Anecdotal and observational evidence, as well as numerous comments on social media, indicate that eating in Swiss restaurants can cost you a lot. But a new international study refutes this.
The study, carried out by an international food magazine Chef’s Pencil, analysed restaurant price data and compared it to local wages across more than 170 cities worldwide to uncover where eating out is most affordable – and where it’s the most expensive – for the local population.
In a finding that will undoubtedly come as a surprise to many people in Switzerland, Bern is ranked as the third-cheapest city (in the world!) to have a meal out.
In fact, it is the only European location to have made it to the top 10, with the other nine cheapest places to eat all being in the US, Asia, and the Middle East.
According to the study, “Switzerland is widely regarded as one of the most expensive countries in the world, and Bern’s average meal price of nearly $120 per couple reinforces that reputation. However, once very high local wages are factored in, dining out is more affordable for residents here than in nearly every other city worldwide.”
But there are even more shocking revelations: aside from Bern, “in Europe, Switzerland dominates the leaderboard: Bern, Zurich (16th place globally), and Geneva (18th) are among the most affordable for dining out relative to local wages.” (It is a rare occasion indeed where Zurich and Geneva are not listed among the world’s priciest cities).
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Can this really be true?
These are the figures that the magazine used for its analysis.
In Bern, the ‘meal to salary’ ratio is 0.8 percent.
How so? A meal in a mid-range restaurant was found to cost $59 for a monthly salary of $7,645.
In Zurich and Geneva, this ratio is 0.9 percent; with an average wage of $8,049 and meal price of $75 in the former city, and $7,543 / $71 in the latter.
Now, while the numbers might be correct, there are plenty of nuances at play here: whether the person is single and has more disposable income than a single-income family, for instance.
It is probably fair to say that these findings should be taken with – pun intended – a pinch of salt.
Other studies have shown a different picture, though
For instance, Eurostat data from June 2025 shows that compared to its neighbours Germany, France, and Italy, dining out is noticeably pricier in Switzerland.
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A more balanced view
Prices in Swiss restaurants vary, and it’s true that some are more affordable than others.
If you’re looking for inexpensive meals – and they do exist – then supermarket restaurants like Migros and the Coop are best.
Daily lunch menus can be had there for under 20 francs.
READ ALSO: 12 things that are actually ‘cheap’ in Switzerland
