The Canton of Thurgau is a canton in north-eastern Switzerland with approximately 280,000 inhabitants spread across 80 municipalities. Bordered by Lake Constance (Bodensee) to the north and the cantons of St. Gallen and Zurich to the south, Thurgau is often dubbed the “orchard of Switzerland” thanks to its vast apple orchards and rolling agricultural landscapes. Its capital is Frauenfeld, while Kreuzlingen, the twin city of Konstanz (Germany), is the canton’s best-known municipality internationally.
Thurgau is a canton experiencing strong population growth, attracting increasing numbers of residents drawn by its attractive property prices (30 to 40% lower than Zurich), proximity to the Zurich agglomeration (Winterthur in 25 min, Zurich in 50 min) and its lakeside and countryside living environment. The moving market is buoyant, fuelled by this influx of new residents.
Why move to Thurgau?
- Attractive property prices: rents and purchase prices significantly lower than Zurich and St. Gallen, while remaining close to the economic centres
- Living environment: Lake Constance, orchards, rolling landscapes, picturesque half-timbered villages
- Excellent connectivity: A7 motorway to Winterthur and Zurich, dense rail network, easy access to Germany and Austria
- Moderate taxation: reasonable tax rates, below the Swiss average in several municipalities
- Family-friendly quality of life: quiet residential municipalities, good schools, outdoor activities by the lake
- Proximity to Germany: Kreuzlingen/Konstanz offers direct access to the German market (shopping, employment, culture)
The challenges of moving in Thurgau
Cross-border traffic
The border with Germany (Konstanz) generates intense cross-border traffic, especially at weekends (shopping in Konstanz). Roads between Kreuzlingen and Frauenfeld can be congested. Movers plan routes accordingly.
Isolated villages and farms
Thurgau is a rural canton with many farms and isolated properties accessible via agricultural tracks. These moves sometimes require smaller vehicles and longer loading/unloading times.
Half-timbered buildings
The canton has a rich heritage of half-timbered houses (Fachwerkhäuser), particularly in the historic centres of Frauenfeld, Steckborn, Diessenhofen and Arbon. These older buildings have narrow staircases, low ceilings and constrained access.
Our moving services in Thurgau
- Residential moving: complete service for all property types
- Commercial moving: offices, shops, agricultural holdings
- Free quote: compare offers from Thurgau movers
- Professional packing: careful protection of your personal effects
- Storage: secure storage in the Frauenfeld and Kreuzlingen areas
- Furniture lift: for older buildings in historic centres
- International moving: service to Germany (Konstanz, Stuttgart) and Austria
- End-of-lease cleaning: professional property restoration
Moving prices in Thurgau
Thurgau rates are among the most affordable in north-eastern Switzerland, significantly lower than Zurich and St. Gallen.
Local move
| Property type | Estimated volume | Price range (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 room | 10-15 m³ | 500 – 950 |
| 2 rooms | 20-25 m³ | 850 – 1,500 |
| 3-4 rooms | 30-45 m³ | 1,300 – 2,800 |
| 5 rooms and above | 50-70 m³ | 2,200 – 4,500 |
| House / villa | 60-90 m³ | 3,000 – 5,500+ |
Intercantonal move
| Route | Estimated supplement |
|---|---|
| Thurgau to/from Zurich (70 km) | + 350 – 700 CHF |
| Thurgau to/from Winterthur (30 km) | + 200 – 400 CHF |
| Thurgau to/from St. Gallen (40 km) | + 250 – 500 CHF |
| Thurgau to/from Bern (180 km) | + 600 – 1,100 CHF |
| Thurgau to/from Basel (150 km) | + 500 – 1,000 CHF |
Factors affecting the price
- Location: Kreuzlingen and Arbon (lakeside) are slightly more expensive than inland rural municipalities
- Accessibility: isolated farms and properties require additional travel time
- Building type: historic half-timbered houses require extra care
- Season: end-of-quarter dates (March, June, September) see prices rise by 10 to 15%
- Additional services: packing (+30 to 50%), furniture lift (300-700 CHF), cleaning (200-700 CHF)
Main towns and municipalities in Thurgau
- Frauenfeld: cantonal capital (~26,000 inhab.), administrative and cultural centre, medieval castle
- Kreuzlingen: twin city of Konstanz (~23,000 inhab.), on the lake, strong cross-border dimension
- Arbon: historic town on Lake Constance (~15,000 inhab.), industrial heritage (Saurer)
- Amriswil: Mittelthurgau municipality (~14,000 inhab.), regional centre
- Weinfelden: centre of the canton (~12,000 inhab.), commercial and railway hub
- Romanshorn: port on Lake Constance (~11,000 inhab.), ferry link to Friedrichshafen (DE)
- Münchwilen: residential municipality (~6,000 inhab.), close to Wil (SG)
Distinctive features of moving in Thurgau
Cross-border dimension
Kreuzlingen and Konstanz (Germany) form a unique cross-border agglomeration. Moves between the two cities are very frequent. Customs formalities apply for the transfer of household goods, even over this short distance. Our partners handle these formalities.
Agricultural canton in transition
Thurgau is undergoing a transformation: from an essentially agricultural canton, it is becoming a sought-after residential area within the extended Zurich agglomeration. Numerous new developments (housing estates, modern apartment blocks) are welcoming families from Zurich and Winterthur.
Lake Constance
The lakeside municipalities (Kreuzlingen, Arbon, Romanshorn, Rorschach) offer a prized living environment but specific moving constraints: narrow streets in historic centres, limited lakeside parking, properties with sloping access to the shore.
Tips for your move in Thurgau
- Take advantage of attractive prices: Thurgau rates are among the lowest in the region — still compare at least 3 quotes
- Plan for traffic: avoid Saturdays for moves in Kreuzlingen (cross-border shopping traffic)
- Check access: farms and rural properties may require adapted vehicles
- Book 3 to 4 weeks in advance: longer at quarter-end
- Arrange the cleaning: book at the same time as the move
- Protect historic buildings: half-timbered houses require particular care
- Register your arrival: at the Einwohnerkontrolle of your municipality within 14 days
- Check customs requirements: for a move to/from Germany, formalities apply
FAQ — Moving in Thurgau
Questions fréquentes
Prices range from 500 CHF for a studio to over 5,500 CHF for a villa. Thurgau is one of the most affordable cantons in north-eastern Switzerland for moving, with rates 20 to 30% lower than Zurich.
Yes, these cross-border moves are very common. Customs formalities apply for the transfer of household goods. Our partners know the procedures and handle customs clearance.
In normal periods, 2 to 3 weeks is sufficient. For quarter-ends (March, June, September), book 4 to 5 weeks ahead. Demand is constantly rising in this fast-growing canton.
Thurgau is German-speaking. Some partners offer a service in French or English. Specify your preference when requesting a quote.
Rural properties can be far from main roads. Adapted vehicles may be needed. Inform the mover about access (dirt track, road width, carrying distance) for an accurate quote.
Yes, Winterthur is 25 min away, Zurich 50 min and St. Gallen 30 min by train or car. The A7 motorway and the rail network provide excellent connectivity.
Yes, secure storage solutions are available in Frauenfeld, Kreuzlingen and Weinfelden. Rates are attractive, starting from 35 CHF per month for a small unit.
Request your free quote for a move in Thurgau
Request your free quote and compare offers from professional movers in Thurgau. From the shores of Lake Constance to inland villages, our partners cover the entire canton with prices among the most competitive in eastern Switzerland.