How much you will pay in rent depends on where you want to live. Rents in Zurich and Geneva are the highest in Switzerland. Life is most affordable in rural regions, such as in the canton of Glarus. No matter where you choose to live, a good rule of thumb is that your rent should not exceed one-third of your net salary.

Your first apartment | UBS Switzerland

Moving out of your parents’ house into your own apartment is thrilling, but also comes with costs. The move itself costs money, and there are day-to-day expenses, from rent and utilities to the internet connection.

Use our overview and some smart money-saving tips to master budget planning for your move and look forward to this big step with confidence.

What does it cost to move into your own apartment?

Current costs at a glance

Rent

Incidental expenses

In addition to rent, ancillary costs are also part of monthly expenses for an apartment. These include:

heating and hot water
water and wastewater
electricity in common areas such as stairwells and laundry rooms
services such as caretaking, gardening and snow removal

Depending on the agreement you sign, these costs are already included in the gross rent: you pay an estimated amount monthly in advance. At the end of the year, these advance payments will then be reconciled with the actual costs. You may have to pay the difference, or you may receive a refund. You can use a formula (living space in m² * CHF 3 = CHF XX) to calculate the approximate ancillary costs.

Electricity

The electricity consumption in your own apartment is not included in the ancillary costs, but is billed directly by the regional electricity provider, usually on a quarterly or semi-annual basis. How much you pay for your consumption depends on various factors, including the size of the apartment, the number of residents, and the municipality.

A rough guide for one person in a two-room apartment is CHF 40 to 90 per month. If you live in a household with two or three people, you’ll consume less electricity per person on average.

The best way to find out your specific electricity costs is to check the provider’s website. Often you will not only find the current tariffs there, but also an electricity cost calculator to work out your estimated costs.

Insurance

Household insurance and personal liability insurance are not mandatory, except in a few cantons. However, we recommend you take out coverage.

Household insurance protects your home furnishings against damage caused by fire, burst pipes and other natural hazards, as well as against theft in the event of burglary. Depending on the value of your equipment, this costs between CHF 150 and 300 per year.

Liability insurance covers you if you unintentionally cause damage to others, for example, by scratching your landlord’s parquet floor or spilling wine on a friend’s sofa. You can expect to pay around CHF 100 per year for this insurance premium.

It is best to review insurance policies before moving and compare the premiums of different providers.

Internet and TV

If you want to use internet in your new apartment, expect to pay at least CHF 25 per month. If you want to combine an internet connection with a TV subscription, you should expect to pay between CHF 40 and 110 per month.

All Swiss households are required to pay a radio and television fee, regardless of whether they have a radio or television set. This “Serafe” fee is currently CHF 335 per year (as of 2024).

Sample calculation: ongoing costs for a 50-square-meter apartment and gross salary of CHF 4,900

For our sample calculation, we assume a person under 25 years old who lives and works in the canton of Zurich. All information is provided as a rough guideline only and is neither binding nor to be understood as a personal recommendation.

Cost per month	Cost per month	CHF	CHF
Cost per month	Gross salary (monthly)	CHF	4,900
Cost per month	Net income after deductions	CHF	4,165
Cost per month	Additional costs for a two-room apartment with 50 square meters of living space	CHF	50 m² * 3 = 150
Cost per month	Electricity costs	CHF	720 per year (60 per month)
Cost per month	Household insurance	CHF	225 per year (19 per month)
Cost per month	Personal liability insurance	CHF	100 per year (8 per month)
Cost per month	Internet and TV	CHF	60
Cost per month	Smartphone subscription	CHF	40
Cost per month	Total costs per month	CHF	1,725
Cost per month	Income (net salary)	CHF	4,165
Cost per month	Difference	CHF	2,440

In our sample calculation, CHF 2,440 remains for all other expenses such as health insurance, groceries, taxes, leisure and savings. At first glance, this may seem a little low to enjoy your newfound freedom. But with solid budget planning and clever saving, it is easier than you think.

How much does it cost to move from your parent’s home?

In addition to the costs of running an apartment, you should also take into account one-off relocation costs. Estimated expenses may vary depending on your individual situation. All one-time costs at a glance:

Furnishings: approx. CHF 700 to 4,000

If you are not moving into a furnished apartment or a shared apartment, buying furniture and household items is usually the biggest expense. In any case, you will need a few basics such as basic foodstuffs, cleaning products and small items of furniture.

How to save

If possible, take furniture and everyday items from your room at your parents’ house with you.
Buy furniture, decorations or household items second-hand. Local thrift stores or online platforms are good places to start.
Ask the previous tenant if perhaps they would be willing to sell you certain furnishings.

Rental deposit: approx. CHF 3,000 to 5,000

The rental deposit is a type of security deposit that you must pay and is only refunded when you move out of the rental apartment. In the event of damage to the apartment, a certain amount will be deducted, which is usually covered by liability insurance. The rental deposit typically amounts to up to three months’ rent. Think about how you can save this amount well in advance of your move.

Plan B: If you can’t make it in time to move in, there is also the option of a rental deposit guarantee. Instead of transferring the deposit to a rental deposit account, you pay an annual insurance premium (depending on the deposit amount, starting from approximately CHF 135). This means that your money is not tied up for the rental period. However, due to the service fee for the insurance, this solution is ultimately more expensive.

Alternatively, ask your parents or other close individuals if you can borrow the money. Our tip: Make sure the agreement is in writing and agree on how many installments and by when the amount is to be repaid.

What happens to my money in the rental deposit savings account?

While you are renting, your rental deposit is safely deposited in a special account. Neither you nor the landlord can access this credit. The account is in your name and the money will earn interest for you. Accordingly, you must list the account in the list of securities in your tax return.

Packaging material and transport: approx. CHF 50 to 1,000

Moving always means packing: When moving out, you often end up with more moving boxes than you might think. Depending on the size of the items and the distance traveled, a car might not be (big) enough.

How to save

Ask family and friends for used moving boxes.
Use old newspapers and blankets as protective and packing material.
Organize helpers for the move early on.
Someone in your circle of friends and acquaintances may be able to provide a larger vehicle and you can save on the rental costs.

Other costs: approx. CHF 50

Moving house also always involves some admin. When applying for apartments, you will usually need an extract from the debt enforcement register, and sometimes proof you do not have a criminal record. Additionally, you must deregister with your old municipality and register with the new one. It can help to set up a mail-forwarding request with the post office to ensure important letters arrive safely at the new address.

Sample calculation for moving

	Cost		CHF
	Furnishing		3,000
	Moving supplies		50
	Moving van		300
	Extract from the debt enforcement register		18
	Change of address		20
	Forwarding order		40
	Interim total		3,430
	Rental deposit account		3,900
	Total		7,330