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Cost of Living in Basel, Switzerland | Expat Exchange
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Muensterplatz in Basel, Switzerland

Cost of Living in Basel, Switzerland

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Mar 12, 2025

Summary: The cost of living in Basel, Switzerland is generally quite high. A nice one bedroom apartment in Basel can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 per month, while a nice two bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,500 per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Basel is usually around $30 per person.

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Is the cost of living in Basel high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Basel, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Basel is generally considered to be high. Prices for basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation are all relatively expensive. However, the city is known for its high quality of life, and many people are willing to pay the higher costs for the amenities and lifestyle that Basel offers," remarked one expat in Basel.

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William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Will I save money living in Basel?

"Living in Basel can be more expensive than living in the United States in some areas, such as housing and transportation. However, the cost of living in Basel is generally lower than in the United States, with groceries, healthcare, and entertainment being significantly cheaper. Additionally, the Swiss franc is generally stronger than the US dollar, meaning that the same amount of money can buy more in Basel than in the United States. Therefore, overall, living in Basel can be more cost-effective than living in the United States," remarked one in Basel.

What is the average cost of housing in Basel?

If you are thinking about moving to Basel, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The cost of housing in Basel is generally quite high. Renting an apartment in the city can be expensive, with prices ranging from around 1,500 Swiss Francs (CHF) per month for a one-bedroom apartment to over 4,000 CHF for a three-bedroom apartment. Buying a property in Basel is also costly, with the average price of a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre being around 1.5 million CHF," said one person in Basel.

"Higher, but an apartment like I had in NYC would have been much more expensive. $3000 per month plus utilities for a two bedroom apartment," remarked one expat in Basel.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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What are typical rental prices for expats in Basel?

"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Basel can range from around $1,500 to $2,500 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can range from around $2,000 to $3,500 per month," said an expat in Basel.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Basel what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Rental properties in Basel typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer. Additionally, some properties may include a microwave, toaster, and other small kitchen appliances," wrote an expat living in Basel.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Muensterplatz in Basel, Switzerland
William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

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