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Is Switzerland expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe and the world, with a mid-range day at about CHF 390 per person sharing a room. Hotels, restaurants and especially mountain railways cost the most; tap water, hiking, lakeside walks and supermarket picnics are the ways to keep costs down.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | CHF70 | CHF150 | CHF350 |
| Food & drink | CHF40 | CHF80 | CHF160 |
| Sights & tickets | CHF30 | CHF100 | CHF200 |
| Local transport | CHF40 | CHF60 | CHF100 |
| Per person, per day | CHF180 | CHF390 | CHF810 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Switzerland day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Coffee in a café | about CHF 4.50–6 |
| Bottle of water in a shop or kiosk | about CHF 2–4 |
| Bratwurst from a stand | about CHF 8–12 |
| Restaurant main course | about CHF 25–45 |
| Half-litre of beer in a bar | about CHF 7–10 |
| Train Zurich–Lucerne (full fare) | roughly CHF 25–30 one way |
| Golden Round Trip to Mount Pilatus | about CHF 100+ (discounted with a pass) |
| Jungfraujoch return from Interlaken | roughly CHF 200+ (discounted with a pass) |
| Mid-range double room, Lucerne old town | about CHF 220–380 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the largest cost, with mid-range doubles in Lucerne or the Jungfrau villages at about CHF 220–400 and tourist taxes per person per night. Mountain railways are the next big item: summit trips such as Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn or Pilatus cost about CHF 100–250 each, though the Swiss Travel Pass and Half Fare Card cut many prices. Restaurant meals are expensive, with mains of CHF 25–45. Trains are pricey at full fare but excellent value with a pass.
When it is cheaper
April–May and late October–November are usually cheapest for hotels, but many mountain lifts close for maintenance. Ski resorts are most expensive around Christmas, New Year and February holidays; city hotels can be cheaper at weekends.
How to spend less
- Compare the Swiss Travel Pass with the Half Fare Card for your route; one usually pays off.
- Buy picnic food at Coop and Migros, including their ready-made salads and sandwiches.
- Drink from public fountains and taps; the water is excellent and free.
- Pick one or two big summit trips and hike to free viewpoints for the rest.
- Book Supersaver train tickets in advance on SBB if you don't have a pass.
- Stay in hostels or Interlaken rather than the car-free villages for lower rates.
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Common questions
How much does a day in Switzerland cost?
About CHF 180 per person on a budget, CHF 390 mid-range and CHF 810 for comfort, sharing a double and including transport. Local tourist taxes are added per night.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?
Often yes for several days of travel, especially with boats and mountain discounts; for fewer trips, a Half Fare Card may be cheaper. Do the maths for your route.
How expensive is eating out in Switzerland?
A restaurant main costs about CHF 25–45; supermarket meals are much cheaper.