Where to Live in Ticino in 2025: Lugano vs Bellinzona vs Locarno

If you’re wondering where to live in Ticino in 2025, you’re not alone. More and more internationals are discovering this sunny corner of Switzerland, drawn by its mild climate, competitive taxes, and easy access to both Milan and Zurich. Imagine walking along Lugano’s lakeside after a quick train ride from Italy, or enjoying an espresso in a quiet piazza framed by mountains — Ticino offers an enviable blend of Swiss efficiency and Mediterranean charm.

Whether you’re moving for work, looking for a family-friendly base, or planning a comfortable retirement, the choice often comes down to three hubs: Lugano, Bellinzona, and Locarno. Each has its own rhythm, housing market, and expat community. This guide will help you compare them and decide which one fits your lifestyle.

Understanding Ticino’s Appeal

Ticino, Switzerland’s only Italian-speaking canton, has long attracted people seeking a balance between alpine security and southern flair. Once part of the Duchy of Milan, it became Swiss in the 1800s, and today it mixes Italian warmth with the country’s famous organisation.

For expats, this means you can enjoy fresh pasta at a family-run grotto, then take a perfectly punctual train to your next meeting. The economy is diverse: finance and asset management in Lugano, tourism and hospitality around the lakes, growing life-sciences clusters, and an active cross-border services sector.

Culturally, Ticino is rich: Renaissance churches, modern art galleries, and lively summer events such as jazz concerts or village festivals. Outdoor lovers can hike in the Verzasca Valley or sail on Lake Maggiore within minutes of town. As an expat, you’ll find a setting that is both inspiring and reassuring — a rare mix of tradition, innovation, and accessibility.

Lifestyle in Lugano

Lugano is Ticino’s economic and cultural heart. Its setting — a deep blue lake ringed by peaks — is breathtaking, and its lifestyle is undeniably cosmopolitan. The city centre is home to designer boutiques, art museums, and gourmet restaurants, while nearby districts such as Paradiso, Breganzona, and Collina d’Oro offer residential calm with quick access to downtown.

As an expat, you’ll appreciate Lugano’s dynamic networking scene. Business clubs, international meet-ups, and cultural associations make it easy to build professional and social connections. English is widely spoken in the corporate world, though learning some Italian helps integrate into local life.

Housing is the most expensive in Ticino but offers variety: modern apartments along the lakefront, elegant villas on the hills, and new eco-friendly developments. In 2025, central apartments typically cost between CHF 7,500 and 10,000 per m², while suburban homes start at around CHF 1.2 million. Renting a modern two-bedroom apartment usually ranges from CHF 2,200 to 2,800 per month.

Evenings invite strolls along the promenade or aperitivo on Piazza della Riforma. With efficient buses and funiculars, getting around without a car is easy. If you enjoy an urban vibe blended with lakeside tranquillity, living in Lugano may be your ideal choice.

Bellinzona: History and Calm

Bellinzona, Ticino’s capital, offers a very different atmosphere. Known for its three UNESCO-listed castles and colourful Saturday market, this small city values heritage and calm over bustle. Narrow streets hide traditional cafés, and locals greet each other by name.

For expats who prefer a slower pace or remote working from home, Bellinzona is appealing. It has solid rail links — just 20 minutes from Lugano — but far less traffic and noise. Families enjoy safe neighbourhoods, good public schools, and parks for children to play.

Housing is more affordable than in Lugano, often by 15 to 20 percent. A modern two-bedroom apartment may cost CHF 1,600–2,000 to rent, while buying a house starts near CHF 700,000 depending on location and size. Utilities are similar across the canton, but Bellinzona’s smaller communes sometimes apply lower local taxes.

Evenings here are about a glass of Merlot on a terrace or a gentle walk along the River Ticino. For those moving to Bellinzona, the reward is a solid sense of community wrapped in centuries of history.

Locarno & Lake Maggiore

If sunshine and culture top your list, Locarno and the nearby towns along Lake Maggiore may win your heart. This area enjoys a microclimate with over 2,300 hours of sun per year, palm trees on piazzas, and mild winters. Outdoor cafés line the waterfront, and sailing, cycling, or hiking can fill your weekends year-round.

Locarno is also famous for the Locarno Film Festival, which turns the Piazza Grande into a giant open-air cinema every August. Music lovers flock to Moon & Stars concerts, while foodies explore farmers’ markets and lakeside grotti.

Many retirees choose Locarno for its laid-back rhythm, but it also attracts digital nomads seeking inspiration from mountain-to-lake scenery. Housing is diverse: lakeside apartments, renovated townhouses, and hillside villas with panoramic views. Prices sit between Bellinzona and Lugano, with apartments averaging CHF 6,000–8,000 per m², and rents for a two-bedroom typically CHF 1,800–2,300 per month.

Living near Lake Maggiore means enjoying an almost Mediterranean lifestyle without leaving Switzerland — think cappuccino mornings, sailing afternoons, and art-filled evenings.

Housing & Cost of Living

Wherever you settle, understanding the cost of living in Ticino is essential. Housing is the biggest variable: Lugano leads in price, Locarno follows, and Bellinzona is the most affordable.

Monthly rents for a modern two-bedroom are roughly CHF 1,600–2,000 in Bellinzona, CHF 1,800–2,300 in Locarno, and CHF 2,200–2,800 in Lugano. Buying a home starts around CHF 700,000 in Bellinzona, CHF 900,000 in Locarno, and CHF 1.2 million in Lugano. Utilities (electricity, heating, water) average CHF 180–250 per month, while high-speed internet costs about CHF 60. Public transport passes are around CHF 70–90 monthly, depending on zones.

Taxes include federal, cantonal, and municipal levels. Ticino’s cantonal income tax is moderate compared with other Swiss regions, and some communes — especially smaller ones near Bellinzona — have lower local rates. If you’re unsure, a relocation advisor can help you compare options based on your income and residence permit.

Schools & Families

Ticino is family-friendly and offers excellent schools. Public education is free and well-regarded, with instruction mainly in Italian and early exposure to German and English. Class sizes are smaller than in many countries, and after-school clubs are common.

For expats looking for an international environment, there are private bilingual schools in Lugano and Locarno, as well as Montessori-inspired options. Tuition varies widely, so it’s worth exploring whether your employer offers support.

Healthcare is another strength: regional hospitals in Lugano, Bellinzona, and Locarno provide comprehensive services, while private clinics offer fast access to specialists. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents, with premiums starting around CHF 250 per adult depending on coverage.

Families also benefit from safe streets, clean parks, and sports facilities ranging from swimming pools to climbing gyms. Whether you choose an urban or quieter base, you’ll find resources to help children and parents integrate smoothly.

Book Your Ticino Relocation Call

Ready to make Ticino your new home? Whether you’re drawn to Lugano’s vibrant energy, Bellinzona’s historic calm, or Locarno’s lakeside sunshine, our team is here to support you.

📧 Email: info@knotted.ch

📲 WhatsApp: +41 76 771 30 22

We’ll help you choose the right neighbourhood, navigate permits, and find housing that matches your lifestyle. Book your Ticino relocation call today and start planning your new chapter in Switzerland.