The Verdict
Living in Berlin is 67% cheaper than Zurich.
If you move from Berlin to Zurich, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Berlin, you would need to earn about £74,359 in Zurich.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Berlin:
Why people love Zurich:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Berlin | Zurich | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,360 | £3,300 | +£1,940 |
| Monthly groceries | £287 | £473 | +£186 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £188 | £375 | +£187 |
| Public transport pass | £141 | £208 | +£67 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £176 | £216 | +£40 |
| Total Monthly | £2,152 | £4,572 | +£2,420 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (67% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Prioritize safety (score: 92/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£6,230/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Zurich to match a Berlin salary
| Salary in Berlin | Equivalent in Zurich | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £55,769 | £25,769 more |
| £40,000 | £74,359 | £34,359 more |
| £50,000 | £92,949 | £42,949 more |
| £60,000 | £111,538 | £51,538 more |
| £80,000 | £148,718 | £68,718 more |
| £100,000 | £185,897 | £85,897 more |
Berlin vs Zurich: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 67%. Berlin is the more affordable option.
Rent: Berlin has a rent index of 68, while Zurich has 165.
Average Salaries: Berlin: £2,580/month vs Zurich: £6,230/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Berlin wins 6, while Zurich wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.