While the topic of renting a house or apartment in Switzerland is rarely detached from discussions of high prices and shortages, the latest data from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) has revealed just how stark cost differences can be between regions. Average rents were found to vary by nearly 1.000 francs per month in the most extreme cases.

Nearly two-thirds of residents rent their homes in Switzerland

According to the report, 2,4 million households in Switzerland rented their homes as of the end of 2023, making up around 64 percent of the population. By contrast, only 36 percent or 1,4 million households have bought their home, meaning Switzerland has one of the lowest rates of homeownership in the world. 

As of 2023, apartments sized between 60 and 79 metres squared were the most common rental homes, followed by 80 to 99 and 40 to 59 square metre properties. As of 2023, over a third of Swiss households (37,3 percent) only has one occupant, followed by couples without children (26,8 percent), couples with children younger than 25 (23,6 percent) and single-parent homes (4,9 percent).

Swiss rental costs rise 37 percent in 23 years

The FSO found that tenants in Switzerland pay an average of 1.451 francs a month in rent. They noted that average rents have risen by 37 percent between 2000 and 2023, and by 76 percent since 1990. 

One and two-room apartments have seen the fastest price rises, soaring 45 percent since 2000. This was blamed on a spike in demand caused by the rise in single-occupant households. 

Where is the most expensive place to live in Switzerland?

As of 2023, Zug is the most expensive place to rent a home in Switzerland, with prices averaging 1.931 francs a month. As a hub of low taxes, international companies and high quality of life, prices in the canton have soared - a 2024 FSO report found that a quarter of Zug’s local population has left in the last decade due to high costs.

High rents were also reported in Zurich (1.722 francs a month), Schwyz (1.695 francs) and Geneva (1.529 francs). These regions have also been synonymous with high demand and ongoing housing shortages.

Jura and Neuchâtel home to the most affordable rents

By contrast, the cheapest rents in Switzerland can be found in Jura. Switzerland's youngest canton reported average rents of 981 francs a month, meaning costs are nearly 1.000 francs a month less than in Zug.

Other affordable cantons include Neuchâtel (1.070 francs a month), Valais (1.206) and Glarus (1.213).

The cheapest and most expensive rental costs in Switzerland

In all, here are the cantons with the highest average rental costs (in francs per month):

1. Zug (1.931)
2. Zurich (1.722)
3. Schwyz (1.695)
4. Geneva (1.529)
5. Nidwalden (1.528)
6. Basel-Land (1.489)
7. Aargau (1.456)
8. Lucerne (1.452)
9. Vaud (1.444)
10. Basel-Stadt (1.412)
11. Obwalden (1.383)
12. Appenzell Innerrhoden (1.346)
13. Thurgau (1.344)

Here are the cheapest places to rent a home in Switzerland:

1. Jura (981)
2. Neuchâtel (1.070)
3. Valais (1.206)
4. Glarus (1.213)
5. Ticino (1.225)
6. Appenzell Ausserrhoden (1.226)
7. Solothurn (1.251)
8. Uri (1.260)
9. Schaffhausen (1.265)
10. Fribourg (1.287)
11. Bern (1.297)
12. St. Gallen (1.321)
13. Graubünden (1.330)

For more information, check out the FSO website.