The second most expensive city in the world?

Inflation affects many people. The energy crisis seems to be easing and the inflation rate is gradually falling. But food prices in particular are rising rapidly at the moment – ​​not to mention rents. But what is the cost of living in the big cities? Example Zurich.

Rents in German-speaking countries have been rising for years – especially in the big cities. But the energy crisis and inflation have made life even more expensive. It is true that energy prices now seem to be relaxing somewhat.

However, the prices of many foods and products continue to rise. But how expensive is life in major European cities in comparison? Today: the current cost of living in Zurich.

Cost of living in Zurich: How expensive is the largest city in Switzerland?

The so-called “Cost of Living Index” is a theoretical price index that compares the costs of different products and services in different countries or cities. There are now numerous websites that promise such a price comparison.

However, the Numbeo platform is considered one of the largest data-based platforms when it comes to the cost of living. The “Cost of Living Index by City 2023‘ compares the cost of living in hundreds of major cities around the world. The city of New York City, which is generally regarded as one of the most expensive cities in the world, forms the benchmark and general comparative value.

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Zurich is 132.7 (New York City: 100.00). This means that the Swiss city is even more expensive than New York (as of July 18, 2023). In comparison: Berlin with a value of 72.7 in 102nd place, Munich in 71st place with a price index of 75.9 and Cologne with a cost of living index of 71.4 in 115th place.

How high are the rents in Zurich?

When it comes to the cost of living, Zurich is the second most expensive city in the world. In an international comparison, the city is also 32.7 percent more expensive than New York City (without rent).

Taking the rents into account (Cost of Living Index Plus Rent Index), the Swiss metropolis is only slightly more expensive at 3.3 percent than the US metropolis. Nevertheless, in terms of the cost of living plus rents, Zurich also takes second place in the ranking of the most expensive cities in the world.

According to Numbeo – as of July 18, 2023 – the rental prices for a single household are as follows: 2,480.02 euros for an apartment in the city center and 1,756.62 euros for an apartment outside the center. For a family of four: 4,334.93 euros in the city center and 3,115.07 euros outside the center.

Cost of living: How much money do you need in Zurich?

According to the index platform Numbeo, the cost of living in Zurich for a family of four is 6,454.35 euros (without rent) and 10,789.29 euros (with rent in the city center) and 9,569.43 euros outside the city center.

For a one-person household, the evaluation is as follows: 1,769.81 euros (without rent) and 4,263.64 euros (with rent in the city center) as well as 3,526.43 euros outside the center. Overall, the evaluation includes all living expenses: rent, ancillary costs, restaurant visits, clothing, groceries, car, travel, savings and more.

Depending on consumer behavior and living conditions, the cut can vary. In order to calculate the individual living costs in Zurich and Co., the platform provides an in-house calculator ready.

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