PhD living costs in Zürich, Switzerland
Relaxed score 1.62
Relaxed — net stipend covers about 160–200% of estimated living costs (score 1.6–2.0). Current estimate score: 1.62.
A PhD stipend of €4,417/month (est. net €4,063) is relaxed in Zürich, Switzerland relative to estimated student living costs (score 1.62).
PhD scholarships in Zürich
Funded institute listings on this site with affordability data for this city.
- PhD Scholarships at ETH Zurich €4,333/mo Comfortable
- PhD Scholarships at University of Zurich €4,500/mo Relaxed
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Living costs in Zürich — FAQ
How expensive is it to live as a PhD student in Zürich?
We estimate student living costs in Zürich, Switzerland at about €2,501/month. That figure starts from the country price level and applies a city factor of 1.20 (1.00 = country baseline). Housing and transport usually drive the city premium.
Is a typical PhD stipend enough in Zürich?
On this site the reference stipend for Zürich is about €4417/month gross (≈ €4063 net after our tax estimate). Versus €2,501 living costs, the affordability score is about 1.62 — rated Relaxed. Your contract may differ.
What does the city factor mean for Zürich?
The city factor (1.20 for Zürich) scales country-level living costs up or down. Values above 1.00 mean Zürich is more expensive than the Switzerland average in our model; below 1.00 means relatively cheaper.
How does Zürich compare with the rest of Switzerland?
Country affordability pages use national price levels without the city adjustment. Zürich applies city factor 1.20, so estimated living costs here are €2,501/month at the same stipend assumptions. Open the Switzerland overview for the national median.
Indicative estimates from Eurostat/OECD price levels. Not tax or financial advice.