Zurich, Switzerland

Editor

Editor

March 12, 2023

Zurich is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking for a vibrant city with plenty of opportunities. With a population of over 400,000, Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the country's economic and cultural hub. It is also one of the most livable cities in the world, ranking first in the world for quality of life according to Mercer's Quality of Living Survey. The city is home to a wide range of industries, from finance and banking to technology and media, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads looking to work remotely. Additionally, Zurich is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Alps and Lake Zurich providing a stunning backdrop to the city. The city also boasts a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore. With its excellent infrastructure, low crime rate, and high quality of life, Zurich is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking to work and explore in a safe and beautiful environment.

Living in Zurich, Switzerland: Overview

Overall score | Worksplorer index

  • 76%

    Quality of life
  • 94%

    Cost of living
  • 75%

    Connectivity
  • 81%

    Weather

75

General

CurrencyCHF
Population (in millions)1.4
Quality of life (world rank from 1 to 200)1
Cost of living compared to Chicago, USA20% more expensive
Best neighborhood to stay Seefeld, Zurich 8
Culture

Number of museums and galleries80
Top selling local beerHefeweizen
Most popular local dishRösti
Travel

Most popular tourist attraction(s)Lake Zurich, Old Town, Grossmünster Church
Discount airlineSwiss
Major airlineSwiss Airlines
Largest ride sharing companyLyft
Primary train stationsZurich Hauptbahnhof, Zurich Oerlikon, Zurich Stadelhofen
Primary airportsZurich Airport, Kloten Airport, and St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport
Best rental car companyHertz
Used car costs25000 CHF
Connectivity

Apple store addresses Bahnhofstrasse 5, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
Internet connection (in Mbps)100 Mbps
Power socket typeC,F
Supply voltage 230V
Best electronics storeDigitec
Best internet carrierSwisscom
Primary cellular carrierSwisscom
Average monthly cost for internet80 CHF
Shopping

The best drug storeCoop
Best restaurant chainHiltl
The best grocery storeCoop
The most popular fashion brandH&M
Regulatory

GDP per capita$83,845 / year
Average annual income$100,000
Sales tax rate7.7%
Income tax rate24.2%
Tourist visa valid (in days)90 days
Financial

Average mortgage rate1.5%
Suggested ATM take out200 CHF
Bank that has the most ATM machinesUBS
Average tip in restaurant15%
Pay using credit or debit cardVery common
Health

Emergency Phone Numbers112 (general), 117 (police), 144 (ambulance), 118 (firefighters)
Polution per square meter1,845
Health quality rank (according to WHO) 11
Main religionProtestant
Quality of life

76%

  • 81%

    Safety, freedom, rights
  • 99%

    Traffic
  • 103%

    Property to income
  • 19%

    Crime
  • 73%

    Healthcare
  • 81%

    Weather
Salaries

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)CHF 6,380
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate1.92%
Childcare

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 ChildCHF 2,772
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 ChildCHF 31,644
Cost of living

94%

  • Purchasing Power

    117%

     

     

  • Rent

    65%

     

     

  • Food

    116%

     

     

  • Restaurant

    116%

     

     

  • Workspace

    19%

     

     

  • Transport

    34%

     

     

Rent

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Per MonthCHF 2,180.83
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Per MonthCHF 1,630.98
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Per MonthCHF 4,000.92
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre Per MonthCHF 2,801.45
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend), Sports And LeisureCHF 39.06
Food

Milk (regular), (1 liter)CHF 1.68
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)CHF 2.99
Eggs (regular) (12)CHF 5.98
Local Cheese (1kg)CHF 25.80
Water (1.5 liter bottle)CHF 1.31
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)CHF 13.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)CHF 2.03
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)CHF 2.76
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)CHF 8.99
Chicken Fillets (1kg)CHF 26.12
Apples (1kg)CHF 3.59
Oranges (1kg)CHF 3.01
Potato (1kg)CHF 2.42
Lettuce (1 head)CHF 2.22
Rice (white), (1kg)CHF 3.26
Tomato (1kg)CHF 4.37
Banana (1kg)CHF 2.66
Onion (1kg)CHF 2.24
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)CHF 50.09
Restaurants

Meal, Inexpensive RestaurantCHF 25.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-courseCHF 120.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)CHF 15.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)CHF 8.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)CHF 7.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)CHF 4.38
Water (0.33 liter bottle) CHF 4.08
Cappuccino (regular)CHF 5.30
Connectivity

94%

Infrastructure

89/100

Internet speed

92/100

Internet cost

95/100

Pre-paid plan

98/100

Utilities (Monthly)

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 ApartmentCHF 252.95
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)CHF 0.42
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)CHF 50.98
Sports

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 AdultCHF 87.06
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)CHF 39.06
Cinema, International Release, 1 SeatCHF 20.00
Transportation

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)CHF 4.40
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)CHF 100.00
Gasoline (1 liter)CHF 2.08
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)CHF 32,150.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)CHF 30,831.36
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)CHF 7.00
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)CHF 5.00
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)CHF 80.00