Relocation in Other Swiss Regions
Lausanne, Montreux, Bern, and Bodensee — lifestyle and family relocation support across Switzerland.
Beyond Switzerland's major business hubs (Zurich, Geneva, Zug, Basel), many expats and families choose lifestyle-focused regions like Lausanne, Montreux, Bern, and the Bodensee area for lower costs, stunning scenery, and better work-life balance. These regions offer excellent quality of life, strong schools, and easier housing markets—while maintaining access to Swiss business centers via efficient train networks. Prime Relocation supports relocations across all Swiss regions. Whether you're seeking French-speaking Lausanne, government-sector Bern, or lakeside Bodensee living, we provide housing search, work permit coordination, school placements, and settling-in services tailored to each region's unique characteristics. Here's your guide to relocating in other Swiss regions.
Relocation to Lausanne & Montreux
French-speaking Lake Geneva region—lifestyle, universities, international schools
Lausanne
Olympic capital and university city on Lake Geneva. French-speaking with strong international community. 40-minute train to Geneva, making it attractive for Geneva workers seeking lower costs and lakeside lifestyle.
Housing: CHF 2,200-3,500 for 2-bedrooms (20-30% less than Geneva). Less competitive market, easier for expats. Schools: Lausanne International School, bilingual programs. Commute: 40min to Geneva, 1h to Zurich.
Montreux
Riviera lifestyle on Lake Geneva. Famous for Jazz Festival, mild climate, and cultural scene. Smaller than Lausanne, more relaxed pace. Popular with retirees and lifestyle-focused families.
Housing: CHF 2,000-3,200 for 2-bedrooms. Quieter market, scenic properties available. Schools: St. George's School (British curriculum), bilingual options. Commute: 30min to Lausanne, 1h to Geneva.
Key Facts: Lausanne & Montreux
- 20-30% lower costs than Geneva
- French-speaking, bilingual support available
- Lake Geneva access, milder climate
- Less competitive housing market
- International schools available
- 40min to Geneva, growing expat hub
Relocation to Bern
Swiss capital—government, NGO, and embassy relocations
Bern is Switzerland's capital and seat of government, attracting diplomats, civil servants, NGO staff, and embassy personnel. As a smaller, German-speaking city with strong Swiss cultural identity, Bern offers lower expat density and deeper cultural integration opportunities compared to Zurich or Geneva.
Housing: CHF 2,000-3,200 for 2-bedrooms. More availability than Zurich, landlords prefer Swiss-integrated tenants. Medieval Old Town (UNESCO site) + modern districts.
Schools: Limited international schools—families often choose bilingual programs or Swiss public education. Best for families comfortable with German-language integration. Commute: 1h to Zurich, 1.5h to Geneva.
Key Facts: Bern
- Swiss capital, government/NGO sector
- Lower costs than Zurich (30-40% savings)
- German-speaking, Swiss cultural immersion
- UNESCO Old Town, beautiful city
Relocation to Bodensee Region
Lake Constance lifestyle—cross-border living near Germany & Austria
The Bodensee (Lake Constance) region in eastern Switzerland offers peaceful lakeside living with cross-border access to Germany and Austria. Popular with families seeking lifestyle balance, outdoor recreation, and lower costs compared to Zurich or Geneva.
Swiss towns: St. Gallen (business hub, 1h to Zurich), Rorschach, Arbon (lakeside villages). Housing: CHF 1,800-2,800 for 2-bedrooms—excellent value with lake access.
Schools: Limited international schools directly on Swiss side; families use bilingual programs or German/Austrian schools across border. Appeal: Nature-focused families, retirees, remote workers seeking lower-cost Swiss living with German/Austrian access.
Key Facts: Bodensee Region
- Lake Constance access—stunning scenery
- Lowest housing costs in Switzerland
- Cross-border Germany/Austria proximity
- Lifestyle/outdoor focus—families & retirees
Quick answers to the most common questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions
Is Lausanne more affordable than Geneva for expats?
Yes. Lausanne rents average CHF 2,200-3,500 vs Geneva's CHF 2,800-4,500 (20-30% lower). Both are French-speaking, but Lausanne offers better housing availability and less competition while maintaining excellent infrastructure and Lake Geneva access.
Can I live in France and work in Geneva/Lausanne?
Yes. Cross-border living in France (Ferney-Voltaire for Geneva, Évian for Lausanne) offers 30-40% lower costs. You need a cross-border work permit (Permis G). We coordinate Swiss and French housing searches plus permit logistics.
How international is Bern for expat families?
Bern is less international than Zurich/Geneva but growing. Government and NGO sector brings some expats. International school options limited—many families choose nearby bilingual programs or commute to Zurich schools (1 hour). Best for families comfortable integrating into Swiss-German culture.
What's the housing market like around Bodensee (Lake Constance)?
Bodensee region (St. Gallen, Rorschach, Arbon) offers affordable housing (CHF 1,800-2,800), stunning lake access, and cross-border Germany/Austria proximity. Less competitive than Zurich. Popular with lifestyle-focused families and retirees.
Does Prime Relocation support moves outside Zurich/Geneva?
Absolutely. We support relocations across all Swiss regions including Lausanne, Montreux, Bern, Bodensee, and beyond. Services include housing, permits, schools, and settling-in support tailored to each region's unique characteristics.
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Ready to Relocate to Lausanne, Bern, or Bodensee?
Let our experts make your Swiss lifestyle relocation simple—housing, permits, schools, settling-in.
