Cost of living in La Chaux-de-Fonds
La Chaux-de-Fonds, located in Switzerland, is known for its rich watchmaking history and cultural heritage. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for anyone considering moving here or planning a visit.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you budget effectively for life in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $16.97 on average, with a range between $16.97 and $56.56.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $67.88, with prices ranging from $56.56 to $169.69.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $16.4, with a range between $15.84 and $22.06.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.53 to $11.31, imported beer $3.39 to $11.31, cappuccino $3.39 to $6.79, and Coke/Pepsi $3.39 to $6.79.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.36 and $2.26 per liter, averaging $1.93.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.36 and $5.09, with an average price of $3.62.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $5.02 to $11.31, averaging $7.52.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.26 to $11.31 per kg, while oranges range from $1.7 to $5.66 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.81 and $3.39 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.7 to $2.83 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0 and $5.66, with a monthly pass priced at $145.94.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.99 and $2.49 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $6.79, with a cost of $3.39 to $5.66 per km and $50.91 to $90.5 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1018.16 to $1696.93, averaging $1357.54.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $905.03 to $1131.28, averaging $999.3.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1583.8 to $5656.42, averaging $3620.11.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1357.54 to $3054.47, averaging $2206.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $131.13 and $339.39, averaging $232.4.
- Internet - Internet services range from $39.59 to $107.47, with an average cost of $59.11.
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
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
La Chaux-de-Fonds offers a relatively high cost of living, typical of Swiss cities, with significant expenses in housing and dining.
Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport and fuel prices reflecting the Swiss standard.
Grocery prices are on the higher side, especially for items like eggs and local cheese.
Potential residents should budget carefully, particularly for housing and dining, to manage expenses effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, living in La Chaux-de-Fonds requires a well-planned budget, especially considering the high costs associated with housing and dining.
While the city offers a rich cultural experience and a high standard of living, potential residents should be prepared for the financial demands typical of Swiss urban areas.