Why Zurich is the Perfect City for Expats?

Choosing the correct city to live in is key, especially when considering a move abroad. For many expats, Zurich is an excellent choice. With its world-class infrastructure, career opportunities, cultural diversity, and high quality of life, Zurich consistently ranks as one of the most livable cities in the world.

For example, according to Mercer's 2023 Quality of Living survey, Zurich offers the second highest quality of living for expatriates, and it is the fourth-best city worldwide for work-life balance, according to Kisi’s 2022 Work-Life Balance Index.

But what makes Zurich truly ideal for expats? Read our blog to find what this city offers—from lifestyle and employment opportunities to entertainment and cultural gems.

Zurich: A Perfect Bland of Nature, History and Modernity

Nestled along the shores of Lake Zurich and surrounded by beautiful hills, Zurich offers stunning scenery. Its population is diverse, making it a true multicultural hotspot.

Zurich is often perceived as a global financial center, but there’s much more to it. With its rich history, diverse culture, and lively entertainment scene, Zurich offers something for everyone. It seamlessly balances work and play, making it ideal for expats looking to build a new home abroad.

Although Zurich is frequently considered a major financial hub, it is much more than that. 

With its rich history, eclectic culture, and active entertainment, Zurich provides something for everyone.

Quality of Life: An Ideal Place to Live

One of the most important factors when deciding where to live is the quality of life. Zurich consistently ranks high​​ in quality of life surveys, such as the quality of living ranking list mentioned above. With its clean streets, efficient public transport, safety, and top-notch healthcare system, Zurich provides expats with everything they need to live comfortably.

Safety: Zurich is known for its low crime rates, which is especially important if you’re moving with your family. It's a safe place to walk around, even at night.

Clean Environment: The Swiss take great pride in their environment, and Zurich is no exception. Whether it’s the pristine waters of Lake Zurich or the carefully maintained parks and green spaces, Zurich provides a refreshing, clean, beautiful, and healthy environment.

Healthcare: Switzerland’s healthcare system is among the best in the world, so you can expect to receive excellent medical care. 

There are no free state-provided health services, but private health insurance is compulsory for all persons residing in Switzerland, and it covers the costs of medical treatment and hospitalization of the insured.

Employment Opportunities and Business Environment

Zurich is a global financial hub, home to some of the largest banks, insurance companies, and multinational corporations. But beyond finance, the city is an innovation hub, especially in the areas of technology, pharmaceuticals, and engineering.

Job Market: Zurich’s unemployment rate is notably low, and there are numerous opportunities for professionals, particularly those in finance, IT, engineering, and life sciences. The city attracts highly skilled workers from around the world, and if you have specialized skills, Zurich’s job market can be very welcoming.

Networking Opportunities: The presence of global corporations means Zurich is a great place for networking. There are frequent industry-specific events, professional meet-ups, and international communities that help newcomers find job opportunities and expand their network.

Entrepreneurial Support: Zurich also fosters a great environment for those looking to start their own business. The city has a dynamic start-up scene, is supported by incubators and accelerators, and has easy access to funding. Organizations like Impact Hub Zurich and Venture Kick help entrepreneurs connect with investors and build their businesses.

 Multiculturalism and Diversity

Zurich is a city with residents from all over the world - nearly 32% of Zurich’s inhabitants are non-Swiss. English is widely spoken, particularly in business circles, and most people speak at least one or two other languages (German, French, or Italian). This multilingual environment helps expats settle in quickly, and the city’s diverse culture means you’ll likely find communities from your home country. 

There are also many social clubs and international online groups, such as The American Club of Zurich, The Zurich International Women’s Association, Expats in Zurich, Zurich Expats, Worldwide People in Zurich, etc.

Zurich also hosts a number of cultural events that reflect its diversity. From festivals celebrating different heritages to markets with international foods, there’s always something that reminds you of home while also allowing you to explore new cultures.

Education and Family Life

For expats with families, Zurich offers some of the best education options. The Swiss education system is world-renowned for its quality, with both public and private options available.

International Schools: There are several international schools in Zurich, such as the Zurich International School (ZIS) and ICS Inter-Community School Zurich. These schools offer curriculums in English and are popular among expat families who want their children to have an international education.

Public Schools: The Swiss public school system is also an excellent option. Children learn multiple languages, which can be a huge advantage for their future. Public schools integrate local and international students, making it easier for kids to adapt and learn about different cultures.

Family-friendly amenities are abundant in Zurich, including well-maintained parks, play areas, and family-centric events. The city’s focus on safety and cleanliness ensures that children have a healthy and enjoyable environment to grow up in.

Entertainment and Cultural Life

Zurich offers a wealth of entertainment options that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you’re into music, arts, sports, or the great outdoors, Zurich has something for everyone.

Arts and Culture: Zurich boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with over 50 museums and more than 100 art galleries. The Kunsthaus Zurich is one of Switzerland's most important art museums, featuring works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art. The Opera House, Tonhalle Orchestra, and Schauspielhaus are some of the top cultural institutions that make Zurich a paradise for lovers of performing arts.

Festivals: The city hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the Zurich Film Festival, Street Parade (the largest techno parade in Europe), and Sechseläuten, a traditional spring festival featuring the burning of the "Böögg," a snowman effigy. These events provide expats with plenty of opportunities to get to know Zurich's culture while having fun.

Nightlife and Dining: Zurich's nightlife is diverse, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and lounges to suit different tastes. The Langstrasse district is known for its lively bars, while the Old Town offers cozy pubs with character. Foodies will also find Zurich delightful, with Michelin-starred restaurants, traditional Swiss cuisine, and international food markets that provide flavors from around the world.

Outdoor Activities: For outdoor enthusiasts, Zurich is paradise. From jogging along Lake Zurich and cycling in the surrounding hills to skiing in the Alps (which are just an hour away), the city is ideal for active lifestyles. During the summer, locals and expats alike take to Lake Zurich for swimming, sailing, and paddleboarding.

Transportation and Connectivity

Zurich is also known for its efficient and reliable public transport system. You can get around the city quickly and easily via trams, buses, and trains. The Swiss Travel System is highly regarded for its punctuality and convenience, and Zurich’s public transport network is one of the best in the world.

Zurich’s location is perfect for those who travel often. The largest airport in Switzerland, Zurich Airport, connects the city to major destinations around the globe. This connectivity makes spontaneous weekend trips to neighboring countries, like Italy, France, or Germany, easy and convenient.

Cost of Living: What to Expect

It’s no secret that Zurich is an expensive city. However, this is offset by the high salaries, excellent quality of life, and well-developed infrastructure. Regarding salaries, an average worker usually earns CHF 6,665 per month, upper executive level employees can expect to earn CHF 11,500 per month, while mid- or lower-level executives earn over CHF 9,500.

Housing in Zurich

Finding a place to live in Zurich can be challenging, especially given the high demand. However, once you find a home, you’ll be rewarded with a comfortable, well-equipped space that meets high Swiss standards.

And that’s where we can help you. Homenhancement offers fully furnished apartments in the heart of Zurich, perfect for long-term rental.  

Whether you are a professional looking to advance your career, an entrepreneur ready to innovate, or a family seeking a nurturing environment in Zurich, we can offer you an ideal place from which you can start a new chapter in your life, feeling like home.

Conclusion

Zurich is a dynamic, multicultural city that offers expats a high quality of life, excellent career opportunities, and a rich cultural experience. From its well-paying jobs and supportive business environment to its clean streets, scenic beauty, and vibrant cultural life, Zurich has everything you need for a balanced lifestyle.

When it comes to living, we at Homenhancement can provide beautifully designed apartments equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Enjoy flexible terms and multilingual support tailored to help you find the perfect neighborhood. Would you be interested in learning more about our offerings? Call us at +41225524430 or visit our website for available apartments.