Ancillary costs and energy for housing
In 2023 a Swiss household spent on average CHF 144.67 a month on ancillary costs for its main residence (CHF 109.10 of it flat-rate charges, plus water, wastewater, waste and ongoing upkeep) and CHF 126.79 on energy (electricity, gas, heating), on top of net rent or mortgage interest of CHF 1’081.64. These are averages over all households, including owners and tenants whose ancillary costs are included in the rent; your own costs are in your lease and the annual statement.
Housing costs per household and month 2023 (CHF)
| Item | CHF per month | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Flat-rate ancillary charges | 109.10 | c |
| Waste collection | 3.58 | c |
| Wastewater | 4.23 | d |
| Water | 5.68 | c |
| Ongoing upkeep | 22.09 | d |
| Ancillary costs total | 144.67 | c |
| Electricity | 81.56 | c |
| Gas and other fuels | 13.86 | d |
| Central or district heating | 31.37 | c |
| Energy total | 126.79 | b |
| Net rent or mortgage interest | 1’081.64 | b |
| Main residence total | 1’353.10 | b |
Quality per the FSO: a very good … e poor (coefficient of variation).
Ancillary costs by major region 2020-2021 (CHF per month)
| Major region | Ancillary costs | Energy | Net rent/mortgage interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 132.82 | 108.80 | 1’055.25 |
| Zurich | 151.84 | 100.73 | 1’303.86 |
| Central Switzerland | 143.58 | 102.77 | 1’171.52 |
| Northwestern Switzerland | 131.09 | 113.89 | 988.66 |
| Espace Mittelland | 130.07 | 116.02 | 908.52 |
| Lake Geneva region | 125.26 | 110.63 | 1’141.05 |
| Eastern Switzerland | 121.64 | 105.98 | 893.12 |
| Ticino | 117.90 | 103.48 | 873.02 |
Since 2006 (CHF per month)
| Year | Net rent/mortgage interest | Ancillary costs | Energy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1’081.64 | 144.67 | 126.79 |
| 2022 | 1’047.04 | 134.53 | 110.86 |
| 2021 | 1’042.94 | 132.79 | 108.85 |
| 2020 | 1’067.32 | 132.04 | 109.50 |
| 2019 | 1’056.16 | 132.86 | 108.33 |
| 2018 | 1’061.51 | 149.32 | 119.86 |
| 2017 | 1’045.05 | 147.62 | 125.73 |
| 2016 | 1’068.77 | 147.36 | 125.06 |
| 2015 | 1’046.27 | 140.06 | 132.46 |
| 2014 | 1’078.61 | 147.20 | 149.46 |
| 2013 | 1’076.39 | 205.95 | 133.85 |
| 2012 | 1’068.62 | 199.45 | 129.17 |
| 2011 | 1’071.27 | 183.50 | 124.13 |
| 2010 | 1’088.01 | 184.30 | 123.12 |
| 2009 | 1’089.74 | 178.53 | 123.72 |
| 2008 | 1’087.67 | 177.29 | 118.69 |
| 2007 | 1’033.23 | 174.04 | 111.64 |
| 2006 | 991.92 | 168.85 | 122.37 |
Legally (Art. 257a Swiss Code of Obligations): ancillary costs are the payment for services of the landlord or third parties connected with the use of the property. Tenants only pay them if this has been specifically agreed.
Frequently asked questions
How high are ancillary costs in Switzerland?
On average across all households CHF 144.67 a month for the main residence (2023), plus CHF 126.79 for energy. For a single flat they can differ a lot depending on size, heating system and lease.
Do I have to pay ancillary costs?
Only if they are specifically agreed in the lease (Art. 257a CO); otherwise they are included in the rent.
Which region has the highest ancillary costs?
In 2020-2021, Zurich with CHF 151.84, lowest Ticino with CHF 117.90 a month.
Electricity bill for your commune →
Rent by canton →
Source: BFS: Haushaltsbudgeterhebung (HABE), T20.02.01.02.01/02 · OR Art. 257a · JSON · SLI-2026-10-03.32
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