10 Affordable Places in Switzerland Where Expats Can Thrive

Everyone told me Switzerland was impossibly expensive, but after spending months exploring this stunning country, I discovered something surprising. While cities like Geneva and Zurich might break the bank, the best places in Switzerland for expats actually won’t empty your savings account. Trust me, I did the research (and the math) to find the spots where you can live the Swiss dream without needing a banker’s salary.

Take Neuchatel, where I spent weeks exploring the lakeside streets and practicing my French with locals. The rent prices shocked me (in a good way), and the quality of life blew me away. From charming mountain towns to vibrant university cities, here are the Swiss locations where you can actually afford to live your Alpine fantasy!

Most Affordable Places to Live in Switzerland

Looking for affordable places to live in Switzerland? Enjoy the picturesque landscapes and lower cost of living in Glarus, a hidden gem surrounded by mountains. Experience the tranquility of Uri, offering stunning lake views and a peaceful lifestyle. Settle in Obwalden, known for its scenic beauty and tax benefits. Consider Neuchâtel, a charming city with a blend of history, culture, and affordability. Whether you prefer mountain retreats, lakeside serenity, or cultural hubs, these are some of the most affordable places to live in Switzerland.

1. Glarus

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,500 – $4,500
• 🌟 Unique Features: Stunning Alpine scenery 🏔️, low taxes 💰, and a peaceful lifestyle 🌿
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: May – September ☀️
• 🏆 Perfect For: Nature lovers 🌲, retirees 🏡, and outdoor enthusiasts 🚵

Think living in Switzerland is too expensive? Glarus will change your mind. This underrated gem offers stunning mountain views, a laid-back vibe, and surprisingly affordable living. You can rent a cozy one-bedroom apartment for around 750 Swiss Francs, a steal compared to Zurich or Geneva. Even utilities won’t set you back much—about 150 CHF per month covers the basics.

But Glarus isn’t just about saving money. You’ve got Klöntalersee, a breathtaking alpine lake perfect for kayaking or picnicking, and Landesplattenberg Engi, an old slate mine turned into a fascinating underground adventure. The town is small but lively, with friendly locals and a mix of historic and modern vibes.

It’s also a great spot for job seekers, thanks to its strong industrial sector. If you’re looking for an affordable Swiss home with nature, history, and opportunity, Glarus delivers in every way.

2. Uri

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,400 – $4,300
• 🌟 Unique Features: Rich history 🏰, breathtaking lakes 🌊, and excellent hiking trails 🥾
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: June – September 🌤️
• 🏆 Perfect For: Adventurers ⛰️, history buffs 📜, and those seeking tranquility 🧘

If you want classic Swiss beauty without the eye-watering price tag, Uri is where it’s at. Tucked between towering mountains and pristine lakes, this canton offers an affordable alternative to Switzerland’s big cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment hovers around 1,400 CHF, and even dining out won’t break the bank—20 CHF gets you a solid meal at a local spot.

But what really makes Uri special? Lake Lucerne. Living here means waking up to postcard-worthy landscapes every day. Whether you’re hiking through alpine trails, taking a scenic boat ride, or skiing in Andermatt, adventure is never far away.

And don’t worry about getting around—public transport is efficient and budget-friendly, making it easy to explore nearby cities without a car. If you want affordability, jaw-dropping scenery, and a peaceful lifestyle, Uri is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

3. Obwalden

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,700 – $4,800
• 🌟 Unique Features: Low tax rates 💵, charming villages 🏡, and proximity to Lucerne 🏙️
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: April – October 🌞
• 🏆 Perfect For: Entrepreneurs 💼, remote workers 💻, and families 👨‍👩‍👧

Right in the heart of Switzerland, Obwalden is where affordability meets unbeatable scenery. Living here costs far less than Zurich or Geneva, with rents averaging 2,000 CHF—reasonable for such a central location. Plus, you’re surrounded by majestic mountains, serene lakes, and lush green valleys.

Outdoor lovers will feel right at home. Obwalden is packed with hiking trails, ski slopes, and crystal-clear lakes like Sarnersee, where you can spend weekends kayaking or swimming. The town’s charming mix of traditional Swiss culture and modern amenities makes it an easy place to settle down.

Despite its peaceful vibe, Obwalden is well-connected. You can get to Lucerne in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for commuters. If you want Swiss luxury without the Swiss price tag, Obwalden is your sweet spot—affordable, stunning, and full of adventure.

• Read next: 15 Absolutely Dreamy Places To Live In Europe

4. Neuchâtel

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,900 – $5,000
• 🌟 Unique Features: Stunning lake views 🌅, strong economy 📈, and French-speaking culture 🇫🇷
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: May – September ☀️
• 🏆 Perfect For: Professionals 💼, families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, and cultural enthusiasts 🎭

Love the idea of French charm mixed with Swiss precision? Neuchâtel gives you both—at a price that won’t make your wallet cry. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts around 840 CHF, and dining out is refreshingly affordable, with meals as low as 8.50 CHF.

But Neuchâtel is more than just a budget-friendly option—it’s a culture-packed city with a stunning lakefront. Stroll through its medieval Old Town, visit the gothic-style churches, or explore the Museum of Art and History. And when you need a break? Grab a coffee at a quaint lakeside café and soak in the breathtaking views.

This place is perfect for remote workers, students, and expats looking for an affordable, well-connected home base. With its mix of history, affordability, and laid-back vibes, Neuchâtel is one of Switzerland’s best-kept secrets.

5. Thurgau

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,600 – $4,700
• 🌟 Unique Features: Beautiful vineyards 🍷, affordable living 💰, and excellent quality of life 🌿
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: June – October 🌞
• 🏆 Perfect For: Wine lovers 🍇, retirees 🏡, and countryside dwellers 🚜

Looking for Swiss countryside vibes without the high costs? Thurgau is where you’ll find them. Nestled along the German border, this canton is a dream for those who love rolling vineyards, charming villages, and scenic hiking trails.

Rent is shockingly low by Swiss standards—about 880 CHF for a one-bedroom apartment—and even dining out won’t drain your savings. A meal costs 20 CHF, while a nice dinner for two comes in at around 100 CHF.

Beyond affordability, Thurgau is known for its stunning timbered houses, lush hills, and laid-back atmosphere. Spend weekends wine-tasting in Weinfelden, hiking through picturesque orchards, or cycling along Lake Constance. It’s also a short train ride from Zurich, so you get big-city perks without big-city prices.

If you want an affordable Swiss home with endless natural beauty, Thurgau might just be the perfect fit.

6. Appenzell Innerrhoden

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,500 – $4,600
• 🌟 Unique Features: Traditional Swiss culture 🎶, stunning landscapes 🌄, and strong community spirit 🤝
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: May – September ☀️
• 🏆 Perfect For: Traditionalists 🏡, outdoor lovers 🏕️, and those seeking a slower pace ⏳

Ever dreamed of storybook Swiss villages without the jaw-dropping price tag? Welcome to Appenzell Innerrhoden, the country’s smallest and most charming canton. It’s a rural paradise, with rolling green hills, traditional wooden chalets, and a lifestyle that moves at a refreshingly slow pace.

Renting here is surprisingly affordable, with one-bedroom apartments around 2,000 CHF—a bargain considering the stunning mountain views right outside your window. Daily life is easy on the budget too—a pint of beer is about 5 CHF, and a good bottle of wine costs 15 CHF.

Beyond affordability, Appenzell is all about the outdoors. You can hike the Alpstein mountains, visit cheese farms, or take in the postcard-worthy scenery. The town’s strong sense of tradition means you’ll see everything from colorful folk festivals to local artisans crafting by hand. This place has something for everyone.

7. Jura

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,300 – $4,400
• 🌟 Unique Features: Rolling hills 🌾, watchmaking heritage ⏱️, and French-speaking charm 🏘️
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: April – October 🌤️
• 🏆 Perfect For: Artisans 🎨, remote workers 💻, and nature lovers 🌲

If you’re after affordable Swiss living with a wild, untamed edge, Jura is the answer. Tucked away in the northwest, this canton is all about forests, rolling hills, and a slower, nature-focused lifestyle.

Housing prices? A steal by Swiss standards—a one-bedroom apartment goes for around 850 CHF. If you’re looking to buy, you’ll love this: home prices are about 400,000 CHF below the national average. Even dining out won’t wreck your budget, with meals starting at 8.50 CHF.

But the real magic of Jura? The great outdoors. Think hiking, horseback riding, and winter sports in some of Switzerland’s most unspoiled landscapes. If you want to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in nature, this is the place.

Jura offers the best of Swiss beauty without the premium price tag—making it perfect for anyone who values affordable, off-the-beaten-path adventures.

8. Valais

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $3,000 – $5,500
• 🌟 Unique Features: World-famous ski resorts 🎿, stunning Alps 🏔️, and delicious wine 🍷
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: December – March ❄️ (winter) / June – September ☀️ (summer)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Skiers ⛷️, adventure seekers 🚵, and wine lovers 🍇

Imagine waking up to Alpine peaks, world-class ski resorts, and cozy Swiss villages—without paying Zurich prices. Valais makes it possible. This canton is home to iconic destinations like Zermatt and Verbier, but you don’t have to be a millionaire to live here.

Rent for a one-bedroom apartment costs around 1,900 CHF, and public transport is shockingly cheap at just 2.5 CHF per ticket. Utility bills? A manageable 178 CHF per month.

And then there’s the lifestyle. If you love skiing, hiking, and fresh mountain air, Valais is paradise. You can hit the slopes in winter, hike through wildflower-filled meadows in summer, and sip local wine year-round.

Despite its high-end reputation, Valais has plenty of affordable pockets where expats and locals enjoy low-cost living with million-dollar views. If you want Alpine magic without a Zurich-sized budget, Valais is waiting.

9. St. Gallen

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,700 – $5,000
• 🌟 Unique Features: Prestigious university 🎓, historic architecture 🏛️, and a lively cultural scene 🎭
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: May – September 🌞
• 🏆 Perfect For: Students 📚, professionals 💼, and culture enthusiasts 🎶

Located in northeastern Switzerland, St. Gallen is affordable, vibrant, and packed with history—all while being cheaper than Zurich or Geneva but just as dynamic.

Renting a one-bedroom apartment costs around 1,300 CHF, and total monthly expenses hover around 2,700 CHF—reasonable for a Swiss city with so much to offer. But don’t let the affordability fool you—St. Gallen is a cultural powerhouse.

It’s home to the University of St. Gallen (one of Europe’s top business schools) and hosts the famous St. Gallen Festival, an epic open-air music event. The baroque Abbey Library, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see.

Plus, you’re surrounded by lakes, rolling hills, and easy connections to Zurich and Germany. If you want a lively, well-connected city that won’t drain your bank account, St. Gallen is the answer.

10. Grisons

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $3,200 – $5,800
• 🌟 Unique Features: Largest canton 🌍, multilingual culture 🗣️, and top ski resorts 🎿
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: December – March ❄️ (winter) / June – September 🌞 (summer)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Multilingual professionals 💬, luxury travelers 🏔️, and outdoor adventurers 🚴

Looking for Swiss Alpine beauty without the sky-high cost? Look no further than Grisons (Graubünden). As Switzerland’s largest canton, it’s a playground for skiers, hikers, and outdoor lovers, with stunning landscapes at every turn.

Rent here is shockingly reasonable—about 1,300 CHF for a one-bedroom apartment. Even public transport is affordable, with a monthly pass ranging from 60 to 100 CHF.

What makes Grisons truly special is its endless outdoor opportunities. You can ski in Davos, hike in the Swiss National Park, or explore charming villages straight out of a postcard. And when it’s time to unwind? A pint of beer costs just 5 CHF, while a bottle of quality Swiss wine sets you back 15-20 CHF.

Grisons proves that you don’t need a billionaire’s budget to enjoy Alpine perfection. If you’re after affordable Swiss living with unbeatable scenery, this is where you want to be.

And let’s not forget the social scene! Enjoying a pint of beer in Grisons will cost you about 5 to 7 Swiss Francs, while a decent bottle of wine is priced around 15 to 20 Swiss Francs. These rates make socializing and enjoying the local flavors both enjoyable and affordable.

With picturesque villages, lush valleys, and the Swiss National Park, it’s a haven for skiing, hiking, and soaking in nature. The region’s rich cultural heritage and unique cuisine add to its charm. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Swiss canton with all the Alpine perks, Grisons is your answer!