Zürich is expensive

Zürich reputation for high living costs is no secret. For expats and locals alike, the city's price tag can be daunting, particularly when it comes to health and fitness. For those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, understanding the financial landscape is essential. This post will guide you through the various costs associated with healthcare, fitness, and wellness in Zürich, and provide tips on how to manage these expenses without compromising your well-being.

Your budget for health and fitness in Zürich should consist at least of these three parts:

1. Out-of-pocket healthcare expenses (e.g. doctors bills that insurance does not fully cover)
2. Supplements, pharmaceuticals, massages and other wellness expenses
3. Gym or other sports-related expenses



Out-of-Pocket Healthcare Expenses

Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland, but not all costs are covered. Expats must be prepared for out-of-pocket expenses because Swiss health insurance never pays all of it, very much by design. The Swiss healthcare system operates on the principle of cost-sharing, with individuals responsible for a portion of their medical expenses, known as "franchise" (basically a "deductible" although the concepts differ in the details).

Franchise is an annual fixed amount that you must pay before your insurance coverage kicks in. In 2024, the minimum franchise amount is CHF300 and the maximum is CHF2,500. The higher your franchise, the lower your monthly health insurance premium. The maximum amount you will have to pay out-of-pocket per year in the absolute worst case will be higher though at 3'200 CHF. 

For young and healthy individuals, opting for a higher franchise and lower monthly premiums is usually the smart financial move. This approach means you'll cover more costs out of pocket, but in the average year, it proves cost-effective. By shouldering minor expenses yourself, you avoid the steep increase in monthly insurance premiums that comes when insurers cover almost everything. This strategy helps you maintain lower overall insurance costs, making it a savvy choice for everyone who can handle money properly seeking to maximize their savings while staying adequately covered in case anything serious happens.

The idea here is that you always think for a moment whether a visit to the doctor makes sense. But rest assured, the part that you have to pay out of pocket is small enough so that this should never prevent you from going to see the doctor.

One important duty for you though is to set aside a budget for this purpose.

Dental care is also almost always an out-of-pocket expense in Switzerland since the mandatory health insurance does not include it and companies will typically only insure your teeth if you are a child or your teeth are still in impeccable condition. So you will usually not have dental insurance coverage at all or only at an unreasonable price.

All those out-of-pocket medical expenses will vary, but it's not uncommon to pay CHF 150-200 for a doctor's visit or CHF 300-500 for dental care.

I suggest to budget at least 70 CHF per month for out-of-pocket healthcare bills. For me, 840 CHF per year on average has so far been sufficient. If you have chronic diseases, a higher franchise is a great idea.



Self-Care Expenses for Pharmaceuticals, Dietary Supplements, and Wellness

Many expats are surprised by the high cost of pharmaceuticals in Zürich. Prescription medications can be significantly more expensive compared to other countries. Over-the-counter drugs, such as pain relievers or cold medicine tend to have less extreme "Swiss surcharges" but they will be still more expensive than Switzerland's neighboring countries for example. It's essential to budget for these costs. Sometimes supplemental insurance can have reasonable deals to offset this cost, but in most cases paying it by yourself is the best financial decision. So they need to be in your budget.

Self-care is a vital part of maintaining overall health and well-being. However, the cost of pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and other self-care products can be steep in Zürich. For instance, a month's supply of a common dietary supplement could cost upwards of CHF 50-70. It really depends on your personal needs and suppliers though. Similarly, personal care items like skincare products and vitamins are often marked up compared to prices in other countries. Again, if you are smart about it, you can still save a lot and get quite close to the prices from Switzerland's neighboring countries.

You might also want to go for a massage or other wellness treatments every now and then. These can range from CHF 100-300 per session depending on the type of treatment and location. It's crucial to budget for these expenses accordingly since you do not want to work yourself to death. Whatever type of relaxation and regeneration you prefer, it will cost you some money in Zürich but generally be worth it and help you deliver the performance your boss will certain demand from you.

I suggest to budget at least 50 CHF for this per month, but your spending might be a lot higher. Part of this is that I get a lot of these treatments in other countries so they typically end up in my travel budget.



Gym and Sports Expenses

Staying physically active is a significant aspect of maintaining good health. However, gym memberships and sports-related expenses in Zürich can be costly. A monthly gym membership can range from CHF 80-200 per month, with some high-end facilities even charging upwards of CHF 300 per month.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, such as skiing or hiking, there are also costs to consider. A day pass for skiing can cost between CHF 50-120 depending on the resort and time of year. Hiking in Switzerland is generally free, but gear and transportation may easily add up to a few hundred CHF per year.

To manage these expenses effectively, it's essential to research and compare different gym options and sports-related activities. Some gyms have special deals during certain times of the year (e.g. in the summer). A consideration could also be less expensive exercises like outdoor running around your neighborhood.

In the end, I would budget at least 100 CHF per month here.



Alternative Fitness Options

If gym memberships are not your thing, consider exploring alternative fitness options that can help you stay active without breaking the bank. Zürich boasts a variety of outdoor fitness opportunities, including scenic trails for hiking and running, public sports courts, and swimming areas in Lake Zürich.



Another option is to join local fitness groups or clubs, which often organize free or low-cost activities like yoga, pilates, and group runs. Many of these groups can be found on social media platforms or through community bulletin boards. These activities not only provide a cost-effective way to stay fit but also offer a chance to meet new people and build a sense of community.

Affordable Wellness in Zürich

Maintaining overall wellness goes beyond just physical fitness; it also involves mental and emotional well-being. In Zürich, there are several affordable ways to focus on wellness without spending a fortune. For instance, many local organizations and community centers offer free or low-cost meditation and mindfulness classes.

Additionally, Zürich has numerous public parks and green spaces where you can relax and unwind. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health. Consider visiting places like the Botanical Garden, Uetliberg Mountain, or the shores of Lake Zürich for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.



Navigating the Cost of Living in Zürich

Living in Zürich requires careful budgeting, especially when it comes to health and fitness expenses. One strategy is to keep a detailed record of your monthly expenses, allowing you to identify areas where you can cut costs. Additionally, taking advantage of sales, discounts, and loyalty programs can help you save money on health and wellness products if you have the time to check them out.

Join my program Move to Switzerland to get special insights on saving money in Switzerland that you will find nowhere else.



Conclusion

While Zürich is renowned for its high cost of living, prioritizing your health and fitness is essential—not just for your well-being but also for your professional success. Neglecting these aspects will adversely affect your job performance and, consequently, your earning potential. Investing in your personal wellness is a smart move that can enhance both your career and financial outcomes.



Remember that investing in self-care is an investment in your overall quality of life. So don't hesitate to allocate a reasonable portion of your budget towards staying healthy and well in Zürich. Your future self will thank you for it. So go out there and explore all the amazing health and wellness opportunities this city has to offer! And if you need more guidance on managing your finances while living in Zürich, be sure to check out my program Move to Switzerland for unique insights and tips on saving money in Switzerland. By understanding the various expenses and exploring affordable alternatives, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle without breaking the bank. Prioritize your well-being, make informed choices, and take advantage of the many resources available to expats in Zürich.