

$329 CHF 264

$187 CHF 150

$455 CHF 365

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

$50.6 CHF 40.64

$24.68 CHF 19.82

$85.1 CHF 68.4

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$58.1 CHF 46.69

$48.88 CHF 39.25

$79.5 CHF 63.9

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$76.4 CHF 61.3

$60.9 CHF 48.89

$146 CHF 117

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$47.86 CHF 38.43

$42.77 CHF 34.35

$48.89 CHF 39.25

Cinema Ticket

$26.87 CHF 21.57

$25.06 CHF 20.12

$33.82 CHF 27.16

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

$2,803 CHF 2,251

$1,475 CHF 1,185

$3,319 CHF 2,666

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$33.3K CHF 26.8K

$26.6K CHF 21.3K

$42.3K CHF 33.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$108 CHF 86.7

$49.07 CHF 39.40

$147 CHF 118

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$68.5 CHF 55.0

$42.44 CHF 34.08

$97.0 CHF 77.9

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$152 CHF 122

$99.1 CHF 79.5

$210 CHF 169

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$187 CHF 150

$99.9 CHF 80.3

$325 CHF 261

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,879 CHF 1,509

$1,373 CHF 1,102

$2,296 CHF 1,844

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,487 CHF 1,194

$999 CHF 802

$2,160 CHF 1,735

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,560 CHF 2,858

$2,685 CHF 2,156

$5,492 CHF 4,410

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,907 CHF 2,335

$2,329 CHF 1,870

$4,289 CHF 3,444

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$20.0K CHF 16.0K

$16.9K CHF 13.6K

$27.5K CHF 22.1K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$14.9K CHF 11.9K

$14.4K CHF 11.5K

$20.0K CHF 16.0K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$7,248 CHF 5,820

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: January 11, 2026

Lausanne Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

215

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

413

Mbps

237

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

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.