honestly it's not that far apart… yes VAT is higher but it's included in the price not added on at the end.

personally my experience is that what we would think of as cheap food is EXPENSIVE and sit-down is on par. A steak burrito will run you 18CHF at Zapote in Zurich, almost $19.50!

Comparing "flatbreads" A Margherita form Copa in the Southend is $17 + $1.06 in Tax + $3.40 in Tip = $21.46 and a Margherita from Santo Bevitore in Zurich is 21.50CHF or $23.29 and 18CHF at Santa Lucia (also Zurich) not that far off.

Continuing onto Pastas and Mains... a Bolognese form Porto in the Back Bay is $28 + $1.75 + $5.60 = $35.50 or NEBO $30 + $1.88 + $6 = $37.88 and from the same Santo Bevitore is 34.50CHF or $37.35 or 23CHF at Santa Lucia. Lamb Chops from Porto $42 + $2.63 + $8.40 = $53.03 and Lamb Chops at Santo hits at 44.50CHF or $48.12

edit: i should say that i'm not arguing against your original point that that it's expensive to eat out in switzerland, just that it's _also_ expensive in boston and we're at a point where prices in switzerland aren't all that far off and most people don't realize it.

Cheap fast casual basically doesn’t exist (maybe a Döner) but for mid priced casual dining to fine dining I find it to be basically the same as Boston especially when you add tax and tip to the US side.