Basel vs Graz
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Graz is ~54% 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
Graz
Austria
COL+Rent
39.4
Rent Index
18.1
Groceries
61.7
Restaurant
58
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Basel | Graz | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,462 | $821 | +$1,641 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,955 | $630 | +$1,325 |
| Groceries | $714 | $370 | +$344 |
| Restaurant Meal | $35 | $15 | +$20 |
| Transit Pass | $90 | $47 | +$43 |
| Utilities | $228 | $170 | +$58 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Basel | Graz |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,913/mo | $1,166/mo |
| Typical | $4,019/mo | $1,633/mo |
| Comfortable | $5,056/mo | $2,055/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Basel | ≈ in Graz | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $688/mo | -$812 |
| $2,000/mo | $917/mo | -$1,083 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,376/mo | -$1,624 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Basel vs Graz for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Graz is approximately 54% more affordable than Basel when combining rent and daily living costs. Basel's COL+Rent Index of 85.9 vs Graz's 39.4 (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 $821/month in Graz — giving Graz a $1,641/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $19,692 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Basel ($714/mo) vs Graz ($370/mo) reflect Graz's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $35 vs $15 show Graz 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, Graz offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,633 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.