Cost of living in Basel

With Switzerland’s famously high prices, it is no surprise that the cost of living in Basel is also high. But the good news is that it’s significantly cheaper than other parts of Switzerland, such as Zurich. Another plus is that Basel is located right on the border between Switzerland, France and Germany, making it easy to hop over and do some shopping in a cheaper locale.

Read on for the lowdown on how to budget in Basel, what expenses to look out for, and how to save a few francs here and there.

Cost of accommodation in Basel

Accommodation will be your main expense in Basel, so it’s important to carefully consider what you can afford and plan accordingly. Living further out from the city centre will be cheaper, as will opting for an apartment rather than a freestanding home.

Note that utilities sometimes cost extra on top of rent. Before signing the lease, make sure you know what’s included so that you can budget accurately.

Find out more about Renting Accommodation in Basel.

Cost of groceries and food in Basel

There are a couple of options for grocery shopping in Basel. Co-op and Migro are the two main grocery shops, while Denner is a discount chain that is useful for stocking up on basics. Grocery costs can take some getting used to – apart from higher prices in general, there are also extra costs such as service fees for deli and meat counters.

To counter the sticker shock, keep an eye out for grocery shop sales (indicated by the word action or aktion). These are often held on weekends. Another option is making a quick trip to France or Germany for groceries.

The closest border towns are Saint-Louis, France, and Weil am Rhein, Germany. Germany is usually the cheapest option. Bear in mind that Switzerland isn’t an EU state, so there are customs restrictions. Make sure you know what can and can’t be brought back over the border, as well as what the duty-free limit is. After all, if you end up having to pay duties on your shopping, it defeats the purpose of leaving Switzerland to avoid taxes.

Cost of getting around in Basel

With such good public transport, there’s little need to own a car in Basel. A comprehensive system of trams and buses makes it easy to get around the city. Fare costs can add up, though, so it’s best to invest in a monthly or yearly ticket if you commute regularly.