Cost of Living in Zurich

The cost of living in Zurich isn't cheap, so you'll need to get your finances straight before making the move to this Swiss financial hub. Beyond the obvious costs of your flat, transport, food, and education, you’ll also need to account for a mix of taxes, licence fees, mandatory health insurance, and other charges that can quickly add up to a hefty sum.

Zurich consistently ranks among the world’s most expensive cities, vying with Singapore and Hong Kong for the top spot in global cost of living indices. The silver lining? High salaries and an excellent quality of life help to offset the steep costs. Savvy expats anticipate their living expenses in Zurich to negotiate a good salary package and plan ahead.

Cost of accommodation in Zurich

Finding accommodation in Zurich is a bit of a headache these days. Most locals rent rather than buy property, and with vacancy rates dropping every year, you'll need to be quick off the mark. Competition is fierce, especially for reasonably priced places in decent areas.

When signing a lease, be prepared for standard terms requiring a security deposit of up to three months’ rent, which must be returned at the end of the tenancy if no damage or outstanding payments exist. You’ll also most likely have to budget to pay utility bills on top of rent, with heating costs rising during winter months. Although it’s possible to apply for exemptions, TV and radio licence fees are also something worth taking into account when considering utility payments.

Expats living in Zurich should get into the habit of recycling. The council taxes residents per rubbish bag, and you can save a considerable amount by separating your rubbish into plastic, glass, and aluminium and disposing of these at free recycling sites around Zurich.

Finding Accommodation in Zurich

Cost of transport in Zurich

Transport in Zurich boasts an excellent and extensive public network, although it doesn’t come cheap. Regular users should invest in monthly and annual transport passes, which will save a considerable amount of money in the long term. The Zurich Card offers good value for newcomers, providing unlimited travel within the network. The city is divided into transport zones, with the central area of Zurich, Zone 110, counted as a double zone for fare calculation purposes.

There isn’t a huge gradient in rental prices between Zurich and its outskirts, so many expats find that living closer to work is the best way to save, allowing them to commute by bicycle. The city boasts exceptional cycling infrastructure, with bike-sharing programmes like 'Züri rollt' offering free bicycle rentals. You’ll need to buy an extra ticket to take your bicycle on the train.

Owning and maintaining a car in Zurich is costly and quite unnecessary for most expats. Public parking fees quickly add up. Drivers also have to pay to park in residential areas, so expats planning on getting a car should check the rates for residential parking in different areas and suburbs when they are searching for a home.

Getting Around in Zurich

Cost of groceries in Zurich

Groceries in Zurich follow the city’s trend of high costs, but savvy shopping can help manage your food budget. Expats can make the most of their grocery shopping by frequenting cheaper supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and Denner, which typically offer lower prices than the major chains Coop and Migros. Planning meals in advance, buying non-perishables in bulk and shopping for in-season produce can help stretch your grocery budget. Many supermarkets slash prices on perishable goods after 5pm when they’re approaching their sell-by date.

Many expats supplement their grocery shopping with occasional trips to neighbouring countries like Germany or France, where prices are significantly lower.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Zurich

Entertainment and eating out in Zurich offer quality experiences at premium prices. With a few Michelin-starred restaurants in the city, Zurich’s culinary scene is an exciting adventure waiting to be explored. Eating out is quite expensive, making restaurant dining an occasional treat for many expats. Budget-conscious foodies can stretch their entertainment budget by eating out at lunchtime when restaurants frequently offer set menus at lower prices.

Thanks to its beautiful and diverse natural scenery, Zurich offers its residents plenty of opportunities to be outside. The Zurich Card provides discounted or free access to many cultural venues, including museums like the Kunsthaus (which offers free entry on Wednesdays), theatres, and concert halls. Many outdoor activities cost little to nothing, with free drinking water fountains throughout the city, making hydration convenient during your adventures.

Much of the lifestyle in Zurich is centred around hiking and skiing in the Swiss Alps, and equipment rental for winter sports can add up. The city also boasts an eclectic nightlife scene, but drinks at bars and clubs, particularly cocktails, are quite steep. Revellers who are looking to enjoy a night out on the town regularly are advised to budget well.

Shopping, Entertainment and Outdoor Activities in Zurich

Cost of education in Zurich

Education options in Zurich present expat parents with important decisions to make. Public schools have high standards and are free, but the language of instruction will be Swiss German. This makes them an unsuitable option for most expats, but if you're in Zurich for the long haul, it might be worth sending your kids to Swiss public schools. Children under 10 typically pick up languages like sponges, and many municipalities offer free extra German lessons or fund language classes at private schools to help international students keep up.

For a middle ground between local and international education, consider one of Zurich's bilingual schools. These teach in both German and English, following the local curriculum. They're pricey, but not as eye-watering as full international schools where your children can study your home country's curriculum entirely in your native language.

While international schools offer many benefits, including excellent teaching standards and facilities, tuition fees are also steep. The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is particularly popular in Zurich’s international schools. It offers a globally recognised education that differs from British and American systems with its holistic approach across six subject areas. Most top international schools have waiting lists, so applying well in advance is advisable.

Education in Zurich
International Schools in Zurich

Cost of healthcare in Zurich

Healthcare in Zurich follows the Swiss model. Private health insurance is compulsory, and you’ll need to get covered within three months of your arrival. Expats should shop around for a suitable insurance package that fits their needs.

The cost of health insurance will largely depend on the level of coverage you choose, where you live and if you have supplemental cover. Basic insurance covers most essential medical services, but many expats opt for supplementary insurance to access additional benefits like private hospital rooms, alternative medicine, and wider provider choices.

If you’re on any long-term medication, check whether your health insurance policy covers this. Dental treatment is not covered by basic health insurance, so DENTAplus supplementary dental insurance is a popular option for expats concerned about these costs.

Finding English-speaking healthcare providers is rarely a problem in Zurich, with many doctors and specialists fluent in English. The city offers both public and private medical facilities, with minimal differences in quality.

Hospitals in Zurich
Health Insurance in Switzerland