🇨🇭 The world's most expensive cities: Zurich, Geneva and Basel dominate the ranking

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🏙️ A 100 % Swiss podium according to Numbeo

The last one world cost of living ranking 2025 published by Numbeo place Zurich (117.8), Geneva (117.7) And Basel (117.5) tops the list of the most expensive cities in the world. A mecca of finance, research (ETH and University of Zurich) and jet lag!
In reference, new York is fixed at an index of 100, which means that living in Zurich costs around 18 % more expensivethan in the American city.

Other Swiss cities are not to be outdone:

• Lausanne (115.3)
• Lugano (114.0)
• Bern (110.4)

Six Swiss cities are therefore included in the world top 10, an absolute record. Living in a clean world (type postcard) and safe comes at a high cost.

YouTuber's Video: 48 Hours in Zurich, the Most Expensive City in the World

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💰 Why is Switzerland so expensive?

1. Very high salaries

The median Swiss salary is around 6,800 CHF per month, one of the highest in the world.
This income level fuels a robust economy, but also pushes up consumer prices and rents.

2. Housing, a rare luxury

THE real estate prices is one of the main drivers of this cost of living:

• Zurich: 15,000 CHF/m² in the city center
• Geneva: 14,000 CHF/m²
• Rent for a 2-room apartment: 2,200 to 3,000 CHF per month

High demand and scarcity of land explain these record amounts.

3. The cost of health and insurance

The system ofSwiss health insurance East mandatory and private, which weighs heavily on the budget.
An average monthly premium amounts to 350–600 CHF per adult, not including the annual deductible or the additional insurance (optional which covers what the basic insurance does not cover).

4. Daily expenses

The prices of goods and services reflect the general cost:

• ☕ A coffee : 4.50 to 6 CHF
• 🍝 A meal at a restaurant : 25 to 40 CHF minimum
• 🎟️ A movie ticket : 20 CHF
• 🚋 A monthly public transport pass : 80 to 100 CHF

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🌍 International comparison

Outside of Switzerland, only a few cities approach this level:

• Reykjavik (100.6)
• New York (100)
• San Francisco (95.7)
• Seattle (89.1)
• Singapore (87.3)
• London (86.4)

So, Living in Zurich costs almost 30 billion more than in London or Singapore.

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🌿 A high cost offset by the quality of life

Despite these high costs, Switzerland remains one of the countries offering the best quality of life in the world.
The advantages are numerous:

• Exceptional security
• Efficient public services
• High-level infrastructure
• Preserved natural setting
• Economic and political stability

In short, the Swiss pay dearly, but for a level of comfort and safety that is difficult to match.

Zurich, Geneva and Basel are not only symbols of prosperity: they embody a way of life where excellence, stability and high cost go hand in hand.