Basel vs Gothenburg
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Gothenburg is ~57% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Basel
Switzerland
COL+Rent
85.9
Rent Index
55.6
Groceries
125.6
Restaurant
123.8
Gothenburg
Sweden
COL+Rent
37
Rent Index
18.5
Groceries
47.7
Restaurant
45
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Basel | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,462 | $819 | +$1,643 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,955 | $644 | +$1,311 |
| Groceries | $714 | $271 | +$443 |
| Restaurant Meal | $35 | $14 | +$21 |
| Transit Pass | $90 | $75 | +$15 |
| Utilities | $228 | $82 | +$146 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Basel | Gothenburg |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,913/mo | $1,047/mo |
| Typical | $4,019/mo | $1,457/mo |
| Comfortable | $5,056/mo | $1,844/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Basel | ≈ in Gothenburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $646/mo | -$854 |
| $2,000/mo | $861/mo | -$1,139 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,292/mo | -$1,708 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Basel vs Gothenburg for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Gothenburg is approximately 57% more affordable than Basel when combining rent and daily living costs. Basel's COL+Rent Index of 85.9 vs Gothenburg's 37 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Basel costs $2,462/month versus $819/month in Gothenburg — giving Gothenburg a $1,643/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $19,716 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Basel ($714/mo) vs Gothenburg ($271/mo) reflect Gothenburg's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $35 vs $14 show Gothenburg offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Gothenburg offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,457 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.