| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rental (1 bedroom in City Centre) | Approximately CHF 1,200 – 1,500 per month |
| Apartment Rental (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) | Approximately CHF 1,000 – 1,300 per month |
| Apartment Purchase Price (City Centre) | Approximately CHF 9,000 – 11,000 per square meter |
| Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of Centre) | Approximately CHF 7,000 – 9,000 per square meter |
| Public Transportation (Monthly Pass) | Approximately CHF 70 – 100 |
| Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | Approximately CHF 150 – 200 per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | Approximately CHF 50 – 70 per month |
| Groceries (Milk, Bread, Eggs, Fruits, Chicken, Beef, etc.) | Approximately CHF 300 – 400 per month per person |
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | Approximately CHF 20 – 30 |
| Three-Course Meal for 2 People at a Mid-range Restaurant | Approximately CHF 80 – 120 |
| Private Preschool Tuition (Monthly) | Approximately CHF 1,500 – 2,000 |
| Private Elementary School Tuition (Yearly) | Approximately CHF 20,000 – 30,000 |
| Private Middle School Tuition (Yearly) | Approximately CHF 25,000 – 35,000 |
| Private High School Tuition (Yearly) | Approximately CHF 30,000 – 40,000 |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Montreux
“Living in Montreux, Switzerland can be quite expensive compared to other cities around the world. The cost of housing is high, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center being significantly more than in other cities. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water can also add to the monthly expenses. The cost of food in Montreux is also high, with groceries being more expensive than in many other countries. Eating out at restaurants can also be quite costly, especially in the city center. Transportation costs can also add up, whether you’re using public transportation or maintaining a personal vehicle. Gasoline prices are high, and so are the costs for public transit tickets. Healthcare in Switzerland is known for its high quality, but it also comes with high costs. Mandatory health insurance can be a significant monthly expense. Leisure activities, such as fitness club memberships, cinema tickets, and other forms of entertainment, are also more expensive in Montreux compared to other cities. In general, the cost of living in Montreux is high, but it’s important to note that salaries in Switzerland are also typically higher than in many other countries. This can help to offset the high cost of living for many residents,” said one expat living in Montreux .
Can I live in Montreux on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Montreux for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month would be quite a challenge. Montreux is a beautiful city, but it’s also one of the more expensive places to live in Switzerland. The cost of living here is high, especially when it comes to housing and food. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can easily cost you around $1,200 a month. If you move a bit further out, say to the neighborhoods of Clarens or Territet, you might find something a bit cheaper, maybe around $900, but that’s still a significant chunk of your budget. Then there’s the cost of utilities, which can add another $150 to $200 to your monthly expenses. Food is also quite expensive here. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around $20, and if you’re cooking at home, expect to spend at least $300 a month on groceries. Public transportation is pretty good and a monthly pass costs around $70, but if you have a car, gas and parking can add up quickly. Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland and that’s another big expense. The cost varies depending on your age and health condition, but you’re looking at at least $200 a month. So, as you can see, $1,500 a month is not really enough to live comfortably in Montreux without making some significant sacrifices. You’d probably have to share an apartment or live in a studio in one of the cheaper neighborhoods, cook all your meals at home, and limit your entertainment and leisure activities. If you’re used to modern amenities and a certain standard of living, you might find this kind of budget quite restrictive. I’d recommend considering other cities in Switzerland that are more affordable, like La Chaux-de-Fonds or Neuchâtel. Or, if you’re set on Montreux, you might need to find a way to increase your income to accommodate the high cost of living here,” commented an expat living in Montreux .
Can I live in Montreux on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Montreux 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. Montreux is a beautiful city with a high standard of living, but it’s also one of the more expensive places in Switzerland. Rent is likely to be your biggest expense. If you want to live in the city center or in the more upscale neighborhoods like Territet or Clarens, you’re looking at paying at least $1,500 a month for a small one-bedroom apartment. However, if you’re willing to live a bit further out in neighborhoods like Les Avants or Chernex, you can find cheaper options, maybe around $1,000 to $1,200 a month. Groceries are also quite expensive here. Expect to spend around $400 to $500 a month if you cook at home most of the time. Eating out is a luxury, with a simple meal at a casual restaurant costing around $20 to $30. Public transportation is efficient and reliable, but also not cheap. A monthly pass will cost you around $70. Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland and it’s not cheap. You’re looking at around $300 a month for a basic plan. Then there are utilities like electricity, internet, and mobile phone which will cost you around $200 a month. So, if you add it all up, you’re looking at around $2,500 in basic living expenses, leaving you with $500 for entertainment, travel, and any unexpected expenses. It’s doable, but you’ll have to live a fairly modest lifestyle. You won’t be able to travel as much as you’d like, eat out often, or indulge in high-end shopping. But despite the high cost of living, Montreux is a wonderful place to live. The beautiful lake, the mountains, the vineyards, the music festivals, there’s so much to enjoy here. And if you’re careful with your money, you can definitely make it work on $3,000 a month,” said one expat living in Montreux .
Can I live in Montreux on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Montreux 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. Montreux is a beautiful city, but it’s also one of the more expensive places to live in Switzerland. Rent is likely to be your biggest expense. If you want to live in the city center or in the more upscale neighborhoods like Territet or Clarens, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. However, if you’re willing to live a bit further out, in neighborhoods like Les Planches or Vernex, you can find cheaper options, maybe around $1,500 a month. Groceries are also quite expensive here. I usually spend around $500 a month on groceries, and that’s if I’m being careful and shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl. Eating out can also add up quickly. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $30, and a coffee can be as much as $5. Transportation is another cost to consider. A monthly public transportation pass in Montreux costs around $70. If you have a car, gas is quite expensive, and so is parking. Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland and it’s not cheap. You can expect to pay around $300 a month for a basic plan. So, if you add up all these costs, you’re looking at around $3,500 a month, and that’s if you’re being quite frugal. That leaves you with $1,500 for other expenses like entertainment, travel, and savings. It’s definitely doable, but you’ll have to be careful with your spending. You might have to make some sacrifices, like not eating out as often, or choosing a smaller apartment in a less central neighborhood. But in return, you get to live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, surrounded by stunning nature and with a high quality of life. It’s a trade-off, but in my opinion, it’s worth it,” commented an expat living in Montreux .
