Moving28. Februar 2026|

What does a move in Switzerland really cost?

Moving costs in Switzerland: from the removal company to the rental deposit and hidden costs – a complete overview.

Moving in Switzerland is expensive – often more expensive than expected. In addition to the obvious costs for the removal company, hidden expenses lurk that can quickly blow the budget. We show you what costs to expect and where you can save.

Cost overview

The total costs of a move vary considerably depending on distance, apartment size and chosen service. For an average move within a city, the following costs can be expected:

Removal company: CHF 800 – 3,000 (depending on apartment size and distance)
Rental deposit for the new apartment: CHF 3,000 – 6,000 (double burden if the old deposit is still blocked)
Renovation/repair of the old apartment: CHF 200 – 1,500
Final cleaning: CHF 300 – 800
Mail forwarding: CHF 45 – 145
Re-registration: CHF 20 – 50
New fittings/adaptations: variable

The removal company – costs and tips

The cost of a move depends on various factors: apartment size, distance, floor (with or without a lift), volume of goods and the desired scope of services. Moving a 3-room apartment within a city typically costs between CHF 1,200 and CHF 2,500.

Obtain at least three quotes and compare the services offered.
Watch out for hidden costs such as travel charges, material costs or surcharges for narrow stairwells.
Moves during the week and at the beginning of the month are often cheaper than at weekends or at the end of the month.
Check whether your employer provides a moving cost contribution.

The double burden of the rental deposit

One of the biggest financial hurdles when moving is the rental deposit. A new deposit must be provided for the new apartment, while the deposit on the old apartment is often only released weeks or months after moving out. With a bank deposit of CHF 4,500, this can lead to a double burden of CHF 9,000.

The solution: with rental deposit insurance from goCaution, you avoid this double burden entirely. Instead of depositing CHF 4,500 in a blocked account, you simply pay an affordable annual premium. When moving, there is no waiting period for the repayment of the old deposit.

Renovation and final cleaning

Whether and what renovation work you must carry out when moving out depends on the tenancy agreement and the condition of the apartment. In principle, you are only responsible for damage that goes beyond normal wear and tear. Use our apartment handover checklist to ensure nothing is forgotten.

Typical costs: professional apartment cleaning for a 3-room apartment costs between CHF 400 and CHF 700. Having an apartment repainted by a professional painter costs between CHF 1,000 and CHF 3,000 – but this is generally only necessary if the walls are heavily damaged before the end of the usual lifespan (8–15 years depending on quality).

Hidden costs that nobody thinks of

Double rent: if the old and new tenancy agreements overlap, you pay double rent for one or more months.
Insurance adjustments: household contents and liability insurance must be updated.
Internet and TV: new connections or contract changes can incur costs.
Parking fines: without a no-parking zone in front of the door, you risk fines for the removal van.
Food and drink: moving helpers also want to be fed.

Money-saving tips for your move

Plan early: the earlier you book, the cheaper it will be.
Pack yourself: save costs by doing the packing yourself.
Free moving boxes: ask at supermarkets or on online marketplaces for free boxes.
Use rental deposit insurance: with goCaution, you avoid double deposit payments.
Tax-deductible: in many cantons, work-related moving costs can be deducted from taxes.

Moving28. Februar 2026

Back to blog