Sankt Gallen vs Muralto: Which City Wins for Expats in 2026?

Sankt Gallen is a small, safe, and pricey Swiss city where a single adult needs roughly $3,550/mo to get by, and a one-bedroom in the centre runs $1,755/mo. The local average net salary of $6,589/mo makes those numbers workable, though the cost of living index of 106/100 and a $29 restaurant meal will punish anyone who eats out often. With a 90/100 safety index, excellent healthcare, and Zurich airport just 13 km away, it suits remote workers and cautious retirees more than budget chasers. The catch is the climate: cold, snowy winters and frequent cloud cover year-round, so come for the order and the mountains, not the sunshine.

Muralto is a tiny, safe, and absurdly expensive lakeside town that will appeal to retirees who value calm over convenience. At $1,094/mo excluding rent, plus $296 in utilities and $93 for transit, your basic costs run high, and a one-bedroom in the center will set you back around $2,030/mo. The safety index of 88 and excellent healthcare are genuine draws, but the small expat community and English limited to tourist areas mean you'll need decent Italian or German to truly settle in. If you have the money and crave a quiet, scenic base near Lugano Airport, it's a solid pick; otherwise, the $137 three-course dinner for two and $26 burger will make you feel the pinch fast.