4.9% below the Switzerland average
Ranked #17 of 577 cities · More expensive than 97.1% of cities worldwide
Compared to Switzerland average · See Switzerland ranking →
| Apartment | City Centre | Outside Centre | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | CHF 1,654/mo ≈ $1,977 | CHF 1,241/mo ≈ $1,483 | 25% |
| 3-Bedroom | CHF 2,975/mo ≈ $3,555 | CHF 2,389/mo ≈ $2,856 | 20% |
Prices in local currency, cross-referenced from multiple independent sources. October 2026.
Basel has a cost of living index of 77.8 (New York = 100, rent included), the average of 3 of 3 data sources.
ShouldIMove price index: our own basket of real item prices plus rent.
Basel is very expensive by global standards (ranked #17 of 577 cities). It is 4.9% cheaper than the Switzerland average, based on 9 cities.
Groceries are average and dining out is average. The best value is rent and the priciest is groceries.
Local purchasing power is strong: residents can afford more goods and services than in most cities.
Workers in Switzerland earning CHF 47,345 gross take home CHF 3,348/month after tax (15.1% effective rate). See full Switzerland tax calculator →
Add your current city and salary to compare your take-home pay and living costs with Basel.
Compare your salary in Basel →Relocation Toolkit
Trusted services for your move
Health insurance for living abroad
Nomad Insurance by SafetyWing: medical cover designed for people working and living outside their home country. Flexible monthly subscription, cancel any time.
Get covered with SafetyWing
Secure your connection in your new city
NordVPN keeps your data safe on public Wi-Fi, lets you access content from home, and is a must-have for remote workers abroad.
Get NordVPN
We may earn a commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.