Cost of Living in Lausanne - Updated Prices & Insights

132.3

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,791 (excluding rent), and $3,500 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $4,592 (excluding rent), and $7,934 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$32.77 CHF 26.65

$29.68 CHF 24.13

$53.2 CHF 43.23

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$149 CHF 121

$112 CHF 90.7

$186 CHF 151

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$19.19 CHF 15.61

$18.64 CHF 15.15

$24.85 CHF 20.21

Cappuccino

$5.9 CHF 4.79

$4.23 CHF 3.44

$7.26 CHF 5.9

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

$5.39 CHF 4.39

$4.27 CHF 3.47

$6.72 CHF 5.47

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.73 CHF 3.84

$3.63 CHF 2.95

$6.65 CHF 5.4

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$10.01 CHF 8.14

$6.25 CHF 5.08

$12.51 CHF 10.17

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.56 CHF 6.96

$6.12 CHF 4.98

$11.02 CHF 8.96

Milk (1 liter)

$2.27 CHF 1.84

$1.9 CHF 1.54

$2.52 CHF 2.05

White Bread (500g)

$4.19 CHF 3.41

$1.51 CHF 1.23

$6.27 CHF 5.1

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.41 CHF 3.58

$2.45 CHF 2

$6.14 CHF 5

Eggs

$7.26 CHF 5.91

$4.21 CHF 3.42

$10.41 CHF 8.47

Local Cheese (1kg)

$26.54 CHF 21.58

$22.12 CHF 17.99

$31.96 CHF 25.99

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$28.82 CHF 23.44

$14.3 CHF 11.63

$41.03 CHF 33.36

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$53.7 CHF 43.63

$31.38 CHF 25.51

$100 CHF 81.6

Apples (1kg)

$3.71 CHF 3.02

$1.98 CHF 1.61

$6.2 CHF 5.04

Banana (1kg)

$2.16 CHF 1.76

$1.63 CHF 1.32

$4.06 CHF 3.3

Oranges (1kg)

$2.8 CHF 2.28

$1.81 CHF 1.47

$4.76 CHF 3.87

Tomato (1kg)

$6.58 CHF 5.35

$2.48 CHF 2.02

$9.82 CHF 7.99

Potato (1kg)

$2.42 CHF 1.97

$1.45 CHF 1.18

$4.09 CHF 3.33

Onion (1kg)

$2.32 CHF 1.89

$1.81 CHF 1.47

$3.01 CHF 2.45

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.53 CHF 2.05

$1.83 CHF 1.48

$3.04 CHF 2.47

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.42 CHF 1.15

$0.73 CHF 0.6

$3.06 CHF 2.49

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$11.27 CHF 9.16

$10.02 CHF 8.14

$15.01 CHF 12.21

Wine (Bottle)

$14.09 CHF 11.45

$10.41 CHF 8.46

$19.59 CHF 15.93

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2 CHF 1.63

$1.2 CHF 0.97

$4.79 CHF 3.9

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.26 CHF 2.65

$2.39 CHF 1.94

$4.78 CHF 3.89

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$4.71 CHF 3.83

$3.74 CHF 3.04

$5.92 CHF 4.81

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$97.5 CHF 79.3

$95 CHF 77.3

$250 CHF 203

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$7.69 CHF 6.25

$7.21 CHF 5.86

$19.23 CHF 15.64

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$3.36 CHF 2.73

$2.91 CHF 2.36

$4.47 CHF 3.64

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$67.3 CHF 54.7

$62.3 CHF 50.7

$150 CHF 122

Gasoline (1 liter)

$2.18 CHF 1.77

$2.12 CHF 1.72

$2.43 CHF 1.98

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

$41K CHF 33.4K

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

$41.8K CHF 34K

$37.4K CHF 30.4K

$42.8K CHF 34.8K

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

$323 CHF 263

$184 CHF 150

$447 CHF 364

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

$49.56 CHF 40.3

$24.17 CHF 19.65

$83.4 CHF 67.8

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$58.9 CHF 47.88

$49.51 CHF 40.25

$80.6 CHF 65.5

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$77.9 CHF 63.3

$62.1 CHF 50.5

$149 CHF 121

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$49.16 CHF 39.97

$43.93 CHF 35.72

$50.2 CHF 40.82

Cinema Ticket

$26.23 CHF 21.33

$24.47 CHF 19.89

$33.02 CHF 26.85

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

$2,812 CHF 2,286

$1,480 CHF 1,203

$3,329 CHF 2,707

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$34.6K CHF 28.1K

$27.5K CHF 22.4K

$43.8K CHF 35.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$109 CHF 88.9

$49.67 CHF 40.39

$149 CHF 121

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$70.7 CHF 57.5

$43.78 CHF 35.6

$100 CHF 81.4

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$153 CHF 124

$100 CHF 81.4

$213 CHF 173

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$185 CHF 150

$98.4 CHF 80

$320 CHF 260

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,879 CHF 1,528

$1,373 CHF 1,116

$2,297 CHF 1,867

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,484 CHF 1,206

$997 CHF 810

$2,155 CHF 1,753

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,580 CHF 2,911

$2,700 CHF 2,195

$5,523 CHF 4,491

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,879 CHF 2,341

$2,306 CHF 1,875

$4,247 CHF 3,453

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$21.6K CHF 17.6K

$12.5K CHF 10.1K

$28.7K CHF 23.3K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$14.7K CHF 11.9K

$8,570 CHF 6,968

$22K CHF 17.9K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$7,491 CHF 6,091

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.

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.