Moving to Aarau

Aarau, capital of the canton of Aargau, is a city of 22,000 inhabitants which deserves the attention of expats looking for excellent value for money. Situated at the crossroads of Switzerland's three largest cities — Zurich, Basel and Bern are all less than 35 minutes away by train — Aarau offers a unique strategic geographic position.

The first capital of modern Switzerland in 1798, Aarau retains a charming old town with its characteristic painted facades. The canton of Aargau applies a competitive tax system and rents remain among the most reasonable in Mittelland. Our team will help you discover this wise alternative to large Swiss cities.

Aarau, first capital of Switzerland

Aarau holds a unique historical title: in 1798, it was designated as the first capital of the Helvetic Republic, the centralized state created under the influence of Napoleon. Although this status only lasted a few months before the transfer to Lucerne then to Bern, it testifies to the strategic importance of the city in the heart of the Swiss Plateau.

Today, Aarau is a city of 22,000 inhabitants, capital of the canton of Aargau, the fourth most populous canton in Switzerland. Its position at the intersection of the Zurich-Berne and Basel-Lucerne axes makes it a major communications hub. The city is compact, on a human scale, and is easily explored on foot or by bike.

The old town of Aarau is famous for its "Dachhimmel" (skylights), painted eaves dating from the 16th to 18th centuries which adorn the facades of the houses on Rathausgasse. This unique architectural heritage, combined with a lively commercial fabric and lively squares, gives the historic center an authentic charm.

The neighborhoods of Aarau and neighboring municipalities

Aarau and its neighboring municipalities offer a range of living environments for all profiles. The city itself is divided into several districts, each with its own character.

Employment and accessibility of major economic areas

Aarau's major asset for working people is its position as a railway hub in the center of German-speaking Switzerland. Aarau station is served by frequent IC and IR trains: Zurich in 30 minutes, Basel in 35 minutes, Bern in 55 minutes, Lucerne in 60 minutes. This exceptional connectivity opens access to three of the largest job markets in the country.

The pharmaceutical sector in Basel (Roche, Novartis), finance and tech in Zurich, and the federal administration in Bern are all accessible by comfortable daily shuttle. ABB, with one of its main Swiss sites in Baden (15 minutes from Aarau), is a major technology employer in the region.

Locally, the Aargau economy is diversified: industry, logistics, services and cantonal administration offer varied jobs. The unemployment rate in the canton of Aargau is around 2.2%, among the lowest in Switzerland. Several industrial zones and innovation parks welcome dynamic SMEs in the engineering, electronics and agri-food sectors.

Families and schools in Aarau

The Aargau public school system is entirely German-speaking and of good quality. Compulsory education follows the “Aargauer Lehrplan 21” study plan in line with the national curriculum. Non-German-speaking children benefit from intensive German courses (DaZ - Deutsch als Zweitsprache) to facilitate their integration.

For families wanting an international curriculum, the nearest Swiss International School (SIS) is in Zurich or Basel, both accessible within 30 to 35 minutes by train. Some families opt for the International School of Basel or the International School of Zurich depending on where they work.

Aarau is a pleasant city for children: outdoor swimming pool (Schachen), ice rink, libraries, sports clubs and proximity to nature (Rohr forest, walks along the Aar). Preschool care structures (Kitas) are available with subsidized rates depending on family income.

Cost of living in Aarau

Aarau and the canton of Aargau offer one of the best quality-price ratios in German-speaking Switzerland. Rents are 30 to 40% lower than those in Zurich and 15 to 25% lower than those in Basel. Combined with attractive cantonal taxation, the net financial gain can be significant, especially for families with medium to high incomes.

A couple without children can live comfortably in Aarau with a monthly budget of CHF 4,500 to CHF 6,000. Health insurance premiums in Aargau are slightly lower than the national average, which is an added advantage. Food shopping is at standard Swiss level.