Cost of living in Basel, Switzerland

Summary of cost of living in Basel

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: CHF 6,244
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: CHF 3,265
  • Basel is the 2nd cheapest city in Switzerl. (3 out of 4)
  • Basel is the 3rd most expensive city in Western Europe (3 out of 76)
  • Cost of living in Basel is more expensive than in 97% of cities in the World (7 out of 206)
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List of prices in Basel
Current as of Feb 2023.

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Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district CHF 24
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) CHF 17
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast CHF 15
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk CHF 1.63
12 eggs, large CHF 7
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes CHF 4.12
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese CHF 10
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples CHF 3.89
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes CHF 2.70
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket CHF 2.93
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality CHF 13
2 liters of coca-cola CHF 2.53
Bread for 2 people for 1 day CHF 2.46
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area CHF 2,508
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area CHF 2,020
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat CHF 236
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area CHF 1,337
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area CHF 1,023
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio CHF 147
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) CHF 62
40” flat screen tv CHF 584
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) CHF 133
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) CHF 13
Hourly rate for cleaning help CHF 34
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) CHF 99
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) CHF 46
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) CHF 127
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes CHF 197
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new CHF 25,497
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas CHF 1.82
Monthly ticket public transport CHF 84
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) CHF 34
Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) CHF 16
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) CHF 36
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) CHF 157
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) CHF 5.20
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) CHF 4.37
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) CHF 4.66
4 rolls of toilet paper CHF 3.20
Tube of toothpaste CHF 3.29
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city CHF 41
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub CHF 71
2 tickets to the movies CHF 32
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) CHF 239
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert CHF 151
1 cocktail drink in downtown club CHF 18
Cappuccino in expat area of the city CHF 5.46
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) CHF 7
Ipad wi-fi 128gb CHF 449
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) CHF 0.36
1 month of gym membership in business district CHF 104
1 package of marlboro cigarettes CHF 9
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 58 prices entered by 14 different people.
Latest price update: February 05, 2023

Moving to Basel with your children?

International Schools in Basel

Did you know that ...

Basel position in our World Ranking

the world
7th
out of 206
western europe
3rd
out of 76
switzerl.
3rd
out of 4

Cheapest and most expensive products in Basel compared to other cities:

the world
2nd
the world
2nd
the world
3rd
the world
3rd
the world
3rd
the world
3rd

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International Cost of Living Index

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Prices recently added

  • Monthly rent - 45 m2 furnished studio in expensive area in Bangkok costs 80,000 ฿ (about 1 hour ago)
  • 500 g of boneless chicken breast in Wellington costs NZ$12 (about 1 hour ago)
  • Internet connection 300 mbps, 1 month in Santiago costs CH$20,000 (about 2 hours ago)
  • 6 eggs, large in Portland, Oregon costs $18 (about 3 hours ago)
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  • 1 liter of gasoline in Valledupar costs COL$14,000 (about 3 hours ago)

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