Cost of living in Basel, Switzerland

Summary of cost of living in Basel

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: CHF 6,313
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: CHF 3,285
  • Basel is the 3rd most expensive city in Western Europe (3 out of 53)
  • Cost of living in Basel is more expensive than in 94% of cities in the World (11 out of 157)
What salary will you need in Basel?
Find out with your own Salary Calculation.

List of prices in Basel
Current as of Mar 2025.

Change the currency:
Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district CHF 27
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) CHF 16
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast CHF 12
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk CHF 1.75
12 eggs, large CHF 7
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes CHF 4.47
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese CHF 11
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples CHF 3.85
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes CHF 2.61
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket CHF 2.41
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality CHF 12
2 liters of coca-cola CHF 2.68
Bread for 2 people for 1 day CHF 2.64
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area CHF 2,630
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area CHF 1,915
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat CHF 253
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area CHF 1,375
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area CHF 930
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio CHF 154
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) CHF 61
40” flat screen tv CHF 516
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) CHF 150
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) CHF 18
Hourly rate for cleaning help CHF 31
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) CHF 103
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) CHF 61
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) CHF 119
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes CHF 194
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new CHF 26,651
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas CHF 1.91
Monthly ticket public transport CHF 83
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) CHF 33
Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) CHF 16
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) CHF 34
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) CHF 144
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) CHF 5.26
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) CHF 4.98
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) CHF 5.20
4 rolls of toilet paper CHF 3.06
Tube of toothpaste CHF 3.67
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city CHF 46
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub CHF 76
2 tickets to the movies CHF 34
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) CHF 233
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert CHF 143
1 cocktail drink in downtown club CHF 17
Cappuccino in expat area of the city CHF 5.82
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 113
1 package of marlboro cigarettes CHF 8
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 22 prices entered by 8 different people.
Latest price update: March 26, 2025

Moving to Basel with your children?

International Schools in Basel

Did you know that ...

Basel position in our World Ranking

the world
11th
out of 157
western europe
3rd
out of 53

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
4th
the world
4th

Do you live in Basel? We need your help!

What is the price of

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), with no extras, new

in Basel?

CHF

Are you moving to Basel? Do you know how much money you will need there to maintain your current standard of living?

Find out what is the real equivalent in Basel of your current salary and improve your chances of a happy relocation.

Get a Salary Calculation for Basel

International Cost of Living Index

loading...

Prices recently added

  • Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district in Dushanbe costs 45 Somoni (about 1 hour ago)
  • Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new in Manaus costs R$ 68,000 (about 1 hour ago)
  • 500 g of boneless chicken breast in Valledupar costs COL$8,000 (about 1 hour ago)
  • 500 ml beer in neighbourhood pub in Aligarh costs ₨130 (about 2 hours ago)
  • Monthly rent - 85 m2 furnished accommodation in expensive area in Mexicali costs Mex$ 6,000 (about 3 hours ago)
  • Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district in Jakarta costs Rp 90,000 (about 3 hours ago)

Make a different comparison:

Compare cost of living between cities:
vs