Cost of Living Switzerland vs Dubai
Analyzing the prices of basic products between the Swiss and the Dubai show some significant differences based on their economic status, people’s priorities, and their locations. That is why this article will provide you with further insight on what to expect if you are planning on moving or investing in either of the two areas.
In general, Switzerland is significantly less affordable compare to Dubai for everything that need to be paid. Switzerland people pay CHF 2000 CHF 4000 per month for houses while Dubai provide similar accommodation for AED 5 to AED 15 per month. In Switzerland, the cost of (public) transport barely goes for CHF 70-CHF 120 monthly while in Dubai it goes for AED-100 to AED-300.
Switzerland is well known in health issues but slightly expensive than other Swiss Origin and mandatory insurance which ranges between 200 CHF up to 500 CHF per month, in Dubai most often health care is paid by the employer and the only constraints is how good you want it to be. Groceries are additionally one of the costly commodities in Switzerland are nearly twice as much as in Dubai.
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Housing Costs | Zurich: AED 16,875 (expensive area) Dubai: AED 10,393 (expensive area) |
Food Prices | Zurich: AED 117 (basic lunch) Dubai: AED 49 (basic lunch) |
Transportation | Zurich: AED 18.68 (one-way ticket) Dubai: AED 6.75 (one-way ticket) |
Utilities | Zurich: AED 1,524 (85 m² apartment) Dubai: AED 888 (85 m² apartment) |
Education | Zurich: AED 108,836 (international school annual fee) Dubai: AED 39,804 (international school annual fee) |
Lifestyle | Zurich: AED 180 (haircut) Dubai: AED 40 (haircut) |
Housing Costs
Swiss CHs or the accommodations may also be more costly than what is offered in Dubai; this is relatively true when it comes to housing accommodation especially in the Switzerland’s cities such as Zurich or Geneva city among others.
For instance, if we talk about furnished apartment, the monthly rent for an 85 m² apartment house in an expensive zone of Zurich will cost CHF 3,923 (AED 16,875) and in Dubai, it will be approximately AED 10,393. This show that the cost is 62% high in Zurich than in Dubai.
Food and Groceries
Food prices in Switzerland are also much higher than in Dubai. A basic lunchtime menu in Zurich costs about CHF 27 (AED 117), compared to AED 49 in Dubai, making it 140% more expensive in Zurich. Similarly, a kilogram of tomatoes in Zurich costs CHF 4.34 (AED 19), significantly higher than AED 5.51 in Dubai, showing a 239% price increase.

Transportation
Public transportation is another area where costs diverge. In Zurich, a one-way ticket for local transport is CHF 4.40 (AED 18.68), while in Dubai, it is around AED 6.75, making public transport 176% more expensive in Zurich. Similarly, gasoline prices in Zurich are about 163.5% higher than in Dubai.
Utilities and Internet
Utility costs in Zurich are higher as well. For instance, monthly utilities for a standard 85 m² apartment in Zurich cost around CHF 354 (AED 1,524), whereas in Dubai, it’s approximately AED 888. Internet services in Zurich cost about CHF 51 (AED 219) per month, slightly lower than the AED 236 in Dubai, indicating competitive pricing in both cities.

Lifestyle and Entertainment
On the expenses for the lifestyle for instance meals, clothes, and others, Zurich is significantly more expensive. Haircut price in Zurich is approximately at CHF 41. 90 (AED 180), while the latter costs AED 40 in Dubai. In the same regard, the local brand jeans can cost up to CHF 123 (AED 528) in Zurich while in Dubai, AED 202.
Cost of Living: Switzerland vs. Dubai – Interactive Charts
Housing Costs Comparison
Transportation Costs Comparison
Healthcare Costs Comparison
Grocery Costs Comparison
Education and Childcare
Family expenses, that is child education and care in international schools for families moving to other countries, consumes a lot of money. The annual costs that international primary schools in Zurich charge their customers are CHF 28, 469 (AED 108,836) charged while those in Dubai are AED 39, 804 making education in Zurich significantly costly.
Therefore, even though both Switzerland and Dubai provide good lifestyle, the total price for living in Switzerland is much higher than in Dubai for such essential factors as housing, food, and transportation, as well as education. On the other hand, Dubai offers a relatively cheaper and affordable lifestyle in these basic needs hence being a favorite for most expatriates and investors who are in search of a better but more economic lifestyle.
Cost of Living: Switzerland vs. Dubai – FAQs
What is the average cost of housing in Switzerland vs. Dubai?
In Switzerland, housing can be quite expensive with city apartments ranging from CHF 2,000 to CHF 4,000 per month, whereas in Dubai, rental costs for similar apartments typically range from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 depending on the location.
How do transportation costs compare between Switzerland and Dubai?
Public transportation is highly efficient in Switzerland but also costly, with monthly passes costing around CHF 70-120. In Dubai, the metro and taxis are cheaper, with monthly passes ranging from AED 100-300.
What is the difference in healthcare costs?
Switzerland has one of the best but most expensive healthcare systems, with mandatory insurance costing CHF 200-500 monthly. In Dubai, healthcare insurance is often provided by employers, and private health services range widely in cost, making it more affordable for expats.
How does the cost of groceries differ between the two locations?
In Switzerland, groceries are significantly more expensive, with basic staples costing almost double compared to Dubai. Dubai has more affordable options with local and international goods readily available.
Quiz: Cost of Living – Switzerland vs. Dubai
Quiz created with information from 95dubai.com