Cost of Living in Neuchatel - Updated Prices & Insights

118.38
Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,657 (excluding rent), and $3,390 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $4,057 (excluding rent), and $6,851 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$24.84 CHF 20.2
$22.35 CHF 18.17
$37.26 CHF 30.29
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$99.8 CHF 81.1
$68.6 CHF 55.8
$150 CHF 122
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$20.44 CHF 16.62
$16.1 CHF 13.09
$30.96 CHF 25.17
Cappuccino
$4.69 CHF 3.82
$3.62 CHF 2.94
$6.02 CHF 4.9
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.88 CHF 3.97
$3.76 CHF 3.06
$6.01 CHF 4.89
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.8 CHF 3.09
$2.4 CHF 1.95
$4.8 CHF 3.9
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$8.7 CHF 7.07
$4.97 CHF 4.04
$11.19 CHF 9.1
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.99 CHF 4.87
$4.79 CHF 3.9
$8.38 CHF 6.82
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.13 CHF 1.73
$1.71 CHF 1.39
$2.44 CHF 1.98
White Bread (500g)
$3.88 CHF 3.16
$2.26 CHF 1.84
$5.27 CHF 4.28
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.26 CHF 3.46
$3.06 CHF 2.48
$6.05 CHF 4.92
Eggs
$7.07 CHF 5.75
$5.78 CHF 4.7
$9.77 CHF 7.94
Local Cheese (1kg)
$31.53 CHF 25.64
$27.57 CHF 22.42
$42.61 CHF 34.65
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$32.34 CHF 26.3
$17.09 CHF 13.89
$40.27 CHF 32.74
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$48.44 CHF 39.38
$31.2 CHF 25.37
$62.4 CHF 50.7
Apples (1kg)
$5.33 CHF 4.34
$2.51 CHF 2.04
$8.29 CHF 6.74
Banana (1kg)
$3.18 CHF 2.58
$1.8 CHF 1.46
$5.99 CHF 4.87
Oranges (1kg)
$2.87 CHF 2.33
$1.71 CHF 1.39
$5.07 CHF 4.12
Tomato (1kg)
$5.69 CHF 4.63
$2.4 CHF 1.95
$9.48 CHF 7.71
Potato (1kg)
$2.92 CHF 2.37
$1.01 CHF 0.82
$3.76 CHF 3.06
Onion (1kg)
$2.35 CHF 1.91
$1.8 CHF 1.47
$2.4 CHF 1.95
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.13 CHF 1.73
$1.56 CHF 1.27
$2.53 CHF 2.06
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.68 CHF 1.37
$0.75 CHF 0.61
$2.49 CHF 2.03
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$11.31 CHF 9.2
$11.31 CHF 9.2
$11.31 CHF 9.2
Wine (Bottle)
$12.21 CHF 9.92
$9.77 CHF 7.94
$19.53 CHF 15.88
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.29 CHF 1.87
$1.21 CHF 0.98
$3.63 CHF 2.95
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.25 CHF 2.64
$1.8 CHF 1.47
$4.81 CHF 3.91
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$3.13 CHF 2.54
$2.58 CHF 2.1
$5.15 CHF 4.19
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$89.7 CHF 72.9
$84.8 CHF 69
$127 CHF 103
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$8.98 CHF 7.3
$7.18 CHF 5.84
$11.98 CHF 9.74
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$3.26 CHF 2.65
$3.26 CHF 2.65
$5.42 CHF 4.41
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$78.1 CHF 63.5
$56.2 CHF 45.71
$99.9 CHF 81.3
Gasoline (1 liter)
$2.23 CHF 1.81
$2.19 CHF 1.78
$2.5 CHF 2.03
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$40.8K CHF 33.2K
$40.8K CHF 33.2K
$40.8K CHF 33.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$42.1K CHF 34.2K
$41K CHF 33.3K
$43.2K CHF 35.1K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$277 CHF 225
$243 CHF 198
$310 CHF 252
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$64.5 CHF 52.4
$24.96 CHF 20.29
$86.5 CHF 70.4
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$37.56 CHF 30.54
$25.04 CHF 20.36
$50.1 CHF 40.72
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$92.2 CHF 74.9
$62.2 CHF 50.6
$104 CHF 84.9
Cinema Ticket
$21.97 CHF 17.86
$20.08 CHF 16.33
$43.93 CHF 35.72
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$2,572 CHF 2,091
$2,187 CHF 1,778
$2,794 CHF 2,272
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$26.5K CHF 21.6K
$18.3K CHF 14.9K
$30.8K CHF 25K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$135 CHF 110
$85.7 CHF 69.7
$147 CHF 120
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$68.8 CHF 56
$48.79 CHF 39.67
$75.1 CHF 61
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$155 CHF 126
$125 CHF 102
$188 CHF 153
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$115 CHF 93.6
$84.8 CHF 69
$145 CHF 118
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,719 CHF 1,398
$1,351 CHF 1,098
$1,965 CHF 1,598
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,429 CHF 1,162
$1,102 CHF 896
$1,592 CHF 1,295
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,659 CHF 2,162
$1,824 CHF 1,483
$3,282 CHF 2,669
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,387 CHF 1,941
$2,185 CHF 1,777
$2,671 CHF 2,172
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$12K CHF 9,735
$10.4K CHF 8,487
$13.5K CHF 11K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$8,499 CHF 6,911
$5,221 CHF 4,245
$8,499 CHF 6,911
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$7,458 CHF 6,064
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
2.42
2
2.5
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Neuchatel - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Neuchatel compare in terms of overall affordability, and who tends to get good value there?
Neuchatel sits in the more expensive tier among Swiss towns, yet it can offer good value for certain profiles. Cost of Living in Neuchatel, Switzerland reflects the balance of strong public services, safety, and a compact city scale, with rent and utilities often the main budget driver. For travelers and long stays, flexible options like monthly rentals or shared flats can soften the sticker price. For longer-term expats, explore shared housing, student accommodations, or nearby towns with easier commuting. Tip: align your arrival with early-season housing viewings and use local transport passes to save on travel.
What does daily life look like in Neuchatel for housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
Most days revolve around a compact city layout with easy walking routes and a strong bike culture. Housing search tends to focus on older buildings in town cores or modern studio conversions on the outskirts; negotiate for longer leases to snag better terms. Grocery options include local markets and cooperative shops, with seasonal produce boosting value. Transit runs on reliable Swiss timetables: buses, trams, and nearby train links connect you to Geneva or Bern efficiently. Co-working spaces are plentiful for digital nomads, often with flexible passes. For quick budgeting comparisons, consider the Neuchatel, Switzerland living cost alongside neighboring towns. Tip: start with neighborhoods near the lake or the university for accessible amenities and quieter evenings.
What budgeting strategies and neighborhood choices maximize quality of life in Neuchatel, considering seasonality and local amenities?
Quality of life in Neuchatel blends a scenic setting with compact urban life. A practical budgeting framework: separate essentials from discretionary spend, track rent and transport, and anticipate seasonal shifts. Summer markets and lake activities boost outdoor life; winters can be cozy but demand more heating. Neighborhood fit matters: lakefront zones offer social energy and easy strolls; hillside areas provide quiet and views. Practical tips: use seasonal shopping, bulk buys, and free community resources; pick a transit pass to simplify costs. Tip: map a three‑month trial of neighborhoods before committing to a lease.
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