The inevitable question when arriving in Switzerland: what budget should you plan to turn an empty apartment into a liveable home? Here are realistic figures, from studio to two-bedroom, whether you buy new, hunt second-hand or rent your furniture.
Budgets by apartment size (buying new, mid to good quality)
| Apartment | Essentials | Comfortable | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | CHF 4,000–6,000 | CHF 7,000–10,000 | CHF 15,000+ |
| One-bedroom (3 pièces) | CHF 7,000–10,000 | CHF 12,000–18,000 | CHF 25,000+ |
| Two-bedroom (4 pièces) | CHF 10,000–14,000 | CHF 18,000–25,000 | CHF 35,000+ |
The heaviest line items: the sofa (CHF 1,500–4,000 for lasting quality), the bed and mattress (CHF 1,500–3,500 — the one place not to cut corners) and the dining table with chairs (CHF 800–2,500). Then come the forgotten items: light fixtures, curtains, rugs and kitchenware easily add another CHF 1,500–3,000.
Second-hand: half the price, if you have time
Combining classifieds, flea markets and ex-rental furniture, you can furnish a one-bedroom decently for CHF 4,000–6,000. The trade-off: weeks of searching, a car, transport to organise — and a mixed result. Realistic if you have time; hard when you land with two suitcases.
Renting: spread the cost instead of fronting it
Renting furniture flips the logic: no capital tied up, a monthly fee instead. A complete one-bedroom setup typically rents for CHF 250–450 per month depending on the range, delivery and assembly included. Over 24 months, the total stays below the equivalent new purchase — and there's nothing to resell or move when you leave. At Swaap, if you eventually decide to buy, half of the rent already paid is deducted from the price.
FAQ
What's the minimum budget for a liveable studio?
Around CHF 4,000 buying new at entry level, CHF 2,000–2,500 second-hand, or from CHF 150–200 per month renting a complete setup.
Is furniture more expensive in Switzerland than elsewhere?
For the big retailers, Swiss prices are close to EU levels at equal quality; delivery and services, however, cost noticeably more.
Does furniture rental include delivery?
At Swaap, yes: delivery, assembly to your floor and end-of-contract collection are all included.
Full packs or piece-by-piece selection, from a 1-month rental — with 50% of rent deducted if you buy.
How it works