For one person, living costs in Montreux are estimated at $3,392 a month, including rent and utilities, which take about half of the total. Other living expenses average about $55 a day.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Montreux actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
A single person spends around $3,392 per month with rent, or $1,667 for everyday expenses alone.
$3,392 /mo
A couple spends around $5,203 per month with rent, or $2,969 for everyday expenses alone.
$5,203 /mo
A family of three spends around $7,015 per month with rent, or $4,272 without housing.
$7,015 /mo
📊
Overall, Montreux is 148–151% above the global median across household types. Within Europe, costs are 93% above average – among the most expensive in the region.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$38.2KCHF 31.4K
$34.3KCHF 28.2K
$42.1KCHF 34.7K
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$38.8KCHF 32.0K
$38.8KCHF 32.0K
$38.8KCHF 32.0K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$285CHF 234
$193CHF 159
$373CHF 307
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$36.64CHF 30.18
$18.13CHF 14.94
$72.5CHF 59.8
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$50.9CHF 41.94
$47.74CHF 39.32
$71.6CHF 59.0
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$88.5CHF 72.9
$58.1CHF 47.85
$119CHF 97.7
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$45.52CHF 37.49
$24.28CHF 20.00
$46.13CHF 37.99
Cinema Ticket
$23.83CHF 19.63
$19.07CHF 15.71
$27.29CHF 22.47
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$2,416CHF 1,990
$1,930CHF 1,590
$3,962CHF 3,263
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$35.8KCHF 29.5K
$29.0KCHF 23.9K
$47.7KCHF 39.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$137CHF 113
$73.2CHF 60.3
$170CHF 140
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$76.0CHF 62.6
$47.45CHF 39.08
$154CHF 127
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$163CHF 134
$131CHF 108
$190CHF 157
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$185CHF 152
$95.6CHF 78.8
$311CHF 256
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,673CHF 1,378
$1,188CHF 978
$1,900CHF 1,565
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$1,440CHF 1,186
$1,200CHF 988
$1,680CHF 1,384
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$2,879CHF 2,371
$2,450CHF 2,018
$3,185CHF 2,623
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$2,458CHF 2,025
$2,112CHF 1,740
$2,897CHF 2,386
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$15.6KCHF 12.9K
$9,638CHF 7,938
$18.3KCHF 15.1K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$12.1KCHF 9,982
$7,878CHF 6,488
$14.0KCHF 11.5K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$8,082CHF 6,657
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
1.95
1.8
2.46
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 11, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Montreux$3,392
Montreux$7,015
🏠Accommodation & Living
$1.4K 42.5%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$570 16.8%
🍽Eating Out
$475 14%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$372 11%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$252 7.4%
🚌Getting Around
$146 4.3%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$136 4%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$2.5K 35.1%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$1.4K 19.3%
🍽Eating Out
$1.6K 23%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$409 5.8%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$560 8%
🚌Getting Around
$301 4.3%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$318 4.5%
Cost Breakdown
🏠A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,673, dropping to $1,440 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 21% of the average salary ($8,082) – well above the 30% international benchmark.
💰The average net salary is $8,082 – comfortably above monthly costs of $3,392. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $5,088.
🛒Groceries cost around $570 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $132 – above the European average of $73.0.
🚌A monthly public transport pass costs about $101 – above the European average of $49.00.
Cost Highlights
⭐Three-course dinner for two, mid-range is more expensive than 99% of cities in Europe
⭐Family monthly cost (excluding rent) is more expensive than 99% of cities in Europe
⭐Fast food meal is more expensive than 99% of cities in Europe
Low risk of other local infectious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Tick-borne encephalitis, Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and Sleeping sickness
Popular online taxi apps offering convenient, cashless rides in many countries, including Uber, Bolt, Grab, inDrive, DiDi, Careem, Gojek, Maxim, and Yango
Cost of Living in Montreux - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montreux a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, or does it skew expensive?
Montreux sits in one of Switzerland's most scenic zones, so the overall cost of living remains high by many standards, but you gain safety, reliability, and a pleasant daily rhythm. Cost of Living in Montreux tends to favor those who combine longer stays with mindful budgeting – shared housing, local groceries, and off-peak travel help. You’ll notice a premium for lake views, cultural events, and quality services, yet well-chosen neighborhoods near the train line can balance convenience with price. Practical choices around seasonality and retirement- or remote-work-friendly arrangements can shift the experience toward value. Tip: lock in longer-stay accommodations and explore nearby towns for day trips.
What does daily life look like in Montreux for housing, food, transport, and coworking, and how should you approach errands?
Daily life leans toward a high-quality mix of outdoor leisure and café culture. For housing search, target neighborhoods near the lakeside promenade or the rail line for easy commutes; expect a range from compact apartments to larger riverfront spaces, with seasonal fluctuations in demand. Food options include reliable markets, seasonal produce, and a mix of Swiss and international flavors. Transport is smooth: trains and buses connect you to Lausanne and Geneva, plus bikes are practical along the promenade. Montreux living cost is shaped by location and season, so you’ll want a flexible plan around peak events. Tip: Use longer-term leases to lock in steadier rates and map a weekly grocery plan to fit seasonal produce.
How would you frame a budgeting plan for Montreux, and which neighborhoods or seasons suit different lifestyles?
Quality of life in Montreux blends outdoor access with refined services, so your budgeting framework helps you choose rhythm and pace. Start with a simple monthly plan: housing, meals, transport, and a buffer for occasional adventures. Compare neighborhoods by access to the lake, tram routes, and grocery options rather than just rent. In shoulder seasons, you’ll notice more flexible pricing and quieter streets, which suits digital nomads and seasonally employed travelers. Include seasonal gear costs (ski pass or lake activities) only if relevant to your plans. Tip: build a habit of shopping at local markets and cooking at home to stretch meals without sacrificing variety.
What drives the high cost of living in Montreux?
Montreux is expensive by global standards – monthly costs hit about $3,392. 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.
How expensive is daily life in Montreux?
There's no getting around it – Montreux is expensive. Monthly costs with rent typically hit $3,392, and housing is the biggest culprit. Groceries, dining, and services also run above global averages, pushed up by strong local demand and high incomes.
How much do people earn on average in Montreux?
After taxes, the average worker in Montreux takes home about $8,082 per month. Of course, that varies a lot by industry and experience – tech and finance pay well above this, while service jobs often fall below it.
How affordable is housing in Montreux?
Rent hits hard in Montreux – 1-bedroom apartments range from $1,440 to $1,673 per month, and housing is the biggest single expense for most residents. Competition for well-connected central apartments is fierce.
How much does grocery shopping cost per month in Montreux?
Groceries are expensive in Montreux – about $570 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 Montreux?
Public transport in Montreux costs about $101 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 Montreux?
$2,500 in Montreux is a stretch – monthly costs with rent hit $3,392, 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.
How family-friendly is Montreux?
Montreux is a solid pick for families. Childcare runs about $2,416 per month, and there's good access to parks, schools, and family-oriented services. Most neighborhoods are safe and walkable, which makes daily family life practical.