Business · Economy · 2 hrs ago
One in six Swiss adults spends over a third of income on housing
A Comparis survey found high housing costs for many people in Switzerland.
Overall, 16% of adults spend more than a third of their gross income on housing, while 22% of renters exceed that threshold.
The share is 36% in households earning up to 4,000 Swiss francs a month, compared with 6% in households earning over 8,000 francs.
The one-third guideline is commonly used to judge whether housing costs are affordable, but it is a warning guide, not a fixed rule.
Comparis property expert Harry Büsser says people who regularly exceed it may have to cut spending on essentials such as health care or retirement savings.
High housing costs can leave little room for surprise expenses and other needs.
The survey was conducted in August 2026 among 1,038 people, and no further action is specified.
A Comparis survey found that 22% of Swiss renters spend more than a third of their gross income on housing.
Across all adults in Switzerland, 16% exceed that share.
The survey was conducted in August 2026 among 1,038 people.
Comparis property expert Harry Büsser warned that people who remain above the threshold may have to cut spending on other important needs.
The share was highest among households with gross income of up to 4,000 Swiss francs, at 36%.
- Who
- Swiss renters and adults surveyed by Comparis.
- What
- 22% of renters spend more than a third of their gross income on housing; the figure for all adults is 16%.
- When
- The survey was conducted in August 2026. The reports were published on October 22, 2026.
- Where
- Switzerland.
- Why
- Housing costs can take up a large share of household income. Comparis warned that exceeding the threshold over time can force cuts to other spending.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Comparis conducted a survey among 1,038 people.
20 Minuten and Le Temps published reports on the survey findings.
- Renters above one-third threshold
- 22%
- All adults above one-third threshold
- 16%
- Survey sample
- 1,038 people
- Survey date
- August 2026
- Households earning up to 4,000 francs
- 36% spent more than a third of gross income on housing
3 sources
What people are saying
The one-third rule is not a law of nature, but it is an important warning signal. Anyone who remains above it over time has to save on other important budget items; possibly even on health expenses or retirement provision.
Those who exceed it over time must make savings on other important budget items, even on health expenses or retirement provision.