Switzerland is known for its high cost of living, including grocery prices. For students looking to prepare meals economically, choosing the right supermarket can make a significant difference. Recent studies and price comparisons offer valuable insights into which Swiss supermarkets offer the best value.
Price Comparison Studies
RTS Study (2024)
A more recent investigation by RTS Les hard discounters sont-ils vraiment moins chers que Coop et Migros? – rts.ch – Economie (Radio Télévision Suisse) compared prices of 30 basic food products purchased on the same day in Geneva:
| Supermarket | Total Cost (30 products) |
| Lidl | CHF 162.05 |
| Aldi | CHF 166.59 |
| Coop | CHF 167.82 |
| Migros | CHF 170.37 |
| Denner | CHF 181.67 |
Interestingly, the RTS study showed smaller price gaps between the major retailers, with Lidl emerging as the most economical option, slightly ahead of Aldi.
Budget Shopping Strategies for Switzerland
- Choose Discounters First
Aldi and Lidl consistently offer the lowest prices across most studies. For basic ingredients and staples, making these your primary shopping destinations can yield significant savings.
- Look for Budget Product Lines
When shopping at Migros or Coop, focus on their budget lines:
- M-Budget (Migros)
- Prix Garantie (Coop)
According to the RTS study, approximately 70% of products purchased at these retailers came from their budget lines.
- Compare Brand-Name Products
For branded items like Coca-Cola or Nutella, price differences between supermarkets are minimal due to market competition. Consider purchasing these items wherever is most convenient.
- Watch for Special Offers
Swiss supermarkets frequently run promotions to attract customers. Checking weekly flyers or apps can help identify temporary discounts.
- Consider Seasonal Produce
Buying fruits and vegetables in season can substantially reduce food costs in Switzerland, regardless of where you shop.
- Budget-Friendly Organic Options
If organic products are important to you, note that Aldi and Lidl have developed their own organic product lines that are typically more affordable than those at Migros and Coop.
Conclusion
Aldi ranks as Switzerland’s most economical supermarket, with Lidl close behind. They offer 10-25% savings compared to Migros and Coop, which have broader selections but higher prices. While Migros and Coop offer budget lines (M-Budget and Prix Garantie), the most cost-effective strategy is to primarily shop at Aldi and Lidl, supplemented with strategic promotion shopping at other retailers.
