Introduction to the Family’s Dilemma
Is it worth it to move to Basel with a salary offer of 150K. Moving company in Basel Classic Umzüge is digging into the question. Meet the Martinez family from Sabadell, Spain. With two young children, aged 2 and 5, they’ve built a comfortable life on the father’s salary of €70,000 per year. Recently, Mr. Martinez received an exciting job offer in Basel, Switzerland, with a significant salary increase to CHF 125,000 per year. The offer is tempting, but the family is uncertain if the move to Basel is truly worth it, considering the high cost of living and potential lifestyle changes.
To help the Martinez family make an informed decision, moving company in Basel Classic Umzüge has prepared a detailed comparison of the lifestyle and expenses related to their relocation. This comprehensive analysis includes everything from housing and groceries to taxes and healthcare costs. By examining the table and understanding the nuances of life in Basel versus Sabadell, the Martinez family can better weigh the pros and cons of this significant move to Basel.
Lifestyle and Expense Comparison
Here’s a detailed comparison table for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children aged 2 and 5), showing expenses in Basel, Weil am Rhein, and Saint-Louis.
| Expense Category | Basel, Switzerland (CHF) | Basel, Switzerland (EUR) | Weil am Rhein, Germany (EUR) | Saint-Louis, France (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | CHF 3,500/month | EUR 3,700/month | EUR 1,500/month | EUR 1,600/month |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Heating) | CHF 300/month | EUR 315/month | EUR 200/month | EUR 200/month |
| Groceries | CHF 1,200/month | EUR 1,270/month | EUR 800/month | EUR 800/month |
| Health Insurance | CHF 800/month | EUR 845/month | EUR 400/month | EUR 300/month |
| Childcare (Daycare/Kindergarten) | CHF 2,000/month | EUR 2,110/month | EUR 1,000/month | EUR 1,200/month |
| Public Transportation | CHF 300/month | EUR 315/month | EUR 150/month | EUR 150/month |
| Car Ownership (Insurance, Fuel, Maintenance) | CHF 400/month | EUR 420/month | EUR 300/month | EUR 300/month |
| Internet, TV, Phone | CHF 100/month | EUR 105/month | EUR 70/month | EUR 70/month |
| Dining Out | CHF 400/month | EUR 420/month | EUR 250/month | EUR 250/month |
| Entertainment (Movies, Events, etc.) | CHF 200/month | EUR 210/month | EUR 150/month | EUR 150/month |
| School Supplies/Fees | CHF 100/month | EUR 105/month | EUR 50/month | EUR 50/month |
| Clothing | CHF 150/month | EUR 160/month | EUR 100/month | EUR 100/month |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | CHF 300/month | EUR 315/month | EUR 200/month | EUR 200/month |
| Total Monthly Expenses | CHF 9,750 | EUR 10,300 | EUR 5,170 | EUR 5,370 |
| Total Annual Expenses | CHF 117,000 | EUR 123,600 | EUR 62,040 | EUR 64,440 |
Detailed Information on Each Expense Category
Housing
- Basel, Switzerland: CHF 3,500/month (EUR 3,700/month)
- Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in a family-friendly neighborhood like Riehen or Gundeldingen.
- Includes maintenance fees but not utilities.
- Weil am Rhein, Germany: EUR 1,500/month
- Rent for a similar-sized apartment in a suburban area.
- Saint-Louis, France: EUR 1,600/month
- Rent for a similar-sized apartment in a suburban area.
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Heating)
- Basel, Switzerland: CHF 300/month (EUR 315/month)
- Average utility costs for a family of four, including electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal.
- Weil am Rhein, Germany: EUR 200/month
- Similar utilities but generally cheaper.
- Saint-Louis, France: EUR 200/month
- Similar utilities but generally cheaper.
Groceries
- Basel, Switzerland: CHF 1,200/month (EUR 1,270/month)
- Weekly grocery shopping, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and other essentials.
- Assumes shopping at both supermarkets and local markets. Read more about the cost of groceries in Basel in 2024.
- Weil am Rhein, Germany: EUR 800/month
- Similar basket of goods, with lower prices.
- Saint-Louis, France: EUR 800/month
- Similar basket of goods, with lower prices.
Health Insurance
- Basel, Switzerland: CHF 800/month (EUR 845/month)
- Mandatory health insurance for the family, includes basic coverage.
- Weil am Rhein, Germany: EUR 400/month
- Statutory health insurance (public system), family coverage.
- Saint-Louis, France: EUR 300/month
- Public health insurance (Sécurité Sociale) with additional private insurance (mutuelle).
Childcare (Daycare/Kindergarten)
- Basel, Switzerland: CHF 2,000/month (EUR 2,110/month)
- Full-time daycare/kindergarten for both children.
- Weil am Rhein, Germany: EUR 1,000/month
- Full-time daycare/kindergarten, partially subsidized.
- Saint-Louis, France: EUR 1,200/month
- Full-time daycare/kindergarten, partially subsidized.
Public Transportation
- Basel, Switzerland: CHF 300/month (EUR 315/month)
- Family pass for unlimited travel within Basel.
- Weil am Rhein, Germany: EUR 150/month
- Family pass for travel to Basel and local areas.
- Saint-Louis, France: EUR 150/month
- Family pass for travel to Basel and local areas.
Car Ownership (Insurance, Fuel, Maintenance)
- Basel, Switzerland: CHF 400/month (EUR 420/month)
- Includes insurance, fuel, and regular maintenance costs.
- Weil am Rhein, Germany: EUR 300/month
- Generally lower costs for insurance and fuel.
- Saint-Louis, France: EUR 300/month
- Generally lower costs for insurance and fuel.
Internet, TV, Phone
- Basel, Switzerland: CHF 100/month (EUR 105/month)
- Standard package for internet, TV, and phone.
- Weil am Rhein, Germany: EUR 70/month
- Similar package, generally cheaper.
- Saint-Louis, France: EUR 70/month
- Similar package, generally cheaper.
Dining Out
- Basel, Switzerland: CHF 400/month (EUR 420/month)
- Assumes dining out twice a month at mid-range restaurants.
- Includes occasional fast food or cafe visits.
- Weil am Rhein, Germany: EUR 250/month
- Similar frequency, lower costs.
- Saint-Louis, France: EUR 250/month
- Similar frequency, lower costs.
Entertainment (Movies, Events, etc.)
- Basel, Switzerland: CHF 200/month (EUR 210/month)
- Includes family outings to movies, museums, events, and occasional weekend activities.
- Weil am Rhein, Germany: EUR 150/month
- Similar activities, lower costs.
- Saint-Louis, France: EUR 150/month
- Similar activities, lower costs.
School Supplies/Fees
- Basel, Switzerland: CHF 100/month (EUR 105/month)
- Basic school supplies, occasional fees for activities and excursions.
- Weil am Rhein, Germany: EUR 50/month
- Similar supplies and fees, generally lower.
- Saint-Louis, France: EUR 50/month
- Similar supplies and fees, generally lower.
Clothing
- Basel, Switzerland: CHF 150/month (EUR 160/month)
- Seasonal clothing for the family, occasional replacements and additions.
- Weil am Rhein, Germany: EUR 100/month
- Similar shopping habits, lower costs.
- Saint-Louis, France: EUR 100/month
- Similar shopping habits, lower costs.
Miscellaneous Expenses
- Basel, Switzerland: CHF 300/month (EUR 315/month)
- Includes personal care items, household goods, minor repairs, and other unforeseen expenses.
- Weil am Rhein, Germany: EUR 200/month
- Similar expenses, generally lower.
- Saint-Louis, France: EUR 200/month
- Similar expenses, generally lower.
Salary Comparison and Taxation
Salary for Banking Position
- Basel, Switzerland: CHF 125,000/year (EUR 131,875/year)
- Salary for a banking position at UBS or a similar institution.
- Weil am Rhein, Germany: EUR 70,000/year
- Comparable position in Germany.
- Saint-Louis, France: EUR 70,000/year
- Comparable position in France.
Taxation
- Switzerland: Income taxes in Switzerland are progressive and vary by canton. For Basel, the average tax rate is around 22-25%.
- For a CHF 125,000 salary, the net income after taxes would be approximately CHF 93,750 (EUR 98,800). Read more about the taxation system in Basel.
- Germany: German income tax rates are also progressive, with an average rate of 42% for higher incomes.
- For a EUR 70,000 salary, the net income after taxes would be approximately EUR 40,600.
- France: French income tax rates are progressive, with an average rate of 30-45% for higher incomes.
- For a EUR 70,000 salary, the net income after taxes would be approximately EUR 42,000.
Cross-Border Tax Considerations
- Living in France, Working in Basel: If you live in France and work in Basel, you may benefit from the double taxation treaty between France and Switzerland, which prevents you from being taxed twice on the same income. Typically, you would pay Swiss taxes and get a credit for taxes paid when filing in France.
- Living in Germany, Working in Basel: Similarly, there is a double taxation treaty between Germany and Switzerland. You would pay taxes in Switzerland and get a credit in Germany.
Is It Worth Moving to Basel?
Current Situation:
- Living in Sabadell, Spain with a salary of EUR 70,000.
New Offer:
- Moving to Basel, Switzerland with a salary of CHF 125,000 (EUR 131,875).
Comparison:
- Total Monthly Expenses in Saint-Louis: EUR 5,370 (EUR 64,440/year)
- Net Salary in France: EUR 42,000
- Net Deficit in Saint-Louis: EUR 22,440/year
- Total Monthly Expenses in Basel: EUR 10,300 (EUR 123,600/year)
- Net Salary in Basel: EUR 98,800
- Net Surplus in Basel: EUR 24,800/year
Conclusion
Moving to Basel would significantly increase the Martinez family’s disposable income despite the higher cost of living. The net surplus after all expenses is much higher in Basel, making the relocation financially beneficial. With the higher salary in Basel and access to high-quality services and amenities, it can be worth the move. Check this article for more details on the cost of living in Basel. For a comprehensive overview have a look on living expenses in Basel in 2024. If you decide to proceed, our moving company in Basel Classic Umzüge can assist you with a smooth relocation. Check step-by-step moving tips. Send us an inquiry, and we’ll provide a free moving quote in Basel without obligation.