| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | A one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Lausanne costs around CHF 1,500 to CHF 2,000 per month. A three-bedroom apartment in the same area can cost between CHF 2,500 and CHF 3,500 per month. Outside the city center, the cost for a one-bedroom apartment drops to around CHF 1,200 to CHF 1,500, and a three-bedroom apartment costs between CHF 2,000 and CHF 2,500. |
| Apartment Purchases | The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city center is around CHF 10,000 to CHF 13,000. Outside the city center, the price per square meter drops to around CHF 7,000 to CHF 9,000. |
| Transportation | A monthly public transportation pass in Lausanne costs around CHF 70. The starting tariff for a normal taxi is around CHF 6, with an additional CHF 3.50 per kilometer. The cost of gasoline is approximately CHF 1.50 per liter. |
| Groceries | The average monthly cost for groceries for a single person is around CHF 300 to CHF 400. This includes items like milk (CHF 1.50 per liter), bread (CHF 2.50 per loaf), rice (CHF 2 per kg), eggs (CHF 4.50 per dozen), cheese (CHF 20 per kg), chicken breasts (CHF 15 per kg), fruits and vegetables (CHF 3 to CHF 5 per kg). |
| Restaurants | A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around CHF 20 to CHF 30. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around CHF 80 to CHF 120. A regular cappuccino costs around CHF 4.50. |
| Utilities | Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, cost around CHF 150 to CHF 200 per month. Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) costs around CHF 50 to CHF 70 per month. |
| Private School Tuition | Private school tuition varies greatly depending on the school. For preschool, the cost can range from CHF 1,000 to CHF 2,000 per month. For elementary school, middle school, and high school, the cost can range from CHF 1,500 to CHF 3,000 per month. These costs often include lunch and some additional services, but additional fees may apply for registration, materials, and extracurricular activities. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Lausanne
“Lausanne is known for its high cost of living. Rent is one of the most significant expenses, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costing considerably more than in other cities. Outside the city center, rent prices drop slightly but are still quite high. Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, are also quite expensive in Lausanne. Internet and mobile phone services are also higher than in many other cities. Groceries in Lausanne are costly, with basic items such as bread, milk, and eggs being more expensive than in other cities. Eating out is also quite pricey, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing more than in other cities. Transportation costs in Lausanne are also high. A monthly public transportation ticket is quite expensive, and owning a car can be costly due to high gasoline prices and parking fees. Healthcare in Switzerland is known for its high quality, but it also comes with a high price tag. Mandatory health insurance premiums are high, and out-of-pocket costs can also be significant. Despite the high cost of living, salaries in Lausanne are also high, which can help offset some of these costs. However, it’s important to keep in mind that taxes are also high. In conclusion, living in Lausanne is expensive, with high costs for housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare. However, the high quality of life and high salaries can make it worth it for some people,” said one expat living in Lausanne.
Can I live in Lausanne on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Lausanne for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month would be quite challenging, especially if you’re used to modern amenities. The cost of living in Switzerland is one of the highest in the world and Lausanne is no exception. Rent is the biggest expense. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can easily cost you around $1,500, and that’s without utilities. If you’re willing to live a bit further out, in neighborhoods like Chailly or Vennes, you might find something a bit cheaper, but you’re still looking at around $1,200 a month. Then there’s the cost of groceries, which are also quite high. Expect to spend at least $300 a month on food, and that’s if you’re cooking at home and not eating out. Public transportation is efficient and reliable, but it’s not cheap. A monthly pass will set you back about $70. If you’re used to having a gym membership, going out for drinks or meals, or other leisure activities, these will also add up. A gym membership can cost around $100 a month, and eating out, even in a relatively inexpensive restaurant, will cost you at least $20 per meal. There are ways to save money, of course. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi, cooking at home, and taking advantage of the many free or inexpensive outdoor activities that Lausanne has to offer can help. But even with these savings, living on $1,500 a month would be tight. As for neighborhoods to avoid, the city center and areas like Ouchy and Sous-Gare are among the most expensive. But even the cheaper neighborhoods in Lausanne are likely to be more expensive than what you’re used to. In short, while it’s not impossible to live in Lausanne on $1,500 a month, it would require significant sacrifices and careful budgeting. You’d likely need to live in a smaller apartment further from the city center, cook most of your meals at home, and limit your spending on leisure activities,” commented an expat living in Lausanne.
Can I live in Lausanne on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Lausanne for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $3,000 a month is possible, but it will require some careful budgeting and sacrifices. The cost of living in Switzerland is high, and Lausanne is no exception. Rent is likely to be your biggest expense. If you want to live in the city center or in upscale neighborhoods like Ouchy or Sous-Gare, you might struggle to find something affordable. These areas are beautiful, but the rents can be steep. I’d recommend looking at neighborhoods like La Sallaz or Chailly. They’re a bit further out, but the public transportation in Lausanne is excellent, so you won’t have any trouble getting around. Plus, the rents are more affordable. Groceries can also be quite expensive in Switzerland. I’ve found that shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl can help save a lot. Eating out is also pricey, so you might have to limit how often you do that. Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland and it’s not cheap. However, depending on your income, you might be eligible for a subsidy to help offset the cost. As for other expenses, like utilities, internet, and mobile phone, they’re comparable to what you’d pay in other Western European countries. One thing I’ve found is that while living in Lausanne can be expensive, the quality of life is high. The city is clean, safe, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Plus, the public services are excellent. So, to answer your question, yes, you can live on $3,000 a month in Lausanne, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending. You might not be able to live in the most expensive neighborhoods or eat out every night, but you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle,” said one expat living in Lausanne.
Can I live in Lausanne on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Lausanne for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is possible, but it will require some careful budgeting. The cost of living in Switzerland is high compared to other countries, especially when it comes to housing and health insurance. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost you around $1,500 to $2,000 per month. If you want to save on rent, you might want to consider living in neighborhoods like Chailly or La Sallaz. They are a bit further from the city center but are more affordable and still have good public transportation connections. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Ouchy and Sous-Gare are quite expensive, so you might want to avoid them if you’re on a tight budget. Groceries can also be quite expensive here. I usually spend around $500 per month on groceries, but I try to save by shopping at discount supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi, and by cooking at home as much as possible. Eating out can be quite pricey, with a simple meal at a restaurant costing around $20 to $30. Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland and it’s not cheap. You should budget around $300 to $400 per month for that. Public transportation is excellent and a monthly pass costs around $70. So, if you add up all these costs, you’ll see that $5,000 a month is doable, but it doesn’t leave much room for savings or for unexpected expenses. You’ll have to be careful with your spending, especially when it comes to discretionary expenses like entertainment, travel, or eating out. But if you’re willing to live a bit more frugally, it’s definitely possible to live comfortably in Lausanne on that budget,” commented an expat living in Lausanne.
