Swiss real estate prices – where do expats live best?
Switzerland is particularly safe for expats and politically and economically stable, but high property prices pose a problem.
Many foreigners work for international companies in Switzerland. This is what expats think about Switzerland:
1. According to Expat Insider, expats rate Switzerland as the most politically stable country in the world:
- 96% of expats feel personally safe in Switzerland.
- In the cost of living index, Switzerland ranks 62nd out of 64 places.
- 68% of expats have an annual gross income of over USD 75,000.
- 19% are more unhappy after moving abroad (compared to 16% globally).
2. Switzerland remains neutral for expats
Switzerland ranks neither at the top nor at the bottom of the 2019 ranking, but rather on an average 38th place out of 64 countries, six places better than in 2018 (44th place out of 68 countries). In fact, 77% of expats in Switzerland are generally satisfied with life abroad, which is roughly the usual 75% average.
However, Switzerland ranks among the top 3 for the factor of stability and is in second place for the third year in a row. In typical Swiss fashion, the neutral country seems to be unaffected by the changing political framework conditions in Europe: Almost three quarters of expats in Switzerland (73%) consider political stability worldwide to be very good (compared to 30%), according to Expat Insider. For comparison: France and the United Kingdom, two other European countries, fell 16 and 14 places in 2019, respectively, to 35th and 57th places in terms of political stability.
3. Better, but not cheaper: local quality of life
Political stability is a factor in the security sub-category, in Switzerland in 2019 in third place out of 64 countries. Switzerland is considered a safe place to live. 75% of expats in Switzerland rate their personal safety as very good (compared to 48% worldwide), and only 1% rate the level of calm in Switzerland as negative, with 10%. Switzerland also scores well in the Travel & Transport sub-category and ranks fourth out of 64 destinations. A Dutch expat particularly appreciates Switzerland’s “proximity to other countries in Europe and the ability to travel easily”.
4, The environment is also a highlight for expats in Switzerland. In fact, Switzerland ranks second in terms of environmental quality in 2019, one place higher than last year. Less than 1% of expats in Switzerland are dissatisfied with this factor, relative to one in five expats worldwide (20%).
But Switzerland is still very expensive, especially the real estate prices in Svhweiz are high: The country ranks third from last in the cost of living index 2019 (62nd out of 64 countries). In Switzerland, 64% of expats are dissatisfied with the cost of living, almost twice as much as the global average (34%).
Would you like to find out more about property prices in Switzerland? This tool will help you quickly.
Real estate prices in Switzerland are high, but not off-putting
Despite its size, Switzerland has some of the most popular expat destinations in the world. Zurich and Geneva are the largest and most expensive expat hubs in the country.
Ticino is also a popular canton due to its proximity to Italy and its Mediterranean flair.
Winter sports enthusiasts will find the best and longest ski slopes in Lucerne. Although Switzerland is a rather small country, it has something to offer every expat. No matter whether you are a city kid or a country man, whether you like the mountains or the proximity to the Mediterranean countries, you will find exactly the right place for you in Switzerland.
The most popular cities in Switzerland
Although there are many great corners to live in Switzerland, expatriates are often drawn to a few specific cities, the most popular expat destinations in the country.
Zurich
This city is the most important business location in Switzerland, a true center of power and the seat of many international companies from the banking, art and media sectors. Unsurprisingly, the cost of living is quite high and there are few vacant apartments, especially in the city center.
It is positive that the city and capital of the region of the same name combines nightlife with cultural highlights and a beautiful historic old town. It offers an abundance of museums, art galleries, restaurants, clubs and bars. However, families and older expats prefer to live a bit outside of the city, where it is quieter and there are more green spaces.
Of course, YOU are never far from the lake or the ski slopes and hiking trails if you’d rather spend a relaxing day outdoors. In this case, you should also visit the Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe, which is only 45 minutes away from Zurich.
Bern
Are you looking for the stereotypical image of little huts with red geraniums in the window boxes? The canton of Bern is the best region to have that typical Swiss experience. Although Bern IS more picturesque compared to Zurich and Geneva, as the de facto capital of the country it is also an important travel destination in Switzerland. The city lies between the French and German parts of the country and offers access to both the plateaus in the west and the mountains in the east.
Geneva
Geneva, often referred to as the “smallest metropolis in the world”, is home to many other international institutions, the European headquarters of the UN and the headquarters of the International Red Cross and offers a much more multicultural atmosphere than Zurich. It is located in the French part of the country and its main attraction is the Jet d’Eau, a water fountain on Lake Geneva with a jet of water that reaches 140 meters into the air.
Geneva has a lot to offer expats, both culturally and professionally. However, it is also one of the most expensive cities in Switzerland, which is mainly due to the high number of diplomats and politicians who work here and the fact that. It is positive that. The connections to the rest of Europe, yes to the whole world, are very good and the best ski areas are within easy reach.
Basel
Basel is a university city and is often viewed as the cultural capital of Switzerland. Nevertheless, Basel is a rather small and cozy city that is located in the north-west of Switzerland. Due to their location on the German and French borders, there is a lot of industry and trade between these countries. In addition, the Rhine not only offers great opportunities to relax and stroll on its banks, but also plays a major role in import and export, which attracts many emigrants. The city is also worth a visit for its beautiful old town and its many museums.