Cost of Living in Olten, Switzerland
Last updated on Feb 09, 2025
Summary: The cost of living in Olten, Switzerland is generally considered to be quite high. A nice 1 bedroom apartment in Olten can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000 per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Olten can range from $20 to $30 per person.
Is the cost of living in Olten high?
We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Olten, they wrote:
"The cost of living in Olten is relatively high compared to other areas in Switzerland. Groceries, rent, and transportation tend to be more expensive," explained one expat.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Will I save money living in Olten?
"Living in Olten can help you save money due to the cost of living being lower than many other cities in Switzerland. This includes the cost of rent, transportation, and other everyday expenses. Additionally, Olten’s proximity to nearby cities make it an ideal place to take advantage of activities and events in nearby locations without having to pay extra cost of living expenses," said one person 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," wrote a person living in 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.

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
What are typical rental prices for expats in Olten?
"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Olten can range from around 1,500 to 2,500 US Dollars per month. For a nice 2 bedroom apartment, the rental price can range from around 2,000 to 3,500 US Dollars per month," said an expat in Olten.
What appliances are typically included in a rental?
We asked foreigners in Olten what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:
"Rental properties in Olten typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer. Additionally, some properties may include a microwave, toaster, and other small kitchen appliances," 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.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Olten
- Cost of Living in Olten
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Switzerland
- Best Places to Live in Switzerland
- Real Estate in Switzerland
- Pros & Cons of Living in Switzerland
- How to Buy a Home in Switzerland
- Pros and Cons of Living in Switzerland 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Switzerland