Living and working in Aargau

The canton

• Population: 700,000
• Capital: Aarau
• Median salary: CHF 7,000/month
• Language: German

Economy

• ABB (HQ Baden): 5,000 employees, energy/automation leader
• Nuclear industry: Beznau, Leibstadt (electricity production)
• Pharma: Sandoz (Holzkirchen-Aargau), Acino
• MedTech: Belimo (nearby Hinwil), Bystronic
• Thermal tourism: Bad Zurzach, Schinznach

Housing

• 3.5 rooms: CHF 1,500-2,000/month
• Purchase: CHF 750K-1.4M
• Zurich periphery: Brugg, Baden — attractive
• Relaxed market, reasonable prices

Transport

• Zurich 30 min train (Aarau, Baden)
• Basel 30-45 min
• Bern 45 min
• Central CH position

Practical life

• Aarau: pleasant old town
• Baden: thermal baths, urban life
• Rhine: cycling, swimming
• Vineyards: Aargau wine

Tips

• ABB: large engineering opportunities
• Good entry for executives working in Zurich (rent 30% cheaper)
• German mandatory
• Excellent rail mobility