Zurich now ranks as the second most expensive city globally for high-net-worth individuals, according to the 2026 Julius Bär Lifestyle Index. The Swiss financial hub climbed three spots over the past year, trailing only Singapore. This shift is primarily driven by the sustained strength of the Swiss franc and rising costs in luxury goods and essential services.
Why has Zurich climbed the global cost rankings?
The primary driver behind Zurich’s rise is the appreciation of the Swiss franc against other major currencies. According to the Julius Bär report, currency fluctuations are increasingly dictating the cost of living in an interconnected global economy. While global costs for wealthy individuals rose by approximately 10% in U.S. dollar terms over the last year due to inflation, Zurich’s ascent reflects a specific trend of wealth preservation.
The report suggests that for wealthy families, Zurich serves as a harbor of "stability and confidence" during turbulent economic times.
While Zurich ranks near the top for general luxury living, it remains relatively affordable for private education compared to other global financial hubs.
Which luxury goods and services cost the most in Zurich?
The Julius Bär Lifestyle Index tracks the price of a basket of goods and services that define a high-net-worth lifestyle. In Zurich, the most significant price pressures are found in the following sectors:
- Real Estate: High demand for premium property continues to drive market valuations.
- Health and Wellness: Costs for spa treatments and specialized medical procedures, including laser eye surgery, are among the highest globally.
- Luxury Retail: High-end accessories, such as designer handbags, and bicycles command a premium price in the Swiss market.
How does Zurich compare to other expensive cities?
Singapore remains the most expensive city for high-net-worth individuals, a position supported by the strength of the Singapore dollar and the prohibitive costs of vehicles and real estate. The top tier of the index is rounded out by Monaco in third place, followed by Hong Kong and London.
| Rank | City |
|---|---|
| 1 | Singapore |
| 2 | Zurich |
| 3 | Monaco |
What are the limitations of the current data?
The Julius Bär index provides a snapshot based on data collected through the end of February 2026, with the study concluding in early March. Consequently, the findings do not account for the economic impact of the war in Iran.
When evaluating the cost of living in global cities, always distinguish between “consumer price indices,” which track daily essentials, and “lifestyle indices,” which focus on assets relevant to high-net-worth individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Zurich considered a “stable” choice for the wealthy?
According to the Julius Bär report, Zurich is viewed as a location where value is preserved even during periods of market turbulence, leading to high demand for local assets.
Does the index include all cities?
No, the Julius Bär Lifestyle Index specifically tracks cities with high concentrations of high-net-worth individuals to assess the cost of maintaining a high standard of living.
How much did costs rise for the wealthy last year?
On average, the costs for goods and services tracked by the index rose by approximately 10% in U.S. dollar terms globally, driven by inflation and foreign exchange shifts.
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