It comes as no surprise to anyone living in Switzerland that the cost of living here, and especially in Zurich and Geneva, is very high.
In fact, these two Swiss cities repeatedly rank among the world's most expensive cities.
But this does this mean that everything in Switzerland's two largest cities, and Switzerland in general, is very expensive? Or can some things be purchased for a reasonable price?
We asked our readers what they think is actually a good value in Switzerland. Here is what you told us.
Single-day travel passes
Readers also pointed out that the SBB/CFF’s supersaver tickets can be good value.
The actual prices var depending on the destination, day, and time, but these tickets are typically cheaper than 'regular' ones.
And purchasing a half-fare travelcard for the rail network is also considered a good investment. This half-fare card provides a 50-percent discount on rail, bus and boat travel across Switzerland. It costs 190 francs for the first year and then 170 francs for subsequent years.
Public transport for children
The SBB/CFF Junior travelcard allows children from the aged of six up to the 16th birthday to travel for a whole year for 30 francs if they are travelling with a parent who has a valid ticket. This Junior travelcard is also free from the third child on.
Eating at the Migros restaurant
The restaurants of the supermarket chain Migros are, by Swiss standards, a good, cheap place to eat, with a main course at lunchtime costing between 14 and 15 francs.There is also a reasonable breakfast option with a couple of bread rolls, butter and jam and a hot drink costing around 10 francs.
Another relatively cheap option in Switzerland are the set menus (Tagesmenü/menu du jour) that many restaurants offer at lunchtime - though they are more expensive than at Migros.
Electronics
Several readers noted the prices for electronics in Switzerland were hard to beat, at least compared to elsewhere in Europe, partly because of the lower value-added tax rate in Switzerland (the standard rate is 7.7 percent).
One reader also noted that the warranty period is good in Switzerland. Two years is standard for new products.
READ ALSO: The one product that is cheaper in Switzerland
Motorway tax sticker
Switzerland’s “spotless” and “top class” roads came in for praise from our readers who said the 40-franc sticker required to travel on the country’s motorway network was good value. There is a link to a map of the roads where this sticker is required here.
Schools
Switzerland’s public education system is excellent and – as a couple of our readers pointed out – absolutely free. In fact, this right to an “adequate” and free basic education is even guaranteed in the Swiss constitution.
With childcare also often based on parents’ income levels, this can be surprisingly affordable, as another reader noted.
University tuition
The tuition fees at Swiss universities are low by the standards of many other countries.
Even at the prestigious ETH technical institute in Zurich and its sister university Lausanne, tuition fees total 730 francs per semester.
That's for Swiss student - from September 2025, foreigners pay three times as much; however, even these higher fees are lower than at equally top-rated universities abroad.
Our readers pointed out that supermarkets in Switzerland sell relatively good-quality wine and beer for much cheaper prices than you'd find elsewhere.
City parking
A few people noted that car parking in Swiss cities is cheaper than “back home” with rates of 2 francs per hour not uncommon.
Pool and water park entrance fees
Both single-entry tickets and season passes for outdoor pools are good value in Switzerland, according to readers of The Local.
Ikea and H&M
A number of our readers pointed out that clothes at stores like H&M and furniture from Ikea are actually very similarly priced in Switzerland as compared with other countries.
With wages generally higher in Switzerland, this means these products are relatively cheap.
And then there is this: best things in life are free
Last but not least, many readers pointed out that many of the best things about Switzerland are actually free – from clean air and high levels of safety. to the wonderful scenery and the amazing network of public footpaths that allow you to explore the country at a walking pace.
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