Groceries in Switzerland may be more expensive than in your home country, particularly for meat and dairy. Expect to pay about CHF 15-25/kg for cheese, CHF 22/kg for ground beef, CHF 36/kg for chicken, CHF CHF 55-80/kg for steak (about $30-40/lb). In Switzerland, the main grocery chains are Migros and Coop.

Yes, food in Switzerland is significantly more expensive than in almost any other country in Europe, often cited as being 50% to 100% higher than in neighboring nations like Germany or France. This is due to high agricultural protections, high labor costs, and a generally high standard of living. In a standard mid-range restaurant, a main course often starts at 30 to 45 CHF ($35–$50). Even "budget" options like McDonald's are startlingly pricey, with a Big Mac meal often costing around 15–18 CHF. Groceries are also expensive, particularly meat; beef is considered a luxury item, sometimes costing three times more per kilogram than in the US. To save money, many locals and tourists shop at budget supermarkets like Aldi Suisse or Lidl, or they cross the border to Germany or France for "shopping tourism." Another tip is to look for "Mittagsmenü" (lunch specials), which are significantly cheaper than dinner menus, or utilize the prepared food sections in Coop or Migros supermarkets, which offer high-quality meals at a fraction of restaurant prices.