They are only meant to give you a general idea of expenditures. A lifestyle rating is given for each sample budget. Also, the exchange rate for the American dollar that year can have an important impact on the costs of living abroad. Lloyd Tours offers excellent travel discount arrangements to Europe. Food is very expensive as most of it is imported.
Food prices are comparable to Pittsburgh.
Students get good discounts on entertainment. Art supplies are slightly more expensive than in Pittsburgh. Plan to spend more than you normally would. Switzerland is now not much more expensive than England.