Buy & Rent Property in La Chaux-de-Fonds: Facts & Figures at a Glance
What is La Chaux-de-Fonds known for?
La Chaux-de-Fonds is located in the canton of Neuchatel. La Chaux-de-Fonds is known as a major centre of Swiss watchmaking and for its unusually regular urban layout, which reflects its rebuilding after the fire of the early nineteenth century. It also has a strong industrial and architectural identity, including UNESCO-listed urban planning that makes it distinctive among Swiss municipalities.
What does the La Chaux-de-Fonds property market look like?
La Chaux-de-Fonds has a more accessible and locally driven residential market than Switzerland's larger urban centres, with demand shaped by employment in watchmaking, services and regional industry.
Price levels for buying and renting
Buy
The average purchase prices were:
- Apartment: 490,000 CHF
- This is 39,8 % lower than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of apartments are priced below 360,000 CHF.
- Around 75 % of apartments are priced at 620,000 CHF or below.
- House: 990,000 CHF
- This is 21,5 % lower than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of houses are priced below 760,000 CHF.
- Around 75 % of houses are priced at 1,204,355 CHF or below.
Rent
The average monthly rental prices were:
- Apartment: 1,064 CHF
- This is 35,5 % lower than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of rental listings are priced below 890 CHF.
- Around 75 % of rental listings cost 1,290 CHF or less.
For a detailed breakdown, visit:
https://www.immoscout24.ch/en/property-prices-m2/city-la-chaux-de-fonds
Tax rates
La Chaux-de-Fonds has a general tax charge of 16 %. This compares with 15,77 % for canton Neuchatel and 12,38 % nationally.
- Tax rates by household type:
- Single person without children: 21,95 %
- Married couple without children: 15,07 %
- Couple with children: 11,02 %
- Married pensioner: 20,1 %
- Example annual tax burden:
- Single (no children, 100,000 CHF income): 18,940 CHF
- Single (no children, 150,000 CHF income): 34,925 CHF
- Married couple (no children, 200,000 CHF income): 40,490 CHF
- Married couple (2 children, 125,000 CHF income): 13,690 CHF
- Married couple (2 children, 175,000 CHF income): 26,635 CHF
Note: Tax rates shown are indicative only and may be inaccurate; consult a qualified tax advisor for advice specific to your situation.
Availability
- Housing supply
- Vacancy rate: 3,59 % (Swiss average: 1,01 %)
- Total apartments: 22,080
- Housing growth over the last 5 years: 554 new apartments have been introduced to the market.
Demographics & economy
- Population: 37,600, with a foreigner rate of 33,05 %.
- Income: Average yearly income: 61,095 CHF. This is 25,4 % lower than the Swiss average (Swiss average: 81,875 CHF).
- Employment: Unemployment rate: 2,94 % (Swiss average: 1,47 %).
Connectivity
- It takes 85 minutes to get to the nearest major city using public transport.
- It takes 13 minutes to get to the nearest regional suburban hub using public transport.
- It takes 64 minutes to drive by car to the nearest major city.
- It takes 10 minutes to drive by car to the nearest regional suburban hub.
What is daily life like in La Chaux-de-Fonds?
Daily life in La Chaux-de-Fonds is practical and understated, with a compact city centre, local shops, cultural venues and easy access to the surrounding Jura landscape. Residents benefit from museums, sports facilities and a strong local identity linked to craftsmanship and design. The setting suits buyers who value a quieter urban environment with direct access to outdoor recreation.
Which neighbourhoods fit different lifestyles?
Residential preferences in La Chaux-de-Fonds often come down to whether buyers prioritise central convenience, quieter streets or family-oriented housing. Some areas are better suited to those who want to be close to shops and services, while others appeal to buyers seeking more space and a calmer residential feel.
- Centre-ville
- Good for buyers who want everyday convenience, walkability and close access to shops, services and public transport.
- Les Forges
- Popular with buyers looking for established residential streets and a practical city setting with a quieter feel.
- Parc-Crêt
- A good fit for families and owner-occupiers who want a more residential environment with nearby green space.
- Brenets area
- Suits buyers who prefer a more rural or edge-of-town setting with direct access to the Jura surroundings.
Data from: June 2026
Note: The market for apartments for sale can change rapidly, so it is always advisable to check with local real estate experts/agents for the latest developments.