Supermarket Comparison Zurich: shop cheap in the city and across the border
Where to shop cheapest in Zurich? And is the drive to Jestetten really worth it? Rappn gives honest answers — with current prices and the cross-border check for 2026.
Supermarkets in Zurich: overview
Zurich has all the major chains: Migros (~50 stores), Coop (~45), Aldi (15+), Lidl (10+), Denner (30+). Key Zurich tips: ShopVille at the Hauptbahnhof has Migros, Coop and Aldi — open 365 days until 10 pm. Lidl has no stores in the city centre — nearest locations in Schlieren, Dietikon, Dübendorf and the Oerlikon industrial zone. Best savings move: Wednesday evening Rappn check before the weekly shop.
Cross-border shopping from Zurich: the honest guide
Zurich is 30 minutes by car from the German border. Thousands of Zurich residents regularly shop in Jestetten and Lottstetten. But since 2025 the rules have changed — and the maths has shifted.
The 2026 rules
- Duty-free allowance: CHF 150 per person per day (halved from CHF 300 since 1 Jan 2025)
- German VAT refund: Purchases over EUR 50 per receipt: request an Ausfuhrschein → 19% VAT refunded at the border
- Quantity limits: butter/cream max 1 kg/person, meat max 1 kg, oil max 5 L, eggs unlimited, yoghurt unlimited
- Warning: If you exceed CHF 150 total, you pay 2.6% Swiss VAT on the ENTIRE cart (not just the excess)
1. Jestetten / Lottstetten — 30 min, most popular
Unique in Europe: two villages with 8,000 residents and 12 supermarkets, 3 DM drugstores and a McDonald's. Built for Swiss customers. Getting there: car via Bülach/Rafz, or S-Bahn S9 to Rafz + bus (45 min total).
| Store | Comment |
|---|---|
| Edeka Neukauf | Largest and most complete. Excellent butcher, cheese counter, wines. Zurich families' favourite. Big car park. |
| Lidl (Lottstetten) | Basics, fruit/veg, fresh bread. Unbeatable prices. Famously packed on Saturdays. |
| Aldi Süd | Like Swiss Aldi but at German prices (30–50% lower). German meat substantially cheaper. |
| DM (3 locations!) | THE main reason many Zurich residents make the trip. Cosmetics, baby products, cleaning, vitamins: 40–60% cheaper. No Swiss equivalent. |
| Fristo Drinks Market | Beer, water, juices at German prices. A crate of beer = 1/3 of the Swiss price. |
The honest maths: Travel costs from Zurich centre (TCS CHF 0.75/km × 78 km): CHF 58.50. On a CHF 200 purchase you save ~CHF 60 (30%) — minus travel = CHF 1.50 left. Only worth it if: CHF 300+ purchase (2 people = 2× allowance), groceries + DM combined, or going anyway.
2. Konstanz — 1h, the biggest destination
85,000 residents. IC from Zurich HB: 1h10. Lago Shopping Centre (Edeka, MediaMarkt, H&M), all three German drugstore chains (DM, Rossmann, Müller). Ideal when combining groceries with clothing or electronics.
3. Waldshut-Tiengen — 45 min, quieter
Smaller, less crowded. Kaufland (huge range), Aldi, Lidl, DM. Good alternative when Jestetten is overrun.
What to buy in Germany vs Switzerland
| Buy in GERMANY (30–60% savings) | Buy in SWITZERLAND (little difference or better) |
|---|---|
| Meat (non-Swiss): 50–70% cheaper | Milk/fresh dairy (M-Budget comparable, transport tricky) |
| DM/Rossmann products: 40–60% | Fresh bread (Swiss quality superior, similar price) |
| Detergent/household: 40–50% | Swiss seasonal veg (freshness, quality) |
| Beer/drinks: 50–70% | Migros/Coop own brands (don't exist in Germany) |
| Cosmetics: 40–60% | Swiss chocolate (same price or pricier in Germany!) |
| Nappies/baby products: 40–50% | Swiss cheese (quality, freshness) |
Why Rappn?
Rappn is the only neutral grocery price comparison app in Switzerland — with no commercial agreements with any retailer. Our comparisons are truly independent.
- 100% free — no subscription, no hidden costs
- Neutral — no commercial agreements with Migros, Coop, Aldi, Lidl, or Denner
- Real-time data — prices updated continuously
- +10,000 offers, +3,000 supermarkets, 100% free
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which supermarket is cheapest in Zurich?
Aldi and Lidl offer the lowest prices (as across Switzerland), followed by Denner. Aldi has 15+ stores in the region; Lidl has no city-centre locations — nearest in Schlieren, Dietikon and Dübendorf.
Where can I shop on Sundays in Zurich?
ShopVille at the Hauptbahnhof: Migros, Coop and Aldi are open 365 days until 10 pm. Coop Pronto and Migros in major train stations also have Sunday hours.
Is cross-border shopping from Zurich worth it?
It depends. For large shops (CHF 300+, 2 people) combining groceries + DM: yes (CHF 50–100 net saved). For small purchases (CHF 150): travel costs (CHF 58.50) eat almost everything. Since Jan 2025, the allowance is CHF 150 (halved). For DM drugstore products, there is no Swiss alternative — the trip almost always pays off there.
Which store do Zurich residents prefer in Jestetten?
Edeka Neukauf for complete grocery shopping (butcher, cheese, wine). DM for health and beauty. Lidl Lottstetten for cheapest basics. Fristo for drinks.