- Andrey Vasilyev
I was able to connect with other expats in Zurich who enjoy cycling as much as I do and organize weekly rides.
Life in Lausanne: What Expats Think
Lausanne, known as the Olympic Capital, is a hilly city located on the shores of Lake Geneva. But Lausanne is more than stunning panoramas of the water and the Alps, it also offers a high-quality life with efficient public transportation, prestigious universities, and a welcoming community making it a top destination for expatriates from around the globe.
In this guide we’ve collected insights from the expat community to help answer your most burning questions and uncover the pros and cons of expat life in Lausanne.
Why you'll love InterNations in Lausanne
and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!
The pros and cons of living in Lausanne
Moving to a new city is a huge decision, and you need a balanced perspective to make the right choice. Here, we break down of some of the pros and cons of living in Lausanne using our 2023 Expat Insider survey and external sources.
Pros:
High quality of life: Lausanne is known for its exceptional living standards, ranking 9th globally in Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index 2025. Expats there are satisfied with the availability of green goods and services and agree the government supports policies to protect the environment.
Natural beauty: Amid stunning views, from the lake to nearby mountains, it’s no surprise that more than nine in ten expats there love the natural environment (94%) and the great air quality (91%).
International community: With 42% of its residents holding foreign citizenship, Lausanne is a cosmopolitan hub, making it relatively easy for expats to integrate and find a community.
Education and career: Home to top institutions like the Polytechnic Federal School (EPFL) and known for high salaries, Lausanne attracts global talent and skilled professionals. It’s a thriving business and innovation hub in finance, tech, and biotech, and hosts giants like Nestlé.
Efficient public transport: Lausanne’s public transport system is well connected, featuring metro lines, buses, and trains that facilitate easy commuting within the city and to other parts of Switzerland. But although 87% of expats there positively rate its availability, they’re not as satisfied with its affordability (only 55% give a positive rating).
Outdoor fitness: As the Olympic capital, Lausanne offers abundant outdoor sports facilities, including archery, tennis, sailing, and open-water swimming. No surprises that 94% of expats there are happy with their recreational opportunities.
Cons:
High living costs: Lausanne is in the top 5% of the most expensive cities in the world. And expats there agree the local cost of living is too high: 65% rate this factor negatively which is twice the global average (35%).
Language barrier: While many locals speak English, integrating fully requires learning French. Only 44% of expats there think it’s easy to live in Lausanne without speaking French.
Hilly terrain: While the city’s location offers picturesque views, the steep inclines make walking and cycling demanding, posing a challenge for residents and visitors, especially those with mobility issues. More caution is needed during winter because of icy conditions
Housing challenges: For expats and locals alike, accommodation is expensive and can be difficult to find. In our survey, two in three expats there (67%) find housing expensive (vs. 42% globally) and 59% negatively rate its availability compared to a global average of only 31%.
Limited products and services: As a small city in a small market, Lausanne offers fewer choices for shopping and services compared to larger cities like Geneva.
No local airport: Lausanne lacks a commercial airport, which means you have to travel to Geneva (1 hour away) for flights. This can be inconvenient as it hinders easy access to international destinations.
Join Our Exciting Events in Lausanne
Lausanne is a small, charming city full of culture and outdoor adventures. To get the most of it, come by InterNations’ monthly Newcomers’ Events. They’re the perfect place to make new friends, meet our event's organizers, and share experiences with both new and old expats in Lausanne.
And check out our event calendar — it’s full of interesting activities, from lakeside picnics and hiking in the Alps to exploring the Olympic Museum. Whether you’re into art, sports, or simply enjoying the city’s stunning scenery, join us for large community gatherings and interest-based activities that’ll help make this beautiful city feel like home.
Want to see all the upcoming events in Lausanne?
Frequently asked questions about living in Lausanne
Got more questions on your mind? This section has got you covered — from visa details and cost of living to healthcare, safety, housing, and more. Plus, we’ll share tips on making friends and settling in.
Depending on your priorities, Lausanne can be a great place. Nobody can deny the city’s advantages, like its picturesque surroundings, luxury life, and thriving business opportunities, which help it attract professionals, academics, and families.
However, the high cost of living, language barrier, and challenges in social integration can be drawbacks. If you value natural beauty, safety, and a thriving international community. Lausanne is an excellent choice. In fact, in our Expat Insider survey, 74% of expats there are happy with their life in Lausanne.
Lausanne is a safe city by international standards. Crime rates are low, and the city is well-lit and clean. However, there’s a risk of petty crime like pickpocketing so as in any city, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Here are some useful numbers you can call in case of an emergency:
International emergencies | 112 |
Fire | 118 |
Police | 117 |
Medical/Ambulance | 144 |
Air rescue | 1414 |
Yes, Lausanne is family-friendly, with excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of outdoor activities for children. However, the high cost of living and limited availability of family-sized housing can be challenges.
While many locals speak English, knowing French is essential for daily life, especially for dealing with official documents, integrating into the local community, and navigating bureaucracy. According to our Expat Insider survey, 35% of expats there find it difficult to get by without French.
Language classes are widely available and highly recommended for expats. Check out this list of language schools in Lausanne.
Lausanne is one of the most expensive cities in Switzerland, and your cost of living will depend on your lifestyle choices. A single person may need around 3,500–4,500 CHF per month to live comfortably, while a family could require 6,000–8,000 CHF.
Here’s a rough breakdown of monthly expenses:
| Expense | USD | Local Currency |
1-bedroom apartment | 1,650–2,200 USD | 1,500–2,000 CHF |
Utilities (electricity, water, etc.) | 165–220 USD | 150–200 CHF |
Health insurance | 330–550 USD | 300–500 CHF |
Public transport | 77–110 USD | 70–100 CHF |
Groceries | 440–660 USD | 400–600 CHF |
Dining out (per meal) | 28–55 USD | 25–50 CHF |
Finding housing in Lausanne can be challenging due to high demand. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around 1,500–2,000 CHF per month, while larger family homes can cost 3,000 CHF or more.
Websites like Homegate and Immoscout are good starting points. Be prepared to act quickly, as properties often get rented out fast. Temporary housing, such as AirBnB or short-term rentals, may be necessary while you search.
Budgeting is key. While housing and dining out can be expensive, there are ways to save, such as shopping at discount grocery stores, using public transport, and taking advantage of free or low-cost outdoor activities. Many employers also offer relocation assistance or salary adjustments to help offset costs.
Visa and residence permit requirements depend on your nationality and purpose of stay. EU/EFTA citizens can move to Switzerland relatively easily, but non-EU/EFTA citizens face stricter regulations. Most non-EU expats need a job offer before applying for a work permit, so be prepared for a potentially lengthy process, especially if your qualifications need recognition.
Check out the Swiss government’s Visa Navigator to find out the right visa for you.
Switzerland functions on a mandatory private health insurance system. Expats must purchase insurance within three months of arrival, and premiums vary based on age and coverage.
Your insurance will cover basic medical needs, but additional private coverage can be purchased for more comprehensive care. This website is a great way to familiarize yourself with different insurance options and tariffs. If you need medical care, Lausanne has excellent healthcare facilities, including the renowned Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV).
Lausanne has an efficient public transport system, including buses, metros, and trains. The city is also very walkable, and cycling is popular, though the hilly terrain can be challenging.
The city’s public transport website provides information on routes and tickets. A half-fare travel card or annual pass can help reduce transportation costs.
Owning a car is unnecessary for most residents, but if you’re a car person you can find good deals on Autoscout
Lausanne enjoys mild, temperate weather year-round, thanks to its location by Lake Geneva. Summers are warm and pleasant, whereas winters can be gloomy due to cloud cover. It’s perfect timing to head to the nearby mountains for skiing and winter sports.
Lausanne is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking and cycling in the nearby Alps to swimming and sailing on Lake Geneva, there’s no shortage of activities. The city also has numerous parks, sports facilities, and fitness opportunities, making it easy to stay active year-round. Check out the city’s official tourism website for some unusual, interesting options.
Lausanne has a quieter social scene compared to larger cities. While the city offers cultural events, outdoor activities, and a nice lakeside atmosphere, social life often revolves around private gatherings. Building a network of friends is key to enjoying everything Lausanne has to offer. At InterNations, we’re here to make it easy for you to meet new people and feel at home. One of the best ways to build your social circle is by joining our regular events and activities. Whether it’s a casual meetup, a cultural outing, or a fun workshop, there’s always something happening to help you connect with fellow expats. You can explore our event section below to find activities that match your interests.
Connect with Like-Minded Expatriates in Lausanne
Meet other expats like you in Lausanne
Our Global Partners
Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends
Exploring your hobbies and interests is a great way to settle into life in Lausanne and meet new people who share your passions. That’s what our InterNations Groups are all about!
Join others who enjoy the same activities as you or try new things together, as you build friendships that help make Lausanne your new home. It’s the perfect way to connect, explore, and create unforgettable memories.
Share your hobbies and interests with expats in Lausanne
What Can You Expect from Expat Life in Lausanne?
With two highly regarded universities, the International Olympic Committee, an acclaimed design school, and numerous art galleries and museums, the Swiss city of Lausanne certainly packs a lot of culture into a relatively small space. With beautiful lakeside views and a host of carefully tended parks and gardens, it's also a city that more than lives up to Switzerland's reputation as one of Europe's most picturesque locations. Unsurprisingly, tourism plays a major part in Lausanne's economy, although key industries such as financial services and communications also attract many business-minded expats, as does the close proximity to Geneva. The primary language of the region is French, and although English is widely understood it may be helpful to learn the local tongue, particularly if you're expecting a long-term stay in the city. The large student population inevitably influences the cultural life of the city, with a more active nightlife than you might expect for a mid-sized Swiss city, in addition to a thriving arts scene, making life in Lausanne a multifaceted expat experience that you can really make your own.
InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Hong Kong or Singapore, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.
Become a Part of Our Network of Expatriates in Lausanne
At InterNations we provide a safe, secure, and welcoming environment where expats in all corners of the world can share advice, recommendations, and insights about the many obstacles, challenges and opportunities of living abroad. Our members are dedicated to upholding our core principles of respect, open communication, and honesty in all of their interactions, both online and offline, meaning you can feel free to share your questions and concerns about life in Lausanne in a friendly and supportive environment. You might be looking for a tip on a rental opportunity in the area, legal advice from a trusted and qualified local professional, or recommendations for a language course, or you may simply wish to find like-minded fellow travelers to form a sports group, attend a wine tasting evening or sample the local nightlife. Whatever you're looking for, our members will be happy to help. You can also take advantage of the regular networking events hosted by InterNations in the city, allowing you to mix with fellow expats over friendly drinks, delicious food, and fabulous entertainment in one of Lausanne's top venues.
- Andrey Vasilyev
I was able to connect with other expats in Zurich who enjoy cycling as much as I do and organize weekly rides.
- Elin Gustavson
At the first InterNations event that I attended, I met my wonderful partner. We now live together in a flat next to the Limmat.
