10 Affordable Places in Switzerland Where Expats Can Thrive

Switzerland and “affordable” don’t usually appear in the same sentence. Most of us imagine Zurich rents that make your wallet sweat, grocery prices that feel like you’re buying shares in the supermarket, and transport costs that silently judge your life choices.

But here’s the twist: Switzerland isn’t expensive everywhere.
In fact, there are pockets—beautiful, peaceful, surprisingly budget-friendly pockets—where expats not only survive but thrive. I’ve lived, worked, and slow-traveled through several Swiss cantons, and the idea that the entire country is financially out of reach is simply a myth.

The secret lies in skipping the big financial hubs and heading toward smaller cities, lakeside towns, and alpine communities that offer quality of life without the premium.

So here are 10 affordable places in Switzerland where expats genuinely thrive, described the way a fellow traveler would tell you over coffee.

1. Fribourg – A Medieval Beauty With Modern Prices

Fribourg is the kind of city where you can stroll across a 13th-century bridge on your way to a coworking space. It feels like a medieval fairytale that somehow learned to function beautifully in the 21st century.

The bilingual charm (French + German) makes it ideal for expats easing into Swiss life without feeling linguistically lost. Rent is noticeably cheaper than Geneva or Zurich, and the city has a large student population, which keeps costs reasonable.

What I love most?
The cafés. Tiny ones that smell of fresh bread and bigger ones where freelancers camp out with laptops and cappuccinos. Fribourg manages to be cozy yet ambitious—a perfect balance for expats building careers or families.

2. Biel/Bienne – The Underrated Swiss Gem for Creatives

If Zurich had a chill younger cousin who preferred art galleries over banking skyscrapers, it would be Biel/Bienne. This bilingual lakeside city is known for its watchmaking heritage, but it’s also a rising hub for designers, filmmakers, freelancers, and remote workers.

Living costs are friendlier than in major cities, especially when it comes to rent. And there’s something incredibly calming about working from a lakeside bench on a warm afternoon—the water here is impossibly clear.

Biel/Bienne has that balance expats crave:
Affordable living + a creative vibe + enough nature to recharge you without feeling isolated.

3. St. Gallen – A Quiet, Affordable Cultural Hub

St. Gallen is one of those Swiss cities that feels like it’s hiding in plain sight. Everyone knows Zurich and Lucerne, but St. Gallen quietly thrives with its historic charm, lively university community, and surprisingly reasonable prices.

The Abbey Library alone is worth living close to—it’s one of the most beautiful libraries on the planet, and every time I’ve stepped inside, I felt like I was walking into a Renaissance painting.

Housing is significantly cheaper than Zurich, and the city has excellent public transport connections. It’s calm without being sleepy—perfect for expats who enjoy culture, literature, and a slower but still stimulating lifestyle.

4. Thun – A Fairytale Town Without Fairytale Prices

Thun is the kind of place you see on postcards and assume you’ll never afford. Snowy mountains standing like giants in the background, a turquoise river slicing through the town, and a castle that looks like it escaped from a storybook.

But here’s the surprise: living in Thun is cheaper than living in Bern, even though it’s just 30 minutes away.

Expats love Thun for the outdoor lifestyle—kayaking during lunch breaks, lakeside walks after work, weekend hikes that start practically outside your door. It’s ideal for expats working remotely or those who want Bern’s opportunities without Bern’s price tag.

5. Lugano – Italian Warmth, Swiss Stability

Lugano is where Swiss precision meets Italian charm. Think espresso on sunlit terraces, brightly colored Mediterranean architecture, and lake views so soothing they feel like therapy.

Yes, some parts of Lugano can be expensive, but the surrounding areas—Lugano suburbs and nearby Ticino towns—are surprisingly affordable. Plus, groceries and dining out are cheaper compared to the major German-speaking cities.

What makes expats thrive here?
The lifestyle. Warmer weather, slower pace, outdoor cafés, and a genuine sense of community. If you’re seeking affordability and sunshine in Switzerland, Lugano is unbeatable.

6. Chur – The Oldest City in Switzerland With a Low-Cost Lifestyle

Chur tends to be overlooked by travelers rushing toward the glitz of St. Moritz or Davos—but that’s exactly why expats love it. It’s peaceful, authentic, and dramatically surrounded by mountains.

As Switzerland’s oldest city, it has a historic old town that feels lived-in, not touristy. Prices are far lower than in alpine resort towns, yet you’re still only a short train ride from world-famous ski areas.

Remote workers love Chur for its quiet cafés, friendly locals, and easy access to hiking trails that start right behind residential areas. If you enjoy a slow, outdoorsy lifestyle with surprisingly low costs, Chur is a hidden gem.

7. Winterthur – Zurich Vibes Without Zurich Prices

Winterthur (locals say “Winti”) has the creative energy of Zurich but not the budget-breaking overhead. It’s just 20 minutes from Zurich by train, making it perfect for expats who work there but want a more affordable home base.

The city has a strong arts scene, vibrant markets, and plenty of coworking spaces. Students and young professionals give it a lively, youthful feel—but it’s still peaceful enough for families.

The best part?
You get access to Zurich’s opportunities without paying Zurich’s rent. If you love creative communities, cycling lanes, and weekend brunch culture, Winterthur will feel like home instantly.

8. Solothurn – The Prettiest Baroque Town You’ve Never Heard Of

Solothurn is one of the most charming towns in Switzerland—and surprisingly, one of the most affordable too. Its baroque architecture, cobbled alleys, and riverside cafés give it a postcard-perfect look, but beneath the beauty is a calm, livable, budget-friendly lifestyle.

It’s popular with expats who want to integrate into local culture because Solothurn is small enough to feel personal but big enough to never feel boring.

The old town is perfect for slow afternoons of wandering, and the Jura Mountains offer easy hiking access. For expats wanting a peaceful life with lower costs, Solothurn is a standout choice.

9. La Chaux-de-Fonds – The Swiss City Built for Creatives

This city is unlike any other in Switzerland. Designed in a grid pattern (rare for the country), La Chaux-de-Fonds is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its watchmaking past and architectural significance.

Because it’s not a major tourist city, living costs are dramatically cheaper than in famous Swiss hotspots. The creative community here is incredibly strong: artists, designers, crafters, industry workers, and expats who came for a year and ended up staying much longer.

If you’re a creative expat or remote worker looking for affordability + inspiration, you’ll feel right at home.

10. Sion – A Sunny, Scenic, Affordable Surprise

Sion is one of the sunniest towns in Switzerland, and that alone is enough reason for many expats to pack their bags. But what makes Sion truly attractive is its cost of living—far lower than Geneva or Lausanne—paired with remarkable scenery.

Two hilltop castles watch over the town, vineyards wrap the surrounding hills, and the Old Town feels like a living museum. Despite its beauty, the lifestyle here is laid-back and relatively affordable.

If you want sunshine, scenery, and a relaxed local vibe, Sion is an excellent choice.

Why These Places Let Expats Thrive (Not Just Save Money)

Living in Switzerland isn’t just about securing a cheaper apartment.
It’s about finding a place where everyday life feels inspiring rather than stressful. These 10 cities offer exactly that:

Lower rents than major hubs

Often hundreds—sometimes thousands—less per month.

Affordable groceries and dining compared to Zurich/Geneva

Especially in student-friendly or non-touristy towns.

Better work-life balance

More nature, fewer crowds, less pressure.

Easier community integration

Small and mid-sized Swiss cities are friendlier than the big financial centers.

Access to Swiss-quality infrastructure

Even the “affordable” cities still boast world-class transportation, safety, and cleanliness.

More creative and meaningful lifestyles

Hiking trails at your doorstep, weekend lakeside picnics, artisan markets, slower living.

Final Thoughts: Switzerland Can Be Affordable—If You Know Where to Look

The biggest mistake expats make is judging Switzerland only through the lens of Zurich, Geneva, or Zug. Yes, the country has pricey corners—but it also has places where families, freelancers, digital nomads, and young professionals genuinely flourish without financial stress.From the lakesides of Biel/Bienne and Thun to the mountain calm of Chur and Sion, there’s a version of Switzerland that’s beautiful, peaceful, culturally rich, and budget-friendly.