Skip to content

Zurich vs Munich

Munich runs about 24% cheaper than Zurich for this household, a difference of 1,155 USD a month.

Zürich, Switzerland
Zurich
$4,722/month · Switzerland
Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de · CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Taxisgarten, a traditional beer garden in Munich at night - short exposure.
Munich
$3,567/month · Germany
Martin Falbisoner · CC BY-SA 3.0
Zurich monthly
$4,722
Index 74 (NYC = 100)
Munich monthly
$3,567
Index 56 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-24%
Munich relative to Zurich
Rent gap
$600
Zurich costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

ZurichMunich
  • Housing
    Housing: Zurich $2,600, Munich $2,000. Cheaper in Munich.
  • Food
    Food: Zurich $903, Munich $593. Cheaper in Munich.
  • Transport
    Transport: Zurich $166, Munich $131. Cheaper in Munich.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Zurich $266, Munich $249. Cheaper in Munich.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Zurich $441, Munich $347. Cheaper in Munich.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Zurich $189, Munich $131. Cheaper in Munich.
  • Other
    Other: Zurich $157, Munich $116. Cheaper in Munich.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricZurichMunich
Cost
Total monthly cost4,722 USD3,567 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)7456✓
Housing2,600 USD2,000 USD✓
Utilities266 USD249 USD✓
Food903 USD593 USD✓
Transport166 USD131 USD✓
Healthcare441 USD347 USD✓
Lifestyle189 USD131 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr6,933 USD✓4,965 USD
Effective tax + social rate16.8%✓40.4%
Left over each month2,212 USD✓1,399 USD
Average local net salary6,800 USD✓3,300 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,600 USD2,000 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre4,600 USD3,700 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre18,000 USD12,500 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety92/100✓82/100
Healthcare94/100✓88/100
Air quality86/100✓74/100
Public transport98/100✓92/100
Walkability88/100✓86/100
English proficiency80/100✓74/100
Nightlife66/10078/100✓
Family friendliness88/100✓86/100
Median broadband190 Mbps✓150 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature10°C10°C
Summer high25°C24°C✓
Winter low-1°C✓-2°C
Sunshine hours per year1,660 h1,750 h✓
Annual rainfall1050 mm950 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoYes✓
Beach accessNone nearbyNone nearby
CurrencyCHFEUR
Time zoneEurope/ZurichEurope/Berlin

Munich runs about 24% cheaper than Zurich for this household, a difference of 1,155 USD a month.

Next

Go deeper

Cost of living in ZurichCost of living in MunichConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
Zurich vs LondonZurich vs DublinZurich vs Amsterdam
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Zurich or Munich cheaper?

Munich runs about 24% cheaper than Zurich for this household, a difference of 1,155 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Munich compared with Zurich?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $6,933 a month in Zurich and $4,965 in Munich, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Zurich or Munich?

Zurich scores 92/100 on safety and 94/100 on healthcare; Munich scores 82 and 88. Zurich averages 10°C against 10°C in Munich.