Zurich is Switzerland's economic engine and one of the world's most expensive cities. Record salaries, exceptional quality of life, but high cost and intense competition.
The canton
Population: 1.6 million (canton), 440,000 (city)
Median salary: CHF 8,200/month (CH record)
Unemployment rate: 1.7%
Language: German (Swiss German spoken)
Economy
Banking hub: UBS, Raiffeisen, Zurich Insurance, Swiss Re
Tech: Google EMEA, Microsoft, Disney Research
Pharma nearby: Roche, J&J Schaffhausen
Industry: ABB, Sika, Sonova
Housing
3.5-room city rent: CHF 2,400-3,200/month
Periphery (Winterthur, Uster): CHF 1,800-2,400
Purchase: CHF 1.2-2.5M standard apartment
Register 3-5 agencies in parallel, vacancy < 1%
Schools
Excellent bilingual DE/HochD public system
International: Zurich International School, ICS Zurich
ETH Zurich: world-top technical university
Transport
S-Bahn: dense network, train every 15-30 min
Tram + bus: full city coverage
ZRH airport: 130+ direct destinations
SBB GA card: CHF 4,080/year, unlimited travel
Practical life
Sports: Lake Zurich (summer swimming), mountains 45 min
Culture: Kunsthaus, Tonhalle, theatres
Restaurants: 100+ Michelin stars region
Climate: continental, 4 distinct seasons
Tips
B2 German minimum outside expat zones
ETH/HSG alumni network: very influential
Club networks: Zurich International Club, Frauen Powered
