Retire in Zurich, Switzerland
Last updated on Apr 02, 2025
Summary: Zurich, Switzerland is a popular destination for retirees due to its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and excellent quality of life. The city enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters, with temperatures ranging from an average of 41°F (5°C) in January to an average of 68°F (20°C) in July. There are several retirement communities in Zurich, offering a range of amenities and services for retirees. These communities typically offer a variety of housing options, from studio apartments to larger homes. The cost of buying a nice 2 bedroom home in Zurich is around $1.2 million USD, while a nice 3 bedroom home can cost around $1.5 million USD.
What is it like to retire in Zurich?
"Living in Zurich is a great experience for those looking to retire. The city is well connected with reliable public transportation, and it is easy to get to all the different sights and attractions within the city. The crime rate is very low, and there are plenty of parks and green spaces throughout the city, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The Swiss healthcare system is highly rated and comprehensive, making it a comfortable place to retire for those concerned about medical issues. Additionally, Zurich is close to many other popular tourist attractions and cities, such as Lucerne, Interlaken, and the Swiss Alps, giving retirees ample opportunity to explore their surroundings. The cost of living in Zurich is higher than in most cities, but there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of discounted prices available to retired citizens or to participate in the many cultural events happening throughout the year. When it comes to food, Zurich offers cuisine from all around the world, giving retirees the opportunity to sample a wide variety of flavors. All in all, Zurich is a great place to retire, with many benefits that make it a comfortable and luxurious experience," explained a retiree in Zurich.

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What advice do overseas retirees have for others considering retiring abroad?
"Overseas retirees recommend doing research prior to choosing a destination, budgeting accordingly, and making sure to pack the necessary items for their needs before traveling. They further advise to learn the language of their chosen destination, establish a network of family and friends in their new home, understand any local customs and laws, and make sure to stay in contact with loved ones at home. Retirees also suggest that prospective retirees look into health care options, get to know the local culture, and take advantage of the financial benefits of living abroad. Additionally, retirees encourage people to use technology, such as the internet, in order to stay up to date on global events and connected with family and friends. Finally, they urge retirees to be open-minded, flexible, and patient as they adjust to their new home," remarked one retiree in Zurich.
What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in Zurich?
"Retiring in Zurich can be expensive. The cost of living in the city is significantly higher than most other places in Switzerland, and it can be difficult to find affordable housing. Taxes can be high, and healthcare is often expensive. Expats may also find it difficult to integrate into Swiss culture, as the language barrier and local customs can be difficult to navigate. Additionally, the job market in Zurich can be competitive, making it difficult for retirees to find additional employment opportunities," said one retiree in Zurich.

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What are the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Zurich?
"Retiring in Zurich offers many rewarding aspects such as a high quality of life, excellent healthcare and low crime rates. Experiencing Zurich’s history and culture makes it an interesting place to retire. Zurich is renowned for its spectacular mountain views and its proximity to lakes, ski resorts and other outdoor activities. The quality of education in Zurich is also notable, making it an ideal place to start a business or to pursue a second career. Retirees in Zurich can also take advantage of the city’s strong financial and educational infrastructure. With a low cost of living, retirees in Zurich may have more options for their retirement savings and pension. There is also no wealth tax on retirees, which makes Zurich a desirable place to retire," said one retiree in living in Zurich, Switzerland.
What are healthcare services like in Zurich?
We asked retirees if they have access to good medical care in Zurich. They wrote:
"Healthcare in Zurich is highly rated, providing excellent quality medical care. There are a broad range of resources and services, from traditional medicine to alternative approaches. The city boasts some of the best hospitals and clinics for acute care, with many of them offering some of the most advanced medical technologies available. Zurich also has several medical professionals that specialize in complementary medicine such as homeopathy, herbology, and acupuncture. A variety of excellent health insurance offerings are available to Zurich residents, allowing them to access different levels of basic healthcare services, providing a comprehensive package of coverage. Additionally, Zurich is home to many excellent health and wellness centers, offering a wide range of services such as yoga, meditation, nutrition advice, and other lifestyle programs," said a retiree who moved to Zurich, Switzerland.
How do I meet people in Zurich?
When we asked people living in Zurich about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"There are lots of English speaking clubs you can join - American, English, Australian and some for Asians etc. If you are an outdoors person the list is endless. You're sure to find something that suits you," explained one retiree living in Zurich.
"Zurich is a vibrant city with plenty of opportunities to meet people from various walks of life. One way to start is to take advantage of the many clubs and organizations that offer activities such as sports, music, language classes, cultural events, etc. Networking events are also a great way to meet people, such as business associations and workshops, conferences, and tech/startup events. Join local Meetup groups in your area of interest to meet people with similar hobbies. Social media apps such as Tinder, Bumble, and Happn are also good for meeting people in Zurich. Strike up conversations with people at bars, cafes, and parks, or go to the many annual festivals to mingle with locals. Last but not least, look for volunteer and job opportunities - they are great ways to meet new people while making a positive contribution to the community," said one retiree in living in Zurich, Switzerland.
What is life like in Zurich?
When we asked people living in Zurich what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Living in Zurich as an expat or digital nomad can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The city is known for its high quality of life, with excellent public transportation, a vibrant cultural scene, and plenty of outdoor activities. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the city's many parks, museums, and galleries, as well as its world-class restaurants and nightlife. Zurich is also a great place to work, with a strong economy and plenty of job opportunities. The cost of living is high, but the city offers a wide range of housing options, from affordable apartments to luxury homes. Expats and digital nomads can also take advantage of the city's excellent healthcare system and its many international schools," said one retiree in Zurich.
"In general life revolves around the family for the Swiss. If your a foreigner join a club to get to know people - especially iy ouare single. It's difficult to get to meet people outside of work," commented one retiree living in Zurich, Switzerland.
What do I need to know before retiring in Zurich?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Zurich, they said:
"LEARN GERMAN,and make sure that you can get a tax specialist who speaks your langauge if you mother tongue is not German, French or Italian," said a person in Zurich.
"Before retiring in Zurich, it is important to research the cost of living and compare it to your expected income. As Switzerland is known for its high cost of living, it is important to take into account things like housing, transportation, food and medical costs. It is also important to have an understanding of the tax system in Switzerland and ensure that you are prepared to comply with it while living in the country. When retiring in Zurich, it is also important to learn about Switzerland's retirement laws and pension systems before settling down. It can be beneficial to also research the healthcare system and find out what type of coverage is available and whether you qualify for public or private health insurance. Finally, it is important to consider the quality of life Zurich has to offer and the amenities that you enjoy. Consider whether the city can provide activities and services to suit your lifestyle and needs. Learning some of the language, customs, culture and laws of the city is also recommended," remarked one retiree in Zurich.
What type of recreational activities are there in Zurich?
"Zurich offers a variety of recreational facilities for visitors and locals alike. The city is home to a number of parks, including the popular Lake Zurich, which is a great spot for swimming, boating, and picnicking. The city also has a number of sports facilities, including the Letzigrund Stadium, which hosts a variety of sporting events, and the Hallenstadion, which is a multi-purpose arena. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, Zurich also has a number of museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as a variety of restaurants and bars. Additionally, the city is home to a number of shopping centers, including the Bahnhofstrasse, which is one of the most popular shopping streets in Europe," said one person who retired in Zurich.
Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Zurich?
"In Zurich, expats can find a variety of grocery stores and shopping centers to meet their needs. Migros is one of the largest grocery stores in the city, offering a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, and other food items. Coop is another popular grocery store, with locations throughout the city. For more specialized items, expats can visit the Turkish Market, which offers a variety of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods. For general shopping, expats can visit the Bahnhofstrasse, a popular shopping street in the city center, or the Jelmoli department store, which offers a wide selection of clothing, accessories, and home goods," said one member in Zurich.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Zurich
- Cost of Living in Zurich
- Health Care in Zurich
- Discover the Best of Zurich
- 5 Tips for Living in Zurich, Switzerland
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Switzerland
- Best Places to Live in Switzerland
- Real Estate in Switzerland
- Pros & Cons of Living in Switzerland
- 14 Expats Talk about What It's Like Living in Switzerland
- What It's Like Living in Zurich
- Pros and Cons of Living in Switzerland 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Switzerland