Olten, Switzerland
Olten, Switzerland
Last updated on Mar 23, 2023
Summary: People describe Olten, Switzerland as a small, charming city with a friendly atmosphere. Expats love the city's convenient location, close proximity to Zurich and Basel, and its easy access to the rest of Switzerland. The weather in Olten is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit. The average cost of living for an expat is estimated to be around $2,500 per month. The cost of a one bedroom apartment is around $1,000 per month, while a two bedroom apartment is around $1,400 per month. The approximate population of Olten is around 17,000 people.
What do I need to know about living in Olten?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Olten, they said:
"-Olten is a small city in Switzerland, located in the canton of Solothurn. -It is known for its easy access to major metropolitan areas such as Zurich, Basel and Geneva. -The cost of living in Olten is relatively high compared to other Swiss cities, but is compensated by its excellent public services, infrastructure and quality of life. -The public transportation in Olten is excellent, with frequent train, bus and tram services connecting Olten to other cities in the region. -There is a wide variety of outdoor activities available in and around Olten, including hiking, climbing, cycling and water sports. -The health care system in Olten is world-class, and there are many private clinics and hospitals in the area. -The climate in Olten is mild and temperate, with an average temperature of around 10 degrees Celsius in the winter and 25 degrees in the summer. -It is important to ensure that you have adequate health insurance cover before retiring in Olten," said one expat in Olten.
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What do I need to know before moving to Olten?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Olten, they said:
"Olten is a city in Switzerland, situated between the cities of Zurich, Bern and Basel. The city has a population of approximately 16,000 people and is known for its beautiful landscapes and historical sites. The main language spoken in Olten is German, however English is also widely spoken. Olten is well connected by road, rail and air, and is serviced by regular regional buses as well as international trains. The city is home to a number of restaurants, shops, museums, parks and leisure facilities. When moving to Olten you should bear in mind the cost of living is relatively high due to the city's location and high salaries. Olten is known for its safe and friendly atmosphere, and its welcoming attitude towards newcomers. The city is a great choice for those looking to experience the beauty and culture of Switzerland, while still having the convenience of modern amenities and connections to the larger cities," commented one expat who made the move to Olten.
"Keep in mind: - There is no free choice of school for your children, unless you are willing and able to pay for (expensive) private schools. Your children will usually go to school in the quarter you live. If you have specific school preferences for your kids, take this into consideration in the neighborhood choice. - Not only property prices vary highly between city and countryside, and between the various cantons. Also taxes and costs for (mandatory!) health insurance may vary a lot. Example: the canton of Zug may sound very attractive at first sight, because of the extremely low taxes. You'll quickly find out that this is (more than) compensated by prices for housing. Check out tax and health insurance rates at www.comparis.ch," remarked one expat living in Olten, Switzerland.
How do I find a place to live in Olten?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"Finding a place to live in Olten can be done in a few different ways. Craigslist or other rental websites offer rental listings from landlords, private renters, or property owners. You can also visit the City of Olten's website for information about renting or other housing options. Additionally, local newspapers often carry real estate ads that list available apartments and houses for rent. Networking with local contacts is also a great way to find out about vacancies and other opportunities for housing. Finally, housing agencies and brokers can help to connect you with an appropriate rental property," said one expat who made the move to Olten.
"www.immoscout.ch is a good website to find houses/apartments, both for sale and for rent. When you consider to buy a house: - may be a good idea as mortgage interest rates are low - keep in mind that a bank will not give mortgages for more than 80% of the value of the house. You need to finance the rest of the house yourself - check which legal conditions you must oblige when buying property. In particular, try to organise your work/stay permit before you buy, as this will make buying conditions easier and cheaper," explained one expat living in Olten, Switzerland.
What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Olten?
"Expat homes and apartments in Olten tend to be located within walking distance of the city centre and public transport. The apartments are typically modern, with modern amenities and appliances. Some expat homes also feature private gardens and common areas as well. The area around Olten is known for its beautiful scenery, so many expat homes and apartments have views of the surrounding countryside. Safety and security are highly important, with many of the buildings featuring secure access and alarm systems," wrote a member in Olten.
What is the average cost of housing in Olten?
If you are thinking about moving to Olten, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"The average cost of housing in Olten is relatively moderate compared to other cities in Switzerland," said one expat who made the move to Olten.
"Property is expensive, whether you buy or rent. In the cities of Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern, prices can be astronomic," explained one expat living in Olten, Switzerland.
How do I meet people in Olten?
When we asked people living in Olten about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats living in Olten can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as sports clubs, language clubs, and cultural clubs. Expats can also meet people by attending local events, such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, expats can join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats in the area. Finally, expats can also meet people by attending local meetups and networking events," explained one expat living in Olten, Switzerland.
"Olten is a great place to meet new people. One way to meet people is to join a local organization or club. Go to local meet-ups, gatherings, or events. Talk to your neighbors or coworkers. Stop in at a local café or pub and strike up a conversation with someone. Attend church or religious gatherings. Join a sports team or sign up for a class. Volunteer in the local community or put out an ad online to find like-minded people," said one expat in Olten.
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What should I bring when moving to Olten?
People living in Olten were asked what three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They wrote:
"Clothes, toiletries, kitchenware, linens, furniture, electronics, books, artwork, tools, cleaning supplies, pet supplies, important documents such as birth certificate and passport, bank statements and insurance policies, enough cash for the first few days until you get access to banking," said one expat who made the move to Olten.
"No particular things for myself - as I have a Swiss wife, she could very well prepare me for moving to and living in Switzerland. - There are no real needs to bring to Switzerland. Anything you need is available here as well. - Don't bring washing machines, tumblers, kitchen appliances, as they usually belong to / come with the house or apartment that you buy or rent. Moving these things is very unusual in Switzerland. - When you bring electrical equipment: check plugs and voltage. Swiss electricity comes at 230V/50Hz and plugs and sockets are of type "J", which means that any plug of type "C" or "J" will fit into a Swiss socket, and any other plug won't. - Switzerland is expensive. In particular, medicins, health care and body care products are very expensive. Many Swiss buy them abroad (in Germany) whenever possible. - Switzerland has the best public transport system of Europe, and one of the best of the world. Living without car may be very well possible for you in Switzerland - consider this when you plan to import a car," explained one expat living in Olten, Switzerland.
Where should I setup a bank account in Olten?
We asked expats in Olten what banks they use and there advice about banking. They advised:
"In Olten, there are several banking institutions in which you can open an account. These include UBS, PostFinance, and Credit Suisse. Each of these institutions have branches located in Olten, and offer a variety of services for personal and business banking needs. Additionally, many banks have online application and banking services. Before setting up a bank account, it is important to research each bank to compare services and fees, and choose the one that best suits your needs," commented one expat who made the move to Olten.
Will I be able to find a job in Olten?
When we asked people about industries and career opportunities in Olten, they reponded:
"Yes, there are many job opportunities available in Olten. The city is home to a variety of businesses, including pharmaceutical, technology, finance, and hospitality industries. There are also numerous opportunities in the public sector, as well as a thriving start-up scene, making Olten an attractive option for those looking for employment in a growing, vibrant city," commented one expat who made the move to Olten.
What is life like in Olten?
When we asked people living in Olten what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Living in Olten as an expat or digital nomad can be a rewarding experience. The city is small but vibrant, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural exploration. The cost of living is relatively high, but the quality of life is excellent. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the city is well-connected to the rest of Switzerland and Europe. Olten is a great place to live for those looking for a peaceful and safe environment, with plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside," wrote a member in Olten.
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What do expats in Olten appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in Olten appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the local people, the relaxed atmosphere of the small city, the great variety of local restaurants offering delicious Swiss cuisine, the well-connected public transport system, and the range of activities available to participate in, both in town and nearby. Olten is known for its artistic heritage, with a wide range of art galleries and museums to explore, as well as its many parks and green spaces. The variety of cultures represented in the area adds to the unique vibe of Olten with a diverse and vibrant population. Expats value the strong sense of community and the opportunity to get involved in local activities and meet people from different backgrounds," said one expat who made the move to Olten.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats often find language barriers the most challenging part of relocating to a new country, particularly if the language is different from their own. Trying to understand cultural differences and customs can also be difficult, as well as dealing with bureaucracy and paperwork. Additionally, expats may find it difficult to adapt to a new lifestyle, and may find themselves missing people and places from their home country. Making connections in their new environment and dealing with homesickness can be a challenge for many expats," said one expat who made the move to Olten.
Is there a lot of crime in Olten?
We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:
"No, there is not a lot of crime in Olten. According to a crime index report, Olten is ranked as one of the safest places in Switzerland. The crime rate is low and the overall level of crime is considered to be low," remarked one expat living in Olten, Switzerland.
Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Olten accepting of differences?
"Olten has a diverse population with a mix of Swiss and immigrants living there. People in Olten are generally considered to be accepting of differences and diverse communities. Olten is a vibrant place to live, with many international associations and groups welcoming new people to the area. The city also has a number of activities for youth and young adults to participate in, encouraging interaction between different cultures and religions. Overall, Olten is a very open and accepting city," remarked one expat living in Olten, Switzerland.
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What are the schools in Olten like?
"Olten schools offer a comprehensive learning environment for children, teenagers and adults alike. The area is served by public primary, secondary and tertiary schools, as well as a range of private institutions. At all levels, the emphasis is on a broad-based education, equipping children with the skills and knowledge to be successful in their future lives. The primary and secondary education system is structured on a biannual basis, with nine years of compulsory schooling followed by four years of high school. Olten schools also offer various special learning opportunities, such as language courses and other specialized classes," commented one expat when asked about in Olten.
What are medical services in Olten like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Olten, they replied:
"Olten offers a wide range of medical services to its residents. The city has a number of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide comprehensive care for a variety of medical needs. Patients can access general practitioners, specialists, and emergency services, as well as a range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. Olten also has a number of pharmacies and health stores, providing access to a variety of medications and health products. Additionally, the city has a number of alternative health care providers, such as homeopaths, naturopaths, and acupuncturists," said one expat.
About the Author
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.
