Average household expenses in Switzerland, BFS explained
Per the BFS Household Budget Survey 2023, the average household has a gross income of around CHF 10'340 and CHF 7'186 disposable. Biggest items: obligatory expenses CHF 3'154 (30.5 %), housing and energy CHF 1'449 (14.0 %), groceries at home around CHF 632 (6.3 %). What remains is a savings amount of CHF 1'736 per month (16.8 %).
Updated regularly. How much does a Swiss household spend on average, and on what? The most reliable source is the Household Budget Survey (HABE) from the Federal Statistical Office (BFS). The latest edition (2023 reporting year, published November 2025) works with an average gross income of around CHF 10'340 per month and a disposable income of CHF 7'186. Here is the full breakdown, and the one line you can act on immediately.
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How much does an average Swiss household spend per month?
Out of the roughly CHF 10'340 gross income, the obligatory expenses go first: CHF 3'154 per month, or 30.5 percent. That is taxes (CHF 1'245, 12.0 percent), social insurance contributions (around 10.3 percent), mandatory basic health premiums (around 6.7 percent) and transfers to other households (around 1.5 percent). Consumption spending follows, led by housing and energy (CHF 1'449, 14.0 percent). On food and non-alcoholic drinks at home the average household spends around CHF 632 per month (about 6.3 percent); including eating out the total rises noticeably further. What remains is an average savings amount of CHF 1'736 per month, or 16.8 percent of gross income.
| Item | Avg CHF per month | Share of gross income |
|---|---|---|
| Gross income | ~10'340 | 100 % |
| Obligatory expenses (taxes, social ins., health) | 3'154 | 30.5 % |
| Housing and energy | 1'449 | 14.0 % |
| Groceries at home | ~632 | 6.3 % |
| Savings amount | 1'736 | 16.8 % |
What the average says, and what it doesn't
The average household counts about two people; larger families and single-person households diverge sharply. Important: not everyone can save. Households in the lowest income bracket often spend more than they earn, a negative savings amount, according to BFS. That is exactly why the variable line matters: housing, taxes and social insurance are fixed in the short term, but groceries you buy again every week. If your own food line sits above CHF 632, it is the fastest lever to get closer to the average or below it, without giving anything up.
In the Rappn app you scan your receipts and see how much you really spend on groceries, instead of guessing. And through the price comparison you lower that line week by week. For which of the big expenses you can actually influence, see the biggest household expenses, and for how much to set aside each month, see how much to save per month.
Sources checked: .
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an average Swiss household spend per month?
On a gross income of around CHF 10'340 per month, BFS (HABE 2023) shows 30.5 percent going to obligatory expenses alone (CHF 3'154: taxes, social insurance, health premiums). The largest consumption item is housing and energy at CHF 1'449. What remains is a savings amount of CHF 1'736 per month.
What percentage of income goes to groceries?
Around 6.3 percent of gross income, roughly CHF 632 per month, for food and non-alcoholic drinks at home (BFS HABE 2023). Including eating out, restaurants and take-away, the total rises noticeably further.
What is the average disposable income?
Around CHF 7'186 per month, after obligatory expenses are deducted from the gross income of around CHF 10'340 (BFS HABE 2023, reporting year 2023, published November 2025).
Does every household actually save money?
No. On average the savings amount is CHF 1'736 per month (16.8 percent), but households in the lowest income bracket often spend more than they earn, per BFS. The average hides large differences.