🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Lausanne, Switzerland home for several months. This charming city on the shores of Lake Geneva has won my heart with its unique blend of French and Swiss culture, stunning natural beauty, and thriving expat community. Lausanne digital nomads will appreciate the city’s relaxed atmosphere, excellent infrastructure, and proximity to major European cities. With a Nomad Score of 71/100, Lausanne offers a great balance of quality of life, safety, and affordability. In this guide, I’ll share my insider knowledge on what makes Lausanne an attractive destination for remote workers and provide practical tips on making the most of your time here.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
Lausanne has several neighborhoods that are perfect for digital nomads, each with its own character and charm. Here are my top picks:
- Ouchy: This picturesque neighborhood is located on the lakefront and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Ouchy is a popular spot for expats and has a range of accommodations, from luxury apartments to budget-friendly studios. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Ouchy can range from CHF 1,800 (approximately $1,950 USD) to CHF 2,500 (approximately $2,700 USD) per month.
- Flon: This trendy neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and bars. Flon is also home to many coworking spaces and startup incubators, making it an ideal spot for remote workers. A one-bedroom apartment in Flon can cost between CHF 1,500 (approximately $1,600 USD) and CHF 2,200 (approximately $2,400 USD) per month.
- Saint-François: This historic neighborhood is located in the heart of Lausanne’s old town and offers a unique blend of medieval architecture and modern amenities. Saint-François is a bit more expensive than other neighborhoods, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranging from CHF 2,000 (approximately $2,200 USD) to CHF 3,000 (approximately $3,300 USD) per month.
- Pully: This charming neighborhood is located just outside of Lausanne’s city center and offers a more laid-back atmosphere. Pully is popular with families and has a range of outdoor activities, including hiking trails and a beach along the lake. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Pully can range from CHF 1,200 (approximately $1,300 USD) to CHF 1,800 (approximately $1,900 USD) per month.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Lausanne is relatively high compared to other cities in Europe. However, with a little planning and research, it’s possible to find affordable accommodations, food, and transportation. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses for a digital nomad in Lausanne:
- Rent: CHF 1,500 - 2,500 (approximately $1,600 - $2,700 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment
- Food: CHF 15 - 25 (approximately $16 - $27 USD) per meal at a mid-range restaurant, CHF 50 - 100 (approximately $55 - $110 USD) per week for groceries
- Transportation: CHF 70 - 100 (approximately $75 - $110 USD) per month for a public transportation pass
- Coworking: CHF 200 - 500 (approximately $220 - $550 USD) per month for a desk at a coworking space
Overall, the cost of living in Lausanne can range from CHF 2,500 - 4,500 (approximately $2,700 - $4,900 USD) per month, depending on your lifestyle and choices.
Internet & Coworking
Lausanne has a well-developed infrastructure for remote workers, with fast internet speeds and a range of coworking spaces. The average internet speed in Lausanne is 44 Mbps, making it easy to stay connected and productive. Some popular coworking spaces in Lausanne include:
- La Forge: A community-driven coworking space with a range of amenities, including high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and a rooftop terrace. Prices start at CHF 200 (approximately $220 USD) per month for a flexible desk.
- Impact Hub Lausanne: A global network of coworking spaces with a location in Lausanne. Impact Hub offers a range of membership options, including a flexible desk for CHF 300 (approximately $330 USD) per month.
- Café de Grancy: A cozy café with fast internet and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for remote workers who prefer to work from a café. Prices start at CHF 5 (approximately $5.50 USD) for a coffee or snack.
Lausanne has a thriving expat community, with many digital nomads and remote workers calling the city home. There are several meetups and events for digital nomads in Lausanne, including:
- Lausanne Digital Nomads: A Facebook group for digital nomads and remote workers in Lausanne, with regular meetups and events.
- Startup Grind Lausanne: A community of entrepreneurs and startup founders, with regular events and meetups.
- Lausanne Expats: A group for expats and international professionals in Lausanne, with regular social events and activities.
Culture & Lifestyle
Lausanne is a city with a rich cultural heritage, from its medieval old town to its vibrant arts and culture scene. As a digital nomad in Lausanne, you can enjoy a range of local customs and activities, including:
- Wine tasting: Lausanne is located in the heart of the Lavaux wine region, with many local vineyards and wineries offering wine tastings and tours.
- Hiking and outdoor activities: Lausanne is surrounded by beautiful mountains and lakes, with many hiking trails and outdoor activities to enjoy.
- Food scene: Lausanne has a thriving food scene, with many local restaurants serving traditional Swiss cuisine, including fondue, raclette, and tartes.
- Dating and nightlife: Lausanne has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. As a digital nomad, you can also join local dating groups and events to meet new people.
As a digital nomad, you may need a visa to enter and stay in Switzerland. The most common visa for digital nomads is the Swiss Tourist Visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days. If you plan to stay longer, you may need to apply for a Swiss Residence Permit, which requires proof of income, health insurance, and a rental contract. It’s recommended to consult with the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date visa information.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips for digital nomads in Lausanne:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a Swiss SIM card at the airport or at a local mobile phone store. Prices start at CHF 10 (approximately $11 USD) per month for a basic plan.
- Transportation: Lausanne has an efficient public transportation system, with buses and trains connecting the city to the surrounding region. A monthly public transportation pass costs CHF 70 - 100 (approximately $75 - $110 USD).
- Safety: Lausanne is a very safe city, with low crime rates. However, as with any city, it’s always a good idea to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
- Weather: Lausanne has a temperate climate, with cold winters and mild summers. Be sure to pack accordingly, with warm clothing for the winter months and sunscreen for the summer.
