Western Europe Updated
Average Cost of Living in Lucerne
The average cost of living in Lucerne, Switzerland is $2,784 per month for a single person, and $5,700 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $2,250 per month. The local average net salary is $7,148 per month.
Moderate cost
Updated today
Index 63.3 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $2,784 / month
- Family of 4
- $5,700 / mo
- Student
- $1,638 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Lucerne
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$7,148.23 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Lucerne | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Lucerne | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Lucerne | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Lucerne | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Lucerne | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Lucerne | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Lucerne | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Lucerne | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Lucerne | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Lucerne | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Lucerne FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Lucerne. |
Rent & Property Prices in Lucerne
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $2,250 | $1,673 – $2,947 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,866 | $1,609 – $2,137 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $3,604 | $2,832 – $4,505 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $2,986 | $2,574 – $3,861 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $20,670 | $17,376 – $30,066 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $12,737 | $12,073 – $15,396 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $2,250$1,673 – $2,947
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,866$1,609 – $2,137
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $3,604$2,832 – $4,505
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $2,986$2,574 – $3,861
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $20,670$17,376 – $30,066
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $12,737$12,073 – $15,396
Grocery Prices in Lucerne
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $2.35 | $1.93 – $2.38 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $3.93 | $1.54 – $5.79 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $4.59 | $3.15 – $6.37 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $8.11 | $4.48 – $11 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $28 | $24 – $71 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $32 | $19 – $45 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $44 | $38 – $64 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $3.72 | $2.57 – $5.41 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $2.18 | $1.54 – $5.02 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $2.82 | $1.80 – $4.50 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $6.65 | $2.57 – $12 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $2.15 | $1.29 – $2.57 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $2.37 | $1.93 – $2.57 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.53 | $1.67 – $4.50 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $1.48 | $0.77 – $2.12 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $14 | $11 – $32 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.35 | $1.93 – $3.09 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.91 | $1.48 – $6.44 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $12 | $12 – $13 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $2.35$1.93 – $2.38
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $3.93$1.54 – $5.79
- White Rice (1 kg) $4.59$3.15 – $6.37
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $8.11$4.48 – $11
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $28$24 – $71
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $32$19 – $45
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $44$38 – $64
- Apples (1 kg) $3.72$2.57 – $5.41
- Bananas (1 kg) $2.18$1.54 – $5.02
- Oranges (1 kg) $2.82$1.80 – $4.50
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $6.65$2.57 – $12
- Potatoes (1 kg) $2.15$1.29 – $2.57
- Onions (1 kg) $2.37$1.93 – $2.57
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.53$1.67 – $4.50
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $1.48$0.77 – $2.12
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $14$11 – $32
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.35$1.93 – $3.09
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.91$1.48 – $6.44
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $12$12 – $13
Public Transport & Car Costs in Lucerne
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $5.28 | $4.38 – $9.52 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $103 | $102 – $322 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $8.49 | $7.72 – $9.01 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $5.15 | $5.15 – $5.15 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $93 | $93 – $93 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $2.28 | $2.20 – $2.44 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $45,434 | $37,196 – $45,691 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $41,830 | $41,830 – $41,830 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $5.28$4.38 – $9.52
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $103$102 – $322
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $8.49$7.72 – $9.01
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $5.15$5.15 – $5.15
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $93$93 – $93
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $2.28$2.20 – $2.44
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $45,434$37,196 – $45,691
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $41,830$41,830 – $41,830
Utility & Internet Costs in Lucerne
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $236 | $129 – $386 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $34 | $26 – $45 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $70 | $58 – $129 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $236$129 – $386
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $34$26 – $45
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $70$58 – $129
Childcare & Preschool in Lucerne
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $3,039 | $2,574 – $3,861 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $47,110 | $43,381 – $56,631 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $3,039$2,574 – $3,861
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $47,110$43,381 – $56,631
Clothing Prices in Lucerne
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $148 | $129 – $193 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $93 | $51 – $129 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $156 | $103 – $232 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $183 | $116 – $193 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $148$129 – $193
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $93$51 – $129
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $156$103 – $232
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $183$116 – $193
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Lucerne
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $98 | $64 – $154 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $56 | $39 – $70 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $23 | $21 – $28 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $98$64 – $154
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $56$39 – $70
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $23$21 – $28
Restaurant Prices in Lucerne
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $45 | $32 – $84 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $129 | $103 – $154 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $19 | $15 – $20 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $9.65 | $7.72 – $13 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $10 | $7.72 – $12 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $6.92 | $5.79 – $10 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $5.66 | $5.15 – $7.72 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $4.89 | $3.86 – $7.08 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $45$32 – $84
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $129$103 – $154
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $19$15 – $20
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $9.65$7.72 – $13
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $10$7.72 – $12
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $6.92$5.79 – $10
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $5.66$5.15 – $7.72
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $4.89$3.86 – $7.08
Salaries & Mortgages in Lucerne
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $7,148 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 1.72% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $7,148
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 1.72%
Compare Lucerne with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
Switzerland
Lausanne
Monthly / 1 person
$2,650
vs NYC
60.2/100
Switzerland
Basel
Monthly / 1 person
$2,455
vs NYC
55.8/100
Switzerland
Geneva
Monthly / 1 person
$3,115
vs NYC
70.8/100
Switzerland
Zurich
Monthly / 1 person
$3,156
vs NYC
71.7/100
Switzerland
Lugano
Monthly / 1 person
$2,290
vs NYC
52/100
Switzerland
Bern
Monthly / 1 person
$2,281
vs NYC
51.8/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Lucerne?
- An estimated $2,784 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Lucerne. A family of four needs around $5,700 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $1,638.
- How much money do I need to live in Lucerne?
- Plan for at least $2,784 per month as a single person, $5,700 per month for a family of four, or $1,638 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Lucerne.
- What is the average rent in Lucerne?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Lucerne rents for around $2,250 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $3,604 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Lucerne?
- The average monthly net salary in Lucerne is around $7,148. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 31% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Lucerne?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Lucerne costs around $45. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $149 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($2.35/L) and bread ($3.93/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Lucerne?
- A monthly public transport pass in Lucerne costs around $103. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Lucerne?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Lucerne costs around $70 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.