Switzerland People all over the world call this country a dream destination. Absolutely postcard-perfect, Snow-capped mountains, crystal clear lakes and chocolaty treats.
Sounds like heaven, right? But this heaven is very expensive. Do you know that Switzerland expensiveness is number one of the most countries in the world? For example, a plate of butter chicken with naan, which is available in India for 400 to 500 rupees, can cost up to 2,500 to 3,000 rupees in Switzerland. And not just food, coffee, transport and hotels everything is available at sky-high prices.
Switzerland is one of the Expensive Country in the World
Plus, we will compare our prices with Swiss prices. So that the shock doubles. So grab your coffee, sit back and let’s discuss Why is Switzerland the most expensive country in the world. There are many reasons for Switzerland’s high cost of living.
But why is it so? Why is Switzerland expensive? Are the people there only millionaires? Or is there a solid economic reason behind it? Let’s find out. We will break down the reasons behind Switzerland’s high prices, From salaries to taxes to luxury living standards.
Let’s talk about them one by one. High wages and purchasing power, Switzerland is the highest salary-paying country. The average monthly income here is 4,000 to 5,000 Swiss francs, which is about 3.5 to 4.5 lakh rupees.
For example, the charges of a plumber or electrician here are 80 to 140 Swiss francs per hour, which is between 7,500 to 13,500 rupees. On the other hand, you can do the same in India for 300 to 500 rupees. Purchasing power increases with high wages, which directly impacts the prices of services and goods.
If people have more money, they can buy anything at a higher price. Irrespective of the actual value of that item, it creates a vicious cycle in which the costs of products and services are consistently high. Quality Standards and Strict Regulations Here, the quality and safety standards of things are very strict.
Food, housing, transport, etc. are all products and services A1. For example, Switzerland’s cheese and chocolate are world-famous because high-quality raw materials and processes are used to make these products.
Obviously, Companies have to invest more to maintain quality standards, which is why they are expensive. And these strict regulations are not just for luxury, but health and safety are given in priority. If compared to India, the regulations here are not so strict.
Duplicacy has increased so much in the market that fake products of big brands are made and also sold. And where there is no duplication, they are often not hygienic and safe. But we are not saying that quality food is not available in India.
It is available here too, but very little. Perhaps this is why the cost in India is low because quality and safety are often compromised. Import Dependency and High Taxes Switzerland is a landlocked country where resources are limited.
A lot of things, especially raw materials and luxury goods, have to be imported. Heavy tariffs and transportation costs are imposed on imports, which ultimately increase the final prices. Taxation is also a big factor.
In Switzerland, the value-added tax is around 8.1%, which is quite low compared to India. Due to the high base cost there, the end price automatically increases. Health Care and Education Costs Switzerland’s health care system is world-class and very expensive.
Every citizen has to take mandatory health insurance, whose monthly premium is 300 to 500 Swiss Francs, i.e. 28,000 to 47,000 rupees. Compared to India, health care is quite affordable here, but universal coverage and quality are quite inconsistent. Similarly, education is also quite expensive here, especially higher studies.
In a bachelor’s degree, you may have to spend 5,000 to 24,000 Swiss Francs per semester. In Indian currency, it is almost 5 to 23 lakh rupees. This is really a very large amount.
But it is a globally recognized and top-quality education. In India, education is comparatively affordable, but its global impact does not match that of Switzerland’s education. Infrastructure and Public Transport Switzerland’s infrastructure is top-notch.
Whether it is public transport or utilities, its maintenance costs are quite high. A train ticket from Zurich to Geneva costs 80 to 100 Swiss Francs, i.e. 7,500 to 9,500 rupees. In India, the prices of a sleeper class ticket are much cheaper than this.
But Swiss public transport is very efficient and on time, which is in the developing stage in India. Natural Beauty and Tourism Switzerland’s natural beauty and clean environment justify the high cost of the country. The landscapes there are quite fresh.
There is no pollution and dirt here. In addition to this, the government and locals make a lot of effort to maintain the Alps. Tourism is a major industry here, but due to high costs, it becomes an exclusive experience.
India also has natural beauty, but its scale and accessibility are different in comparison to Switzerland. Pollution and overcrowding impact India’s natural spots, which do not happen in Switzerland. Switzerland is so expensive because it is a country with a high economy.
Wages are high and every service and product is of top-notch quality. Import dependency, strict regulation and efficient systems also increase this cost. But one thing is clear, this cost is for the lifestyle and quality of life that Switzerland offers.
India is unique for its diversity and affordability. But, the priorities and challenges of both countries are completely different. What do you think? Is Switzerland’s lifestyle worth it or is India’s simplicity, diversity and affordability more practical? Do let us know in the comments.
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