Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Muensterplatz in Basel, Switzerland

Basel, Switzerland

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Apr 22, 2023

Summary: The approximate population of Basel, Switzerland is approximately 200,000 people. People describe Basel as a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage. Expats love the city's excellent public transportation system, its proximity to other European countries, and its high quality of life. The weather in Basel is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit (0-20 Celsius) throughout the year. The average cost of living in Basel for an expat is around $2,500 per month. The cost of a one bedroom apartment is around $1,500 per month, and a two bedroom apartment is around $2,000 per month.

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

What do I need to know about living in Basel?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Basel, they said:

"Before retiring in Basel, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is higher than in many other countries. They should also be aware of the language barrier, as the majority of the population speaks German. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system and the availability of medical services in the area. It is also important to understand the tax system and the regulations for obtaining a residence permit. Finally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs to ensure a smooth transition into their new home," wrote one member in Basel.

"Watch out for the landlords. Protect yourself as the business people appear, but are not, honest. They have little ethics. The city is central to everything and getting around is easy. If you like culture, this city has a lot to offer. The food is terrible. It is very expensive to live there. There are no provisions for working women. Men are very chauvinistic. I made a number of friends and do like the Swiss, but watch out for the ethical guidelines as they are not like ours," remarked one expat who made the move to Basel.

Answer this Question

Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.

Learn MoreGet Quotes

International Citizens InsuranceInternational Citizens Insurance

Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.
Get Quotes

What do I need to know before moving to Basel?

Answer this Question

Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.

Learn MoreGet Quotes

International Citizens InsuranceInternational Citizens Insurance

Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.
Get Quotes

Answer this Question

Answer this Question

Answer this Question

Answer this Question

Answer this Question

International Citizens Insurance

Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.

Learn MoreGet Quotes

International Citizens Insurance

Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.

Learn MoreGet Quotes

Answer this Question

Answer this Question

Answer this Question

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

International Citizens Insurance
International Citizens Insurance

Get comparison quotes from Cigna, Allianz, IMG, GeoBlue and more.
Get Quotes

International Citizens InsuranceInternational Citizens Insurance

Get comparison quotes from Cigna, Allianz, IMG, GeoBlue and more.
Get Quotes

Contribute to Switzerland Network Contribute
Help others in Switzerland by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Switzerland.

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Copyright 1997-2023 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal