Switzerland

Resources

City Guides

Private Messages Friends Invite My Jobs My Properties My Profile My Tips

Switzerland Expat Forum

Relocating to Switzerland/cost of living

Post New Topic

Calif

2/17/2009 15:22 EST

Hello all! My husband and I are also in the same boat. His company is offering to relocate us from Orange County to Switzerland. What sort of adjustments are necessary to maintain our current standard of living in California? We will not get housing or car allowances. He currently makes about $170k and we are unsure what we should be asking for in terms of salary to maintain our current standard of living. As we are just beginnning down this road, any specifics will be helpful....we know it's expensive to live in Switzerland and would be most grateful for specific examples of things that are more/less costly than So-cal.

Also, would it be possible for us to live in Zurich and for him to work in Baar? Are there any picturesque towns between the two that would be good expat choices? We are in our thirties, have no children, and enjoy going out for dinner etc.

Thanks much to anyone that responds!

H
ps. I tried to send private messages to a few of you on this site but that function seems not to be working....feel free to email me privately.

Post a Reply

00 Report abuse abuse

swissgirl

2/18/2009 17:17 EST

It is very expensive to dine out but it is very nice.
I am from mo but have lived there with my husband who is swiss. we were from muri about 35 minutes from zurich and if you live out side of zurich its much less expensive. will you have your own car?
good luck
swiss girl

Post a Reply

00 You are reporting this! abuse

Choosing an expat health insurance provider is an important decision. Get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family.

Learn More Get a Quote

Aelfrith

From: Switzerland

2/19/2009 02:57 EST

Hi Calif

These are a few web-sites which may help you with the costs question

http://www.coop.ch/
http://www.homegate.ch/homegate/index?lang=en

Baar is a beautiful location close to the mountains and skiing, it is also on a main rail line. This site will give you up to date access to timetables for rail links and prices http://sbb.ch/en/index.htm.

Commuting by car is possible but not always the best way to travel in a country famous for its public transport.

Neil

Post a Reply

00 You are reporting this! abuse

schnelli1

5/26/2009 14:57 EST

Hi Calif,

I just relocated to CH after living in the San Diego area. I don't think you will have many problems regarding standard of living. The standard is very high here and housing will be the most expensive but only as expensive as if you lived in a metro area like San Fran but and not as expensive as NYC. Public transportation is great and if you hate to drive, as I do, its great to go places and be able to read or just enjoy the ride. CH is the most beutiful country I have ever lived in and I hope you enjoy it too! Most people are friendly and if you are open to ask questions about how things are done here, you'l do great. Welcome to CH!!

Schnelli

Post a Reply

00 You are reporting this! abuse

laurajean

5/27/2009 13:29 EST

Hi! I too am relocating to Geneva in November. My husband has accepted a position there. We will be there for 5 years and looking for housing and not sure about renting furnished or unfurnished. In the city center or outside. I am feeling overwhelmed by the whole process of this complete life change. Any advice about the process of mooving would be much appreciated.

Post a Reply

00 You are reporting this! abuse

Expatriate Health Insurance Get a quote for expat health insurance in Switzerland.	Mail Forwarding to Switzerland Mail Forwarding to Switzerland.
Expat Tax Expat Tax Preparation, Expat Tax Professionals	International Moving Companies Moving to Switzerland? Find a moving company.