Living and working in Neuchâtel

The canton

• Population: 175,000
• Capital: Neuchâtel
• Median salary: CHF 6,100/month
• Language: French

Economy

• Watchmaking: Tissot, TAG Heuer, Longines, high-end manufactures
• Microtechnology: CSEM, EPFL Microcity
• Philip Morris: Neuchâtel, R&D production
• J&J: Neuchâtel
• University of Neuchâtel: 4,000 students

Housing

• 3.5 rooms Neuchâtel: CHF 1,500-2,000/month
• La Chaux-de-Fonds, Le Locle: CHF 1,200-1,600
• Purchase: CHF 600K-1.2M
• Very affordable vs Lausanne/Geneva

Practical life

• Lake Neuchâtel: largest lake entirely in CH
• La Chaux-de-Fonds + Le Locle UNESCO: watchmaking urbanism
• Vineyards: Auvernier, Cressier
• Continental climate: harsher winters

Tips

• Watchmaking: artisan sought
• CSEM: microtech engineers (sensors, MEMS)
• FR cross-border (Pontarlier): 12,000+
• 25% lower cost of living than Geneva