Cost of Living in Basel, Switzerland

Are you considering a move to Basel, Switzerland, and wondering about the cost of living? Basel is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Basel and help you understand whether $4895 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $7188.31.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Basel, Switzerland
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

28.57 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

137.13 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

18.28 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

9.14 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

6.86 $

Cappuccino (regular)

5.83 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

4.9 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

4.44 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.97 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

3.73 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

3.22 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

7.6 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

37.85 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

34.61 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

62.85 $

Apples (1 lb)

4.51 $

Banana (1 lb)

3.24 $

Oranges (1 lb)

4.46 $

Tomato (1 lb)

4.93 $

Potato (1 lb)

3.28 $

Onion (1 lb)

2.69 $

Lettuce (1 head)

2.48 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

1.57 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

16.0 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

2.21 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.01 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

10.29 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

4.23 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

91.42 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

6.86 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

4.09 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

80.22 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

2.17 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

34283.4 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

38092.67 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

245.93 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

53.84 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

85.34 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

34.28 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

21.71 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

2719.82 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

30855.06 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

126.52 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

58.61 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

173.05 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

214.27 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

1679.89 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

1263.21 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

3295.02 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

2590.3 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

12342.02 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

12684.86 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

7188.31 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

2.29 %

Cost of Living in Basel, Switzerland

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Basel?

The monthly expenses for living in Basel come to a total of approximately $4895. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1679 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $272 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $2052 per month.

How affordable is living in Basel?

Living in Basel appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $7188.31. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Basel, you would likely need an income exceeding $7188.31.

What is the average salary in Basel?

In Basel, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $7188.31, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Basel?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Basel is approximately $1679. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1263.21 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Basel?

The expense for groceries in Basel can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $1630 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in Switzerland?

The cost of living in Switzerland can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Switzerland.

Basel, Switzerland

How Safe Is Basel, Switzerland for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Basel, Switzerland

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Basel is a more safe city to visit than many others in Europe. But petty crimes in public transportation may happen. However, using common sense should get you out of any trouble.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Keep an eye out for them as you cross a street, including on pedestrian crossings. Travelers should be watchful out for the trams: they are very quiet and you may easily be surprised when one sneaking up behind your back. Beware of pickpockets in the tram. Taxi has taximeters and safe for traveling.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Petty robberies as pickpockets happen in Basel, mainly in crowded trams. Be on the alert.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

When the natural hazards are in question, Basel is prone to some minor tremors and earthquakes. But they are not very frequent and do not represent a serious threat.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Muggings are not usually an issue in Basel. However, it is best to avoid strangers offering your help and be wary of people trying to distract you since it might be a trick to steal something from you. Be careful while walking by the city late at night.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

In Basel, cases of terror are practically not known. However, as elsewhere, you should be alert and study the news before a visit.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Usually, in Basel, there is no scamming. However, there have been cases when tourists were deceived with accommodation after booking. Be careful and book your accommodation and entrance fees to museums/performances in licensed sources.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women traveling alone in Basel can feel absolutely safe at any time of the day or night.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

You need to have a valid passport to travel to Basel. For stays that are 90 days or shorter, visas are not required. For longer stays, you will need to obtain a visa from the Switzerland Embassy, unless you have Schengen.

currency_exchange

Currency

Swiss franc or CHF is the currency and legal tender of Switzerland. Sometimes you can also pay in Euro here.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The Best time to visit Basel is from May to October. Average temperatures in Basel vary greatly and it feels cold for about half of the year. A chance of rain or snow throughout most of the year is small.

flight_takeoff

Airports

In Basel, there is EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg is an international airport located 3.5 km northwest of the city. EuroAirport is one of the few airports in the world operated jointly by two countries.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Basel, Switzerland

What about weather in Basel, Switzerland ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 41°F 44°F 52°F 60°F 67°F 73°F 78°F 77°F 69°F 59°F 48°F 42°F
Temp 35°F 36°F 43°F 50°F 58°F 64°F 67°F 67°F 59°F 51°F 42°F 37°F
Low 30°F 30°F 35°F 41°F 48°F 54°F 57°F 56°F 51°F 44°F 36°F 32°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 5°C 6°C 11°C 15°C 19°C 22°C 25°C 25°C 20°C 15°C 8°C 5°C
Temp 1°C 2°C 6°C 10°C 14°C 17°C 19°C 19°C 15°C 10°C 5°C 2°C
Low -1°C -1°C 1°C 5°C 8°C 12°C 13°C 13°C 10°C 6°C 2°C 0°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Switzerland with Basel

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries