Yes — Switzerland is consistently ranked as one of the most expensive countries in the world 🇨🇭💸. But the good news is, with some planning, you can still manage costs. Here’s a clear breakdown:
🏨 Accommodation #
-
Budget hotels/hostels: 40–70 CHF per night (dorm bed / budget room)
-
Mid-range hotels: 120–200 CHF per night (double room)
-
Luxury hotels: 300+ CHF per night
👉 Airbnb or mountain guesthouses can be cheaper alternatives.
🍴 Food & Drinks #
-
Restaurant meal (casual): 20–35 CHF per person
-
Mid-range restaurant (3 courses): 50–80 CHF per person
-
Fast food / takeaway: 12–15 CHF (e.g., McDonald’s, kebab, pizza slice)
-
Coffee: 4–5 CHF ☕
-
Beer: 6–8 CHF 🍺
👉 Tip: Many supermarkets (Coop, Migros) have ready-to-eat meals (8–12 CHF) — very popular with locals.
🚆 Transport #
-
Single train ticket (e.g., Zurich → Bern, 1 hour): ~25–30 CHF
-
Swiss Travel Pass (unlimited travel): from 240 CHF (3 days)
-
Local public transport ticket (1 hour): 2.50–4.50 CHF
-
Taxi (5 km ride): 15–25 CHF
👉 Trains are pricey but world-class. A Half Fare Card (120 CHF for 1 month) cuts most fares in half.
🎟️ Attractions & Activities #
-
Museum entry: 10–20 CHF
-
Cable car/mountain lift: 30–100 CHF (round trip)
-
Scenic trains (Glacier Express, etc.): Reservation fees 20–49 CHF (plus ticket or pass)
-
Outdoor activities (ski pass, paragliding, etc.): 60–150 CHF
💡 Budget Tips #
-
Stay in smaller towns instead of big cities (e.g., Interlaken instead of Zurich).
-
Use supermarkets for meals or picnic-style dining.
-
Take advantage of travel passes (Swiss Travel Pass, Half Fare Card).
-
Tap water is drinkable everywhere — no need to buy bottled water.
-
If hiking, bring your own snacks; mountain huts can be pricey.
✅ In short: Yes, Switzerland is expensive — but you can manage on about:
-
Budget travel: 70–120 CHF/day
-
Comfortable travel: 150–250 CHF/day
-
Luxury travel: 300+ CHF/day
More info about cost of living in Switzerland.
More info about prices for visitors in Switzerland.
