Cost of Living in Locarno - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,316 (excluding rent), and $2,733 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $4,169 (excluding rent), and $6,398 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$27.69 CHF 22.24

$24.62 CHF 19.77

$43.08 CHF 34.59

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$151 CHF 121

$113 CHF 90.7

$176 CHF 141

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$16.88 CHF 13.55

$15.00 CHF 12.05

$18.76 CHF 15.06

Cappuccino

$4.71 CHF 3.78

$4.19 CHF 3.36

$7.06 CHF 5.67

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

$5.15 CHF 4.14

$4.37 CHF 3.51

$6.37 CHF 5.11

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.59 CHF 3.68

$4.37 CHF 3.51

$6.25 CHF 5.02

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.21 CHF 5.79

$6.01 CHF 4.83

$9.02 CHF 7.24

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.06 CHF 5.67

$5.52 CHF 4.43

$9.83 CHF 7.89

Milk (1 liter)

$1.88 CHF 1.51

$2.32 CHF 1.86

White Bread (500g)

$2.67 CHF 2.14

$1.18 CHF 0.95

$4.36 CHF 3.50

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.52 CHF 2.02

$1.51 CHF 1.22

$6.24 CHF 5.01

Eggs

$5.79 CHF 4.65

$9.41 CHF 7.55

Local Cheese (1kg)

$27.90 CHF 22.40

$19.92 CHF 16.00

$44.83 CHF 36.00

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$14.94 CHF 12.00

$41.10 CHF 33.00

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$37.56 CHF 30.16

$31.80 CHF 25.53

$121 CHF 97.5

Apples (1kg)

$2.79 CHF 2.24

$2.53 CHF 2.03

$6.98 CHF 5.61

Banana (1kg)

$1.89 CHF 1.52

$1.64 CHF 1.31

$3.79 CHF 3.04

Oranges (1kg)

$1.86 CHF 1.50

$3.60 CHF 2.89

Tomato (1kg)

$3.12 CHF 2.51

$10.00 CHF 8.03

Potato (1kg)

$1.37 CHF 1.10

$1.12 CHF 0.90

$4.91 CHF 3.95

Onion (1kg)

$1.88 CHF 1.51

$2.44 CHF 1.96

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.80 CHF 1.44

$1.08 CHF 0.87

$9.45 CHF 7.59

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.72 CHF 0.58

$1.99 CHF 1.60

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.89 CHF 8.74

$10.57 CHF 8.49

$12.32 CHF 9.89

Wine (Bottle)

$11.51 CHF 9.24

$10.22 CHF 8.21

$20.46 CHF 16.43

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.27 CHF 1.82

$1.64 CHF 1.31

$2.52 CHF 2.02

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.33 CHF 1.87

$1.96 CHF 1.57

$3.68 CHF 2.95

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.70 CHF 2.17

$2.40 CHF 1.92

$3.00 CHF 2.41

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$99.3 CHF 79.7

$62.7 CHF 50.3

$105 CHF 84.7

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$6.64 CHF 5.33

$6.03 CHF 4.84

$12.06 CHF 9.69

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$4.20 CHF 3.37

$4.53 CHF 3.63

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$80.4 CHF 64.6

Gasoline (1 liter)

$2.14 CHF 1.72

$2.05 CHF 1.65

$2.44 CHF 1.96

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

$34.0K CHF 27.3K

$39.8K CHF 31.9K

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

$41.5K CHF 33.4K

$39.9K CHF 32.1K

$44.4K CHF 35.6K

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

$329 CHF 264

$246 CHF 197

$470 CHF 377

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

$24.60 CHF 19.75

$84.9 CHF 68.1

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$47.75 CHF 38.34

$43.60 CHF 35.01

$62.3 CHF 50.0

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$75.3 CHF 60.5

$56.5 CHF 45.36

$113 CHF 90.7

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$30.69 CHF 24.64

Cinema Ticket

$20.96 CHF 16.83

$18.50 CHF 14.85

$20.96 CHF 16.83

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

$1,459 CHF 1,172

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$19.3K CHF 15.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$114 CHF 91.7

$97.9 CHF 78.6

$122 CHF 98.2

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$58.6 CHF 47.07

$49.36 CHF 39.63

$98.7 CHF 79.3

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$122 CHF 97.8

$92.8 CHF 74.6

$136 CHF 109

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$119 CHF 95.8

$97.9 CHF 78.6

$141 CHF 113

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,041 CHF 836

$1,837 CHF 1,475

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,039 CHF 834

$978 CHF 785

$1,589 CHF 1,276

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,423 CHF 1,946

$2,147 CHF 1,724

$2,699 CHF 2,167

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,258 CHF 1,813

$2,166 CHF 1,739

$2,351 CHF 1,888

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$8,159 CHF 6,552

$6,428 CHF 5,162

$9,890 CHF 7,941

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$6,284 CHF 5,046

$5,102 CHF 4,097

$7,466 CHF 5,996

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$6,903 CHF 5,543

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

2.17

2.5

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

Last update: January 11, 2026

Locarno Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

292

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 Locarno - Frequently Asked Questions

Locarno blends lakefront charm with a high standard of living. The Cost of Living in Locarno, Switzerland sits at the upper end by global standards, typical of Swiss towns, but you get stability, safety, and a relaxed, outdoor-friendly lifestyle that many travelers prize. It can feel more manageable for a longer stay if you choose neighborhoods a bit off the tourist paths or share housing. Seasonal tourism nudges prices in peak months, yet there are options for off-season pacing and easy lake access. Tip: Map a realistic transit and grocery plan to balance convenience with costs.

Finding a home usually starts with local agents or trusted rental portals; expect deposits and paperwork, and consider living near the lake or the Old Town for easy access to markets and nightlife. Food options span markets with seasonal produce, bakery staples, and casual eateries; grocery budgeting can be flexible depending on whether you cook most meals or dine out. Transport relies on a dependable train network and buses; cycling is pleasant near the water. For work or study, look for coworking spaces that suit your hours. Locarno, Switzerland living cost influences how you plan groceries, commute, and leisure. Tip: Build a simple weekly routine that minimizes back-and-forth trips.

Quality of life here rewards a balanced approach: set a budgeting framework that separates housing, food, transport, and leisure, then adjust with the seasons. In summer, outdoor activities and lake visits may shift your routine and spending toward dining al fresco or events; in quieter months you might save by cooking at home and choosing neighborhood strolls. Neighborhood fit matters: lakeside paths feel lively and central, while hillside areas offer calmer mornings and easier access to hiking. Build in flexibility for transit changes or coworking space memberships. Tip: Track one or two large recurring costs and review them quarterly to stay aligned with your goals.