Compare Swiss cities
Choose two or three cities: average rent, language, foreign population and listed international schools.
Result
| Criterion | Zurich | Geneva | Basel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average net rent | CHF 1,739 a month (FSO, city, 2022–2024) | CHF 1,518 a month (FSO, city, 2022–2024) | CHF 1,395 a month (FSO, city, 2022–2024) |
| Official language | German (canton: Zurich) | French (canton: Geneva) | German (canton: Basel-Stadt) |
| Foreign population | 34.2% of residents (FSO, 2025) | 50.6% of residents (FSO, 2025) | 40.5% of residents (FSO, 2025) |
| Vacant homes (canton) | 0.52% on 1 June 2026 (FSO) | 0.31% on 1 June 2026 (FSO) | 0.78% on 1 June 2026 (FSO) |
| Listed international schools | 3, in the wider area (Canton of Zurich, 2023) | data not available | data not available |
Assumptions and sources
Rent: average monthly net rent of rented homes, without service charges (FSO, structural survey: T 09.03.03.42 for cities, 2022–2024 pooled; T 09.03.03.01 for cantons, 2024). For Zug, Fribourg, Neuchâtel and Sion, the FSO only publishes the canton value. Foreign population: FSO, STATPOP, end of 2025. Vacant homes: FSO, 1 June 2026, canton level. Language: FDFA and cantonal constitutions. International schools: an official list was found for the Zurich area only; elsewhere, the data is not available.
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If you live abroad and are choosing where to settle, a side-by-side view saves hours of browsing. The tool above lets you set a few cities next to each other, so you can compare cost of living and rent before you book an orientation trip.
How to use the tool
- Choose two to four cities that appeal to you.
- Look at rent, language and school context for each.
- Note which differences matter for your household, for example a family with two school-age children versus a couple without kids.
- Bring your shortlist to the request at the bottom of the page.
What the numbers mean
Rents are averages, not offers. Across Switzerland, the average net rent without charges for tenant households was CHF 1,485 per month in 2024 (FSO). In the city of Zürich, the 2022-2024 average was CHF 1,739 per month (FSO). Large cities usually sit above the national figure, and what you actually pay depends on size, area and the moment you search.
For more detail, see what rent to expect and the cost of living in Switzerland. Coming from abroad, Switzerland or the UK and Switzerland or the US put prices in context.
Limits of the tool
- It gives an orientation, not a decision.
- It does not cover tax, insurance or permit questions, which depend on the canton and on your situation. A specialist can look at your case.
- Average rents say little about how hard a vacant home is to find.
Next steps
Once you have a shortlist, try the rental file check, the school type finder or read about arriving in Zurich.
Frequently asked questions
Does the tool tell me where to live?
No. It shows differences between cities so you can ask better questions. The choice stays with you and your household.
Where do the rent figures come from?
From the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) structural survey. They are averages over many homes and years.
Can I compare Zurich with other cities?
Yes. Zurich is a common starting point, and the page on Zug or Zurich shows one such comparison.
What happens after I send my shortlist?
Your request is reviewed and, depending on your needs, you are put in touch with a relocation company that fits. How it works explains the steps.