Zurich, Switzerland 🇨🇭
#970
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, located in the central part of the country along the Limmat River. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 430,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 135 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CHF ≈ 1.08 USD. Major banks include UBS and Credit Suisse. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality throughout the city. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt are major mobile service providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut, UBS, and Julius Baer are popular choices for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, and contactless payments are popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are commonly used for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Zurich and Youth Hostel Zurich are affordable lodging options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Old Town (Altstadt) is rich in hotels, restaurants, and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | District 4 (Langstrasse) has many cafes, coworking spaces, and a vibrant atmosphere. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | impact Hub Zurich is a popular coworking space with a community of startups and creatives. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Sprüngli offers free Wi-Fi and a cozy working environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups in the tech scene, frequently held at Coworking spaces and bars. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Zurich Expats Facebook group hosts regular meetups and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is operational in Zurich and widely used. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Züri rollt offers bike rentals for exploring the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Zurich has several swimming areas, such as Utoquai and Letten. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Swiss International Air Lines is the main carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Lufthansa and EasyJet operate significant routes from Zurich. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected to major highways like A1 and A3. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Zurich Hauptbahnhof (HB) is the primary train station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly tickets available for around CHF 85 for unlimited travel within the city. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains from Zurich HB can take you to Lucerne, Geneva, or Bern within an hour. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | University Hospital Zurich offers comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Zurich provides various yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitnesspark offers various gym facilities across the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Wash & Fold Zurich provides convenient laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Wolt are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, veal in cream sauce served with Rösti. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Hiltl is a renowned vegetarian restaurant with extensive buffet options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Sprüngli is famous for its Luxemburgerli macarons. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Zurich's Markthalle offers a range of food at various price points. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local.ch provides access to local businesses and services. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Coop and Migros offer online grocery shopping and delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zurich West is vibrant with bars, clubs, and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Zürcher Stadtbier is a local brewery known for its high-quality beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Weinbar Orell is a hidden gem for wine lovers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Street Food Festival is a good spot to discover various international cuisines. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Raclette and Fondue restaurants are abundant, such as Chäsitech. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Lake Zurich, the Grossmünster, and the ETH Zurich. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kunsthaus Zurich is a top art museum with impressive collections. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fraumünster is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Grossmünster is a significant Reformed church in the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Street Parade in August is the largest techno parade in the world. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | District 5 (Zurich West) is known for its galleries and artistic vibes. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Zurich Opera House hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bahnhofstrasse is known for luxury shopping and local boutiques. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Zurich has a vibrant music scene with clubs such as Mascotte. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Areas of Zurich West are famous for vibrant street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Tante Emma offers fun cooking classes that explore Swiss cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Künstlerhaus Zurich features contemporary art exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Swiss National Museum showcases the country's cultural history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city ensures the preservation of its medieval architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Uetliberg Mountain offers great hiking trails and panoramic views of the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Swiss National Park is a few hours' drive and notable for breathtaking landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The path along Lake Zurich is popular among joggers and cyclists. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Restaurant Uto Kulm offers stunning views overlooking Zurich. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Zurich's botanical gardens provide a peaceful nature escape. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas of Uetliberg allow bonfires with prior permits. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Swiss Post are reliable for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair Café Zurich allows for DIY repairs and community support. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Ping Pong House Zurich is great for enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Migros Klubschule offers a variety of language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Zürich Central Library provides a quiet place to read and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community center in Altstetten hosts various cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | GameOn is a popular gaming lounge in Zurich. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Zurich offers gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 14,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CHF 560,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 8,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CHF 340,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 12,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CHF 720,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 7,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CHF 450,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 11,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 880,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 6,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 520,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Around 21-24% depending on the canton. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 35% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed based on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Up to 40%, depending on income level and municipality. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 7.7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules are in place for foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rates depend on cantonal regulation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Generally around 1-3% of the purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Foreign workers can qualify for preferential tax treatment under certain conditions. |