Switzerland ranks as the most expensive destination in Europe and among the costliest worldwide. The Swiss Federal Statistical Office reported that in 2023, consumer prices in Switzerland were 49 percent above the European Union average. A 2023 UBS cost of living study placed Zurich as the world's sixth most expensive city and Geneva as the seventh. This pricing reality stems from high wages, a strong Swiss franc, import protections on agricultural goods, and production costs that exceed most comparable economies.
A dormitory bed in a Swiss hostel costs 35 to 55 Swiss francs per night in major cities. Zurich Youth Hostel located near the lake charges 48 francs for a bed in an eight-person room during summer 2024. Geneva Hostel in the city center lists dormitory beds at 52 francs. Mountain hostels such as those in Zermatt or Grindelwald charge 40 to 50 francs. A private single room in a budget hotel begins at 90 francs and typically reaches 120 francs in Bern or Basel. Two-star hotels in Lausanne or Lucerne charge 100 to 140 francs for a double room. Mid-range three-star hotels in cities demand 150 to 250 francs per night for doubles. Chain hotels such as Ibis or Motel One operate at the lower end of this range. Independent hotels in tourist areas such as Interlaken or Montreux charge 180 to 220 francs. Four-star properties in Zurich or Geneva require 250 to 400 francs nightly. Five-star establishments including the Baur au Lac in Zurich or Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne command 500 to 1200 francs per night.
Mountain accommodation follows separate pricing. The Swiss Alpine Club operates 153 mountain huts. Members pay 30 to 65 francs per night for a dormitory spot. Non-members pay an additional 20 to 30 francs. Berninahütte near Piz Bernina charges SAC members 62 francs for half-board accommodation. Grindelwald hostel beds cost 45 francs in summer. Three-star hotels in Zermatt charge 160 to 280 francs for doubles. St. Moritz hotel prices begin at 200 francs for budget options and reach 800 francs for established properties. Davos offers slightly lower prices with mid-range hotels at 140 to 220 francs.
Campgrounds provide the only consistently affordable lodging category. Sites operated by the Swiss Camping and Caravanning Federation charge 10 to 18 francs per adult per night plus 8 to 15 francs for a tent pitch. Camping Manor Farm near Interlaken charges 14 francs per person and 12 francs for a small tent. TCS campground in Lugano lists 16 francs per adult and 14 francs for tent space. Facilities include hot showers, electrical hookups, and often shops or restaurants. Winter camping exists at approximately 30 locations including sites near Davos and Engelberg.
A basic meal at a self-service restaurant or cafeteria costs 15 to 22 francs. Migros Restaurant and Manora cafeterias operated by major supermarket chains serve complete meals for 12 to 18 francs. A plate at Manora in Basel containing schnitzel, fries, and salad costs 16.50 francs. SBB railway station restaurants charge 18 to 25 francs for hot meals. A takeaway döner kebab in Zurich or Geneva costs 11 to 14 francs. A slice of pizza ranges from 5 to 7 francs. Street vendor bratwurst with bread costs 8 to 10 francs.
Sit-down restaurant pricing reflects Swiss wage levels. A simple pasta dish in a casual restaurant costs 18 to 26 francs. Fondue for one person starts at 28 francs and typically costs 32 to 38 francs including bread. Raclette costs 29 to 42 francs per serving. Züri Geschnetzeltes, the veal dish prepared with cream sauce and served with rösti, costs 38 to 52 francs at restaurants in Zurich. A standard pizza at a pizzeria costs 16 to 22 francs. Chinese or Thai restaurants charge 22 to 32 francs for main courses. Indian restaurants in cities list curries at 24 to 34 francs.
Traditional Swiss restaurants in tourist areas charge higher prices. A restaurant in Appenzell serving Alplermagronen, the pasta dish with potatoes, cheese, and onions, charges 22 to 28 francs. Bündnerfleisch served as an appetizer costs 18 to 26 francs for 80 grams. A cheese platter with Gruyère, Emmental, and Appenzeller costs 24 to 36 francs. Rösti served as a main dish with toppings costs 19 to 32 francs. Restaurants near Château de Chillon or in Montreux charge 30 to 45 francs for fondue and 35 to 50 francs for meat mains.
Fine dining operates at international luxury pricing. Michelin-starred restaurants charge 150 to 400 francs for tasting menus. Restaurant de l'Hôtel de Ville in Crissier, holding three Michelin stars, charges 390 francs for its shortest menu. Cheval Blanc in Basel lists menus at 268 to 398 francs. Mid-tier upscale restaurants without Michelin recognition charge 65 to 120 francs for three courses.
Supermarkets offer the most economical food option. Migros and Coop dominate the market with 1600 combined locations. A one-liter carton of milk costs 1.50 to 1.80 francs. A loaf of standard white bread costs 1.80 to 2.50 francs. Six eggs cost 4.50 to 6 francs. A kilogram of pasta costs 2 to 4 francs for basic brands. Rice costs 2.50 to 4 francs per kilogram. A kilogram of chicken breast costs 22 to 28 francs. Beef costs 35 to 55 francs per kilogram depending on cut. Pork costs 18 to 28 francs. Swiss cheese costs 18 to 35 francs per kilogram with Gruyère AOP at the higher end. Imported cheese costs 12 to 20 francs. Fresh vegetables cost 3 to 8 francs per kilogram. Apples cost 3 to 5 francs per kilogram. Tomatoes cost 4 to 7 francs. A head of lettuce costs 2 to 3 francs. Budget supermarkets Aldi and Lidl operate approximately 200 stores with prices 10 to 25 percent below Migros and Coop.
Bakeries sell bread at 3 to 6 francs per loaf for artisan varieties. A croissant costs 2 to 3 francs. Sandwiches cost 6 to 11 francs. Pretzels cost 1.50 to 2.50 francs. Nusstorte, the Engadine nut cake, costs 25 to 40 francs for a whole tart in Graubünden bakeries. A slice costs 5 to 7 francs. Chocolate bars from Lindt or Cailler cost 2 to 4 francs for 100 grams at supermarkets. Specialty chocolate shops in cities charge 8 to 15 francs per 100 grams.