Cost of living in Aarau
Aarau, a charming city in Switzerland, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning a visit.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Aarau, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $26.87 on average, with a range between $20.15 and $55.98.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $97.97, with prices ranging from $89.58 to $167.95.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $17.36, with a range between $16.8 and $20.15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.36 to $10.08, imported beer $5.04 to $6.72, cappuccino $4.7 to $6.72, and Coke/Pepsi $1.9 to $5.6.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.34 and $2.02 per liter, averaging $1.9.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.34 and $5.82, with an average price of $3.89.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3.53 to $8.73, averaging $6.29.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.92 to $5.04 per kg, while oranges range from $1.2 to $7.84 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.57 and $3.92 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.16 to $3.14 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $3.02 and $5.6, with a monthly pass priced at $134.36.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.74 and $2.24 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $6.49, with a cost of $3.92 to $5.6 per km and $78.38 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1007.72 to $1455.6, averaging $1175.68.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $783.78 to $1231.66, averaging $951.74.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1903.48 to $2911.2, averaging $2276.71.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1623.55 to $2463.32, averaging $1917.47.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $9293.44.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter is $11196.92.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $179.15 and $292.84, averaging $223.94.
- Internet - Internet services range from $44.79 to $72.78, with an average cost of $54.12.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Switzerland are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Switzerland, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
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Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Aarau presents a relatively high cost of living, typical of Swiss cities, with significant expenses in dining, housing, and transportation.
Renting in the city centre is notably more expensive than outside, offering potential savings for those willing to commute.
Public transportation is efficient but comes at a premium, while owning a car involves high fuel costs.
Conclusion
Living in Aarau, Switzerland, offers a high quality of life with its picturesque surroundings and efficient services.
However, the cost of living is substantial, particularly in housing and dining, which requires careful budgeting.
Prospective residents should weigh these costs against the benefits of living in a well-connected and culturally rich city.