Living in Aargau
Discover Switzerland's strategic crossroads canton, offering affordable living, excellent connectivity, and authentic Swiss quality of life between Zurich, Basel, and Lucerne.
Introduction to Aargau
Nestled between Zurich, Basel, and Lucerne, Aargau offers internationals a perfect blend of accessibility, affordability, and authentic Swiss living. Often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighboring cantons, Aargau (sometimes affectionately called the "Rüebliland" or "carrot land") represents one of Switzerland's best-kept secrets for expatriates seeking quality living without the premium prices of Zurich or Geneva.
For internationals, Aargau offers a strategic location at the crossroads of Switzerland, with excellent transportation connections, a robust job market focused on technology and manufacturing, and housing costs that can be 20-30% lower than neighboring Zurich. The canton's balanced approach to development has created vibrant towns that maintain their distinctive character while embracing international influences.
Key Regions in Aargau
Aargau offers diverse living environments across its regions, each with unique advantages for international residents.
Baden-Brugg Region
A technological hub with historical charm, excellent Zurich connections, and international community
Aarau and Surroundings
The cantonal capital offering administrative jobs, cultural attractions, and central connectivity
Fricktal
Northwestern region with excellent connections to Basel and the Rhine valley
Freiamt
Southern region offering rural living with good connections to Lucerne
Limmattal
Eastern region bordering Zurich with excellent commuter connections
Housing Market Overview
Aargau's housing market represents one of its most attractive features for internationals relocating to Switzerland.
Rental Market
Purchase Options
Regional Variations
Housing Cost Comparison
Aargau (Baden)
CHF 1,800-2,500
Average monthly rent for 3-bedroom apartment
Zurich
CHF 3,000-4,000
Average monthly rent for 3-bedroom apartment
Savings in Aargau
20-30%
Typical housing cost savings compared to Zurich
Employment Landscape
Aargau offers diverse professional opportunities that attract internationals across multiple industries.
Major International Employers
ABB
Location: Baden
Technology and Engineering
General Electric
Location: Baden
Energy Technology
Axpo
Location: Baden
Energy
DSM Nutritional Products
Location: Kaiseraugst
Life Sciences
Rockwell Automation
Location: Aarau
Industrial Automation
FHNW University of Applied Sciences
Location: Brugg/Windisch
Education
Key Industries
Global leaders and innovative SMEs
Connected to Basel's pharma cluster
Strong industrial tradition
Including nuclear and renewable technologies
Regional banking and insurance operations
Work Culture
Professional Environment
Swiss emphasis on quality and precision
Work-Life Balance
Better balance than Zurich or Geneva
Growing Innovation
Emerging startup ecosystem
Transportation and Connectivity
Aargau's central location and excellent transportation infrastructure make it ideal for both commuters and those who travel frequently.
Public Transportation
Excellent rail and bus network connecting all major communities
Road Network
Strategic location at the crossroads of major Swiss highways
Commuting Times
Reasonable commutes to major employment centers
International Connections
Zurich Airport
30-45 minutes by car or train from most parts of Aargau
Basel Airport
45-60 minutes from northern Aargau
High-Speed Rail
Direct connections to international destinations via Basel
Education Options
Aargau offers excellent education options from primary through university level, with both public and international choices.
Public Schools
High-quality education following the Swiss curriculum with German as the primary language
International Schools
Limited but high-quality options for English-language education
International School of Aargau
Location: Buchs
International Baccalaureate (IB) program
SIS Swiss International School
Location: Baden
Bilingual education (German/English)
Higher Education
Excellent tertiary education options within the canton
FHNW University of Applied Sciences
Locations: Campuses in Brugg, Windisch, and other locations
Focus: Practice-oriented degree programs in engineering, business, education, and more
Pedagogical University (PH FHNW)
Locations:
Focus: Teacher training and educational research
Healthcare System
Aargau benefits from Switzerland's world-class healthcare system, with excellent facilities throughout the canton.
Health Insurance Requirements
All residents must obtain Swiss health insurance within 3 months of arrival. For expert guidance on selecting the right health insurance plan, Prime Relocation recommends our trusted partner expat-savvy.ch, who specializes in helping internationals navigate the Swiss insurance landscape.
Key Information
- • Mandatory basic insurance (KVG/LAMal) required by law
- • Monthly premiums range from CHF 300-400 per adult in Aargau
- • Deductible options from CHF 300-2,500 annually
- • Supplementary insurance available for additional coverage
- • Children's premiums significantly lower than adults
Healthcare Facilities
Kantonsspital Aarau
Major cantonal hospital with comprehensive services
Kantonsspital Baden
Full-service hospital with specialized departments
Hirslanden Klinik Aarau
Private hospital with international patient services
Regional hospitals
Located in Leuggern, Muri, and other communities
Specialized clinics
Including psychiatric, rehabilitation, and specialty care
Finding a Doctor
- • Many medical professionals speak English, especially in Baden and Aarau
- • Registration with a family doctor (Hausarzt) recommended
- • Emergency services available 24/7 at major hospitals
- • Pharmacies provide basic health advice and non-prescription medications
Lifestyle and Recreation
Aargau offers a rich lifestyle with diverse recreational opportunities for all interests.
Outdoor Recreation
Cultural Attractions
Family Activities
Culinary Experiences
Local Specialties
Rüeblitorte (carrot cake) and Aargauer Zopf bread
Weekly Markets
Fresh local produce in most towns
Wine Regions
Local vineyards with tastings and tours
International Cuisine
Diverse dining options in larger towns
Prime Relocation Services in Aargau
At Prime Relocation, we specialize in helping internationals discover the advantages of Aargau living with services tailored to this unique canton.
Strategic Housing Search
Administrative Support
Area Orientation
Cultural Integration
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cost of living in Aargau compare to Zurich?
Aargau offers a significant cost advantage compared to Zurich, with housing costs typically 20-30% lower. A 3-bedroom apartment that might cost CHF 3,000-4,000 in Zurich can be found for CHF 1,800-2,500 in Aargau. Other living expenses such as groceries, restaurants, and services are also moderately lower, while maintaining excellent quality and standards.
Is it practical to live in Aargau and work in Zurich?
Absolutely. Thousands of residents commute daily from Aargau to Zurich, with train connections taking just 20-40 minutes depending on your location. The S-Bahn network is reliable and frequent, making this a very practical arrangement. Many internationals choose this option to balance Zurich's career opportunities with Aargau's more affordable lifestyle and housing options.
How strong is the international community in Aargau?
While smaller than in Zurich or Basel, Aargau has a growing international community, particularly in the Baden-Brugg region where major multinational companies are located. Approximately 25% of Aargau's population is foreign-born, with active expat networks and international schools supporting newcomers. The canton's proximity to Zurich also allows easy access to larger international communities.
What are the options for international education in Aargau?
Aargau offers several options for international education, including the International School of Aargau in Buchs (offering the IB curriculum) and SIS Swiss International School in Baden (providing bilingual education). Additionally, many families access international schools in neighboring Zurich canton, which are within reasonable commuting distance from northern Aargau communities.
Which areas in Aargau are most popular with international residents?
The Baden-Brugg region is most popular with internationals due to its excellent Zurich connections, international employers like ABB, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Aarau, as the cantonal capital, also attracts international residents with its cultural offerings and central location. The Fricktal region is popular with those working in Basel's pharmaceutical industry, offering more affordable housing with good connections.
How is the healthcare system in Aargau?
Aargau offers excellent healthcare with major hospitals in Aarau and Baden providing comprehensive services. The canton has a good network of general practitioners and specialists, with many medical professionals speaking English. As in all of Switzerland, health insurance is mandatory, with premiums in Aargau typically ranging from CHF 300-400 per adult monthly, slightly lower than in some other cantons.
Make Aargau Your Home
Aargau offers internationals a compelling combination of central location, economic opportunity, reasonable living costs, and authentic Swiss quality of life. Whether you're drawn to the technological hub of Baden, the historical charm of Aarau, or the rural tranquility of smaller communities, Aargau provides diverse options to match your lifestyle preferences.
The canton's strategic position at Switzerland's crossroads makes it ideal for professionals who value connectivity, while its more reasonable cost of living compared to neighboring Zurich creates opportunities for a higher quality of life. With strong international communities, excellent schools, and abundant recreational opportunities, Aargau represents an ideal landing spot for expatriates seeking the best of Switzerland without the premium price tag.
