Sion, Switzerland
Capital City

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$3,000
Retiree Score
93.0
Safety Index
84.0
Healthcare
15 facilities

Expect to pay top dollar for a cramped apartment in this 34,000-person town. With a population that is only 19% citizens, the bureaucratic headaches can be a persistent nuisance. And despite its sunny 82 days of precipitation per year, Sion's climate is temperamental, with severe flooding a recurring problem. Still, the historic charm, world-class skiing, and growing medical sector make this a tempting option for those seeking a quieter Swiss life outside the big cities.

Can I afford Sion?

$

Sion

You could save

0/mo

Savings Rate0%

Monthly Costs

Rent $1,450
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$1,550

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
0/100
Retiree Score
(i)
93/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Switzerland Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
84
Safety
15
Healthcare
100
Walkability
20
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$4
Eggs (12) $7
Rice (1kg) *$2
Chicken (1kg) *$13

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$30
Meal (Mid-range) $165
Cappuccino $5
Water (0.33L) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $300
Mobile Plan (mo) $38
Gym (mo) *$143
Cinema Ticket $23

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $580
1BR Outside (mo) *$667
3BR Center (mo) $1,060
3BR Outside (mo) *$1,166

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Altstadt, Brühl
Best For
ski industry workers, outdoor enthusiasts, wine professionals

Expat Life Notes

Sion is the capital of Valais, a bilingual Swiss city surrounded by Alps and vineyards. Some expats in skiing and wine industries alongside seasonal workers.

Pros

  • Alpine setting
  • Valais wine region
  • Bilingual French-German

Cons

  • Very high cost of living
  • Language barrier
  • Seasonal economy

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
Temperature
Annual Rainfall
1726 mm
Coworking Spaces
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Sion

Click any question to expand the answer.

Sion has a population of approximately 37,154 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $3,625 per month in Sion, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1450/month.

The nearest airport to Sion is GVA, approximately 96km away.

Sion is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 84.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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