Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, but wages are also high. Housing is particularly expensive, as is social insurance costs. Taxation is relatively low in comparison with the neighboring countries.

• Milk, 1 liter - 0.97 euro
• Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) - 2.02 euro
• Eggs (12) - 5.07 euro
• Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) - 21.84 euro
• Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) at the grocery store - 1.66 euro
• Inexpensive Meal - 19.30 euro
• Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course Meal for 2 - 64.46 euro
• Combo Meal at Fast Food - 9.27 euro
• Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) - 4-6 euro
• 1 bedroom Apartment in City Center - 1,500 euro
• 1 bedroom Apartment Outside of Center - 820 euro
• Basic Utilities per month - 144.14 euro
• Cinema - 13.89 euro
• Jeans - 90 euros
• Dress from a Chain Store - 50 euro

Use the Cost of Living calculator to help estimate costs.

Prepare for your Housing Search

Research, research, and introspection should define your pre-accommodation search. Familiarize yourself with the different areas and find where you want to live. Read blogs from the area, find official resources, visit the different areas. Ask yourself questions like:
How big a place do you want? A studio? A three room flat?
Where do you want to live? Somewhere close to your work? In the trendiest part of town? East or West?
What's your price range?
With answers to these important questions you can begin to think of a specific place.

Short-term Accommodation

Short-term accommodation can help you and your family get situated after the move without having to make any permanent decisions quite yet. They also offer the opportunity to get to know the area and your needs before picking permanent accommodations.

To find the perfect short-term rental, go to Subrent.

Flatsharing

A flatshare (Wohngemeinschaft/colocation) is usually a great value and can provide an expat with an opportunity to get to know a new city with a local. A room in the center costs about CHF 450 - 600.

An important trait in any roommate situation is having boundaries and a clear understanding of what each roommate requires. To protect yourself against potential problems, make sure to have a contract that explicitly states rights and responsibilities.

Hostel

Hostels are generally the cheapest option and provide a clean and safe temporary abode. Called Jugendherbergen in German-speaking Switzerland, they are almost exclusively for the young backpacking crowd. Usually large and raucous, private rooms may be available. Many hostels have tours that leave directly from their lobby or bar. Prices rise over the summer and on the weekends and the best places are booked well in advance. Prices range from 8 euros at large hostels on off-times, but average around 15 euro.

There are often a closing time at hostels where people still out will be locked out. This can be as early as 20:00, but is usually at midnight. They may also have lock-out times during the day while the hostel is being cleaned. They may also require light household duties like sweeping, dishes, etc.

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