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Switzerland has a population of 8.7 million as of 2025, with Bern as its capital. The country’s official languages include German, French, Italian, and Romansh. The currency in use is the Swiss Franc (CHF), and its GDP in 2025 is estimated to be $999.604 billion, with an inflation rate of 2.3%. The average monthly income is approximately $7,500.
Income levels have steadily increased from CHF 5,500 in 2010 to CHF 7,500 in 2025, with annual growth rates fluctuating between 1.4% and 3.1%. The most significant jumps were observed between 2018 and 2020, averaging around 2.2% to 3.1%.
Living costs have also risen, from CHF 3,800 per month in 2010 to CHF 5,500 in 2025. The highest spikes were recorded between 2014 and 2015, when costs surged by nearly 5%. More recently, growth rates have stabilized, with a slight 0.4% increase in 2025.
Housing remains the most significant expense, accounting for 40% of total living costs at CHF 2,200 per month in 2025. Food expenses make up 25% at CHF 1,400, while transportation costs stand at CHF 500, or 9% of the budget. Other notable expenses include healthcare (CHF 600), entertainment (CHF 400), and utilities (CHF 250). Miscellaneous expenses amount to CHF 550 per month, making up 10% of overall spending.
A breakdown of historical data shows that housing costs have increased from CHF 1,520 in 2010 to CHF 2,200 in 2025. The most significant hikes occurred between 2014 and 2015, with annual increases of nearly 5%. Food costs have risen from CHF 950 in 2010 to CHF 1,400 in 2025, experiencing similar growth trends.
While income growth has outpaced inflation in most years, living expenses have also risen significantly, particularly in housing and food. This trend indicates stable economic growth with a high cost of living, reflecting Switzerland’s status as one of the world’s most expensive countries.
Let’s take an in-depth look at Switzerland’s economy, income levels, and living costs from 2010 to 2025. Get detailed insights on rent, food, and other expenses.
Country Overview Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital | Bern |
| Population | 8.7 million (2025) |
| Currency | Swiss Franc (CHF) |
| Official Language | German, French, Italian, Romansh |
| GDP (2025)⤤ | $999.604 billion |
| Inflation Rate (2025) | 2.3% |
| Average Monthly Income | $7,500 |
Living Cost Per Month (Per Person) Breakdown (2025)
| Expense Category | Cost (CHF) | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 2,200 | 40% |
| Food | 1,400 | 25% |
| Transportation | 500 | 9% |
| Utilities | 250 | 4.5% |
| Healthcare | 600 | 11% |
| Entertainment | 400 | 7.3% |
| Miscellaneous | 550 | 10% |
| Total | 5,500 | 100% |
Income Per Month (Per Person) Table (2010-2025)
| Year | Income (CHF) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,500 | – |
| 2011 | 5,600 | 1.8% |
| 2012 | 5,750 | 2.7% |
| 2013 | 5,900 | 2.6% |
| 2014 | 6,050 | 2.5% |
| 2015 | 6,200 | 2.5% |
| 2016 | 6,350 | 2.4% |
| 2017 | 6,500 | 2.4% |
| 2018 | 6,700 | 3.1% |
| 2019 | 6,850 | 2.2% |
| 2020 | 7,000 | 2.2% |
| 2021 | 7,100 | 1.4% |
| 2022 | 7,200 | 1.4% |
| 2023 | 7,300 | 1.4% |
| 2024 | 7,400 | 1.4% |
| 2025 | 7,500 | 1.4% |
Living Cost Per Month (2010-2025) (Per Person)
| Year | Living Cost (CHF) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 3,800 | – |
| 2011 | 3,900 | 2.6% |
| 2012 | 4,000 | 2.6% |
| 2013 | 4,100 | 2.5% |
| 2014 | 4,300 | 4.9% |
| 2015 | 4,500 | 4.7% |
| 2016 | 4,650 | 3.3% |
| 2017 | 4,800 | 3.2% |
| 2018 | 4,950 | 3.1% |
| 2019 | 5,100 | 3% |
| 2020 | 5,200 | 2% |
| 2021 | 5,300 | 1.9% |
| 2022 | 5,400 | 1.9% |
| 2023 | 5,450 | 0.9% |
| 2024 | 5,480 | 0.6% |
| 2025 | 5,500 | 0.4% |
Breakdown of Housing Cost Per Month (2010-2025) and Food Cost Per Month (2010-2025) based on the given 2025 percentages:
- Housing (40% of Living Cost)
- Food (25% of Living Cost)
Housing Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
| Year | Housing Cost (CHF) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,520 | – |
| 2011 | 1,560 | 2.6% |
| 2012 | 1,600 | 2.6% |
| 2013 | 1,640 | 2.5% |
| 2014 | 1,720 | 4.9% |
| 2015 | 1,800 | 4.7% |
| 2016 | 1,860 | 3.3% |
| 2017 | 1,920 | 3.2% |
| 2018 | 1,980 | 3.1% |
| 2019 | 2,040 | 3.0% |
| 2020 | 2,080 | 2.0% |
| 2021 | 2,120 | 1.9% |
| 2022 | 2,160 | 1.9% |
| 2023 | 2,180 | 0.9% |
| 2024 | 2,192 | 0.6% |
| 2025 | 2,200 | 0.4% |
Food Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
| Year | Food Cost (CHF) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 950 | – |
| 2011 | 975 | 2.6% |
| 2012 | 1,000 | 2.6% |
| 2013 | 1,025 | 2.5% |
| 2014 | 1,075 | 4.9% |
| 2015 | 1,125 | 4.7% |
| 2016 | 1,162 | 3.3% |
| 2017 | 1,200 | 3.2% |
| 2018 | 1,237 | 3.1% |
| 2019 | 1,275 | 3.0% |
| 2020 | 1,300 | 2.0% |
| 2021 | 1,325 | 1.9% |
| 2022 | 1,350 | 1.9% |
| 2023 | 1,363 | 0.9% |
| 2024 | 1,367 | 0.6% |
| 2025 | 1,400 | 2.4% |
Conclusion
Switzerland remains one of the most expensive countries to live in, with steady economic growth and rising living costs. Despite increasing expenses, high income levels balance affordability, making it a financially stable country for residents and expatriates.
Sources:
OECD Economic Surveys
World Bank Data
Swiss Federal Statistical Office
