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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Vevey 2024
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Cost of Living in Vevey

By Betsy Burlingame

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Summary: If you're moving to Vevey, understanding the the cost of living in Vevey helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: CHF 1,500 - 2,000 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: CHF 1,200 - 1,700 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: CHF 2,500 - 3,500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: CHF 2,000 - 3,000 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: CHF 10,000 - 15,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: CHF 7,000 - 10,000
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: CHF 3.50
  • Monthly local transport pass: CHF 70 - 100
  • Taxi starting tariff: CHF 6.50
  • Taxi per kilometer: CHF 3.50
  • Gasoline (1 liter): CHF 1.50 - 1.70
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): CHF 1.50 - 2.00
  • Bread (500g): CHF 2.00 - 3.00
  • Rice (1kg): CHF 2.50 - 4.00
  • Eggs (12): CHF 4.50 - 6.00
  • Cheese (1kg): CHF 15.00 - 25.00
  • Chicken breast (1kg): CHF 15.00 - 25.00
  • Beef round (1kg): CHF 25.00 - 40.00
  • Apples (1kg): CHF 3.00 - 5.00
  • Bananas (1kg): CHF 1.50 - 3.00
  • Oranges (1kg): CHF 2.50 - 4.00
  • Tomatoes (1kg): CHF 3.00 - 5.00
  • Potatoes (1kg): CHF 1.50 - 3.00
  • Onions (1kg): CHF 1.50 - 3.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): CHF 1.00 - 2.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: CHF 20 - 30
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: CHF 80 - 120
  • McDonald's combo meal: CHF 12 - 15
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): CHF 6.00 - 8.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): CHF 4.00 - 6.00
  • Cappuccino: CHF 4.00 - 6.00
  • Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): CHF 3.00 - 4.00
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): CHF 2.00 - 3.00
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: CHF 150 - 250 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): CHF 50 - 80 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool: CHF 15,000 - 25,000 per year
  • Elementary School: CHF 20,000 - 30,000 per year
  • Middle School: CHF 25,000 - 35,000 per year
  • High School: CHF 30,000 - 40,000 per year

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Vevey

"Vevey is known for its high cost of living. The cost of housing in Vevey is quite expensive, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costing significantly more than the average European city. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water, while not as expensive as rent, are also higher than the European average.The cost of food in Vevey is also high, with groceries and dining out both costing more than in many other cities. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can be quite costly, and a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can be even more expensive. Groceries such as bread, milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables are all more expensive than the average European prices.Transportation costs in Vevey are also high. A monthly public transportation ticket can be quite expensive, and the cost of gasoline is also higher than the European average. Owning a car in Vevey can be quite costly due to these high gasoline prices and the cost of car insurance.Healthcare in Vevey is of a high standard, but it is also expensive. Even with insurance, there can be high out-of-pocket costs for medical care.Despite these high costs, many people find the high quality of life in Vevey to be worth the expense. The city offers beautiful scenery, a rich cultural life, and a safe and clean environment," said one expat living in Vevey.

Can I live in Vevey on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Vevey for a while now, and I can tell you that it's quite challenging to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, it's not impossible if you're willing to make some sacrifices.Firstly, you'll need to find affordable accommodation. The neighborhoods near the city center, like La Tour-de-Peilz and Corseaux, are quite expensive, so you might want to avoid those. Instead, consider looking for a shared apartment or a small studio in the outskirts of Vevey, such as Chardonne or Jongny. These areas are more affordable, but you'll have to rely on public transportation to get to the city center.Next, you'll need to cut down on eating out, as restaurants in Vevey can be quite pricey. Instead, cook your meals at home and shop for groceries at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl. You can also visit local farmers' markets for fresh produce at lower prices.When it comes to entertainment and leisure activities, you'll have to be selective. Going to the movies, concerts, or other events can quickly eat into your budget. Instead, take advantage of the beautiful nature surrounding Vevey by going for hikes, bike rides, or picnics by the lake. There are also free or low-cost events and festivals throughout the year that you can attend.Lastly, be prepared to limit your travel within Switzerland and Europe. While it's tempting to explore the beautiful Swiss Alps or take weekend trips to nearby countries, these can be quite expensive. Instead, focus on exploring the local area and taking advantage of the many outdoor activities available in Vevey and its surroundings.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Vevey is challenging, but possible if you're willing to make some sacrifices. By finding affordable accommodation, cooking at home, enjoying low-cost leisure activities, and limiting your travel, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Vevey.

Can I live in Vevey on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Vevey for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. The cost of living in Switzerland is generally high, and Vevey is no exception. However, there are some affordable neighborhoods you can consider.First, you'll need to find a place to live. The most affordable neighborhoods in Vevey are La Tour-de-Peilz and Clarens. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more reasonable rent prices. You can expect to pay around $1,200 to $1,500 for a one-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods. On the other hand, I would avoid living in the city center or near the lake, as these areas are more expensive.Next, you'll need to budget for groceries and eating out. Groceries in Switzerland can be quite expensive, so I recommend shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl. Eating out can also be pricey, so try to limit this to once or twice a week. You can expect to spend around $400 to $500 a month on groceries and eating out.Transportation is another expense to consider. If you live in one of the more affordable neighborhoods, you'll likely need to rely on public transportation to get around. A monthly pass for public transportation in Vevey costs around $70. If you have a car, keep in mind that gas prices are high, and parking can be expensive in the city center.Finally, you'll need to budget for health insurance, which is mandatory in Switzerland. The cost of health insurance varies depending on your coverage, but you can expect to pay around $300 to $400 a month.In total, you'll be spending around $2,000 to $2,500 a month on basic living expenses. This leaves you with $500 to $1,000 for discretionary spending, such as entertainment, travel, and savings. To make it work, you'll need to be mindful of your spending and prioritize your expenses. It's definitely possible to live comfortably in Vevey on $3,000 a month, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be smart with your budget," said one expat living in Vevey.

Can I live in Vevey on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Vevey for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but you'll need to make some adjustments and be mindful of your spending. The cost of living in Switzerland is generally high, and Vevey is no exception. However, there are ways to make it work.First, you'll want to find an affordable place to live. The neighborhoods near the city center, like La Tour-de-Peilz and Corseaux, tend to be more expensive. I'd recommend looking for an apartment in the more residential areas, such as Chardonne or Jongny. These neighborhoods are still close to the city center but offer more affordable housing options. You can expect to pay around $1,500 to $2,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in these areas.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your grocery and dining expenses. Eating out can be quite pricey in Vevey, so I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible. Shopping at discount grocery stores like Aldi or Lidl can help you save on groceries. When you do eat out, try to stick to more affordable options like local cafes and pizzerias instead of high-end restaurants.Transportation costs can also add up, so consider using public transportation or walking whenever possible. Vevey has a good public transportation system, and a monthly pass will cost you around $70. If you need a car, consider buying a used one or sharing one with a friend to save on expenses.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Vevey and the surrounding areas. You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or swimming in Lake Geneva. There are also many free events and festivals throughout the year, so keep an eye out for those.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to, like eating out frequently or having a large, centrally-located apartment. However, with some careful budgeting and planning, you can definitely make it work and enjoy a comfortable life in Vevey on $5,000 a month," commented an expat living in Vevey.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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