Living and Working in Zurich
The Lifestyle: What It Is Like to Live in Zurich
Zurich is clean, has an excellent infrastructure, and offers first-class shopping opportunities – not to mention one of the best healthcare systems worldwide. But what really sets the city apart from the rest is the combination of unspoilt nature, urban flair, and cultural wealth.
Consequently, you can live your life in Zurich just as you please: morning jogs along the glittering lakeshore, leisurely brunches in one of the cozy cafés, shopping trips along the world-famous Bahnhofstrasse, relaxing afternoons with the family in one of the verdant city parks, or exuberant nights out in one of the trendy bars.
Family Life in Zurich: Education & Childcare
As part of Switzerland, Zurich boasts one of the world’s best education systems, which means you will find excellent schools for your children here. Numerous districts, such as Kreis 7 or Kreis 11, also offer a child-friendly infrastructure, with plenty of green spaces, playgrounds, and short distances to school.
There are 9,500 childcare places available in the city of Zurich. Parents looking for childcare outside the family can contact the relevant authority in the place where they live to obtain financial support if required.
Municipal Daycare Centers and Houses for Children with Special Needs
More About Childcare Outside the Family
Working Life in Zurich
Zurich offers the highest salaries, both nationally and internationally. At the same time, the tax burden remains moderate: high tax rates only apply to very high incomes. The average tax burden in Switzerland is between 15 and 25% – in contrast to the 40–50% that is common in Germany.
Zurich is also home to the largest labor market in Switzerland, with secure jobs and progressive working conditions. The city’s international environment creates diverse career and training opportunities, making Zurich a desirable place to work for people from all over the world.
More About Salaries in Switzerland
The Cost of Living: an Overview
Living costs in Zurich are high – especially for rent and public transportation. On lohncomputer, you can obtain an overview of the potential fixed costs, and also make use of a helpful budget calculator.
However, rental prices vary greatly: while you can easily pay over CHF 2,000 for a two-room apartment in the city center, prices for apartments in more rural areas in the vicinity are cheaper. On the other hand, the above-average salaries in Zurich help to offset the high cost of living.
Expats in Zurich
Zurich is a magnet for international companies, which is also reflected in the population structure: 30% of residents have their roots abroad. Our neighbors from Germany make up the largest group of expats. Many Germans notice that Swiss culture differs from their own – the Swiss are often more reserved and less direct.
The biggest challenge in everyday life, however, is the language: High German is used for writing, while Swiss German is spoken. But there is no need to worry – you will quickly get used to the Swiss dialect, and if you have problems communicating, the Swiss are happy to switch to High German.
Additional Useful Information
- Canton Zurich: Information on Moving to Canton Zurich
- City of Zurich: Information on Moving to the City of Zurich
- Further useful links and information on finding accommodation, regulations for entering Switzerland, quality of living, etc.
