The current situation in many countries has created even greater demand FSO data. This is the case for certain statistical results related to price and wage trends. Below you will find a large amount of data on these topics, as well as information on how to contact our different specialists.
Our videos on the topic of prices
Discover our videos explaining in simple terms the concepts often used in the field of prices.
The consumer price index and how it is calculated
The CPI is of major importance, as it is used as the basis for adjusting our salaries, pensions, maintenance payments and contracts. The way in which it is calculated must meet very precise criteria in order to guarantee its quality. Our video explains in just a few minutes the essential elements used to calculate the CPI.
The FSO explains the CPI, standard basket and inflation
CPI, cost of living index, standard basket, consumer goods, services used, premiums... There is a whole range of specialised vocabulary in this field. What impact does inflation have on households? Are all households affected in the same way? In which areas has inflation in 2022 been highest and in which areas has it fallen? This short video provides answers to these questions.
The Consumer Price index at a glance
Would you like to understand the Consumer Price Index better? Then watch this video, which in less than 4 minutes explains the contents of the standard basket, the price surveys and how it is calculated.
The Producer Price index at a glance
Would you like to understand the Producer Price Index better? The Producer Price Index is used to determine the average change in the price of goods produced by companies in a wide range of industries in Switzerland.
Price statistics in brief
Prices statistics provide economic indicators on price trends and on the level of prices of goods and services in the Swiss economy.
Price trends in Switzerland
Price trends in Switzerland are measured by several statistical indicators.
- The Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures price changes in consumer goods and services. It indicates how much consumers have to increase or decrease their expenditure to maintain the same volume of consumption, despite variations in price.
- The Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), which also measures changes in consumer prices but is calculated according to a methodology standardised with EU member countries. This indicator allows us to compare inflation in Switzerland with that of our European neighbours.
- The Producer and Import Price Index, which measures price changes in goods produced by businesses in Switzerland, as well as in imported goods.
- The construction output price index (page available in French), which measures price changes in various services offered in the construction sector.
- The residential property price index, which measures price changes for houses and condominiums purchased for residential purposes. Property prices | Federal Statistical Office (admin.ch)
Compulsory health insurance premiums are not included in the CPI because they are not part of consumption. Health sector services (medical and hospital services, medication and dental care, etc) are consumed by households and are therefore included in the CPI. Aware of the strain that increases in compulsory health insurance premiums put on household budgets, the FSO produces a health insurance premium index (page available in French) and estimates the impact of premium increases on household disposable income.
The CPI measures the price changes in goods and services consumed by all types of households in Switzerland. The standard basket contains all consumer products: basic necessities, durable goods, rental accommodation, etc. The CPI does not measure, therefore, inflation as experienced by a particular type of household or socio-economic group, but by the population as a whole. Would you like an estimate of your own inflation? Use our individual inflation calculator FSO.
For more information on the Swiss CPI, consult our pages: Consumer Price Index
An interactive graph, updated monthly, shows the year-on-year change in the consumer price index (CPI). The graph can be modified to show only the fluctations of recent years or of the whole series from 1924 onwards.
For an overall picture, see the detailed results of the Swiss Consumer Price Index (CPI).
To the Excel file with detailed results from 1982 onwards (indices):
Average prices can be seen here (in French, German or Italian):
After years of stable prices, inflation in Switzerland started rising a few months ago but remains moderate compared with other economies. The FSO data is unable to explain this increase in prices nor provide scenarios for future price trends.
Using the online CPI app, results can be visualised according to specific criteria:
Latest press release
Inflation in Switzerland and Europe
The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) is an indicator that the member states of EU and EFTA calculate based on a harmonized method and that allows comparing inflation internationally.
Other European comparisons concerning the consumer price index are available in this overview from Eurostat:
More information
FSO, Section Prices, LIK@bfs.admin.ch
Economic forecasts
The Confederation's group of economic experts updates inflation forecasts on a quarterly basis for the current year and the year ahead. These forecasts are available on the following page:
More information
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO, conjoncture@seco.admin.ch
Foreign trade
The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security provides a great deal of information on the import and export of goods and services.
More information
FOCBS, foreign trade statistics, stat@bazg.admin.ch
Nominal wage evolution
The Swiss wage index is an annual indicator of gross wage growth, including the 13th monthly salary. It is published in April the following year via a press release. An estimate is published at the end of each quarter based on cumulated data.
More information
FSO, Section Wages and Working Conditions, lohn@bfs.admin.ch
Experimental statistics: Current quarterly indicators on private household consumption
The data collected continuously from private households through the Household Budget Survey allow the development of consumer expenditure to be analysed on an ongoing basis. These quarterly figures are presented and commented on the FSO’s “Experimental statistics" website. They are updated every three months.
More information
FSO, Household Budget Survey, hbs@bfs.admin.ch
