The Verdict
Living in Paris is 40% cheaper than Zurich.
If you move from Paris 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 Paris, you would need to earn about £55,238 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 Paris:
Why people love Zurich:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Paris | Zurich | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,300 | £3,300 | +£1,000 |
| Monthly groceries | £322 | £473 | +£151 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £245 | £375 | +£130 |
| Public transport pass | £141 | £208 | +£67 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £171 | £216 | +£45 |
| Total Monthly | £3,179 | £4,572 | +£1,393 |
* 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 (40% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- 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 Paris salary
| Salary in Paris | Equivalent in Zurich | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £41,429 | £11,429 more |
| £40,000 | £55,238 | £15,238 more |
| £50,000 | £69,048 | £19,048 more |
| £60,000 | £82,857 | £22,857 more |
| £80,000 | £110,476 | £30,476 more |
| £100,000 | £138,095 | £38,095 more |
Paris vs Zurich: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 40%. Paris is the more affordable option.
Rent: Paris has a rent index of 115, while Zurich has 165.
Average Salaries: Paris: £2,666/month vs Zurich: £6,230/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Paris wins 6, while Zurich wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.