Zurich, Switzerland — Retirement Guide

Overview

Extremely expensive but offers pristine quality of life, safety, and scenery. Excellent healthcare system.

Cost of Living

• $7,000/mo for a single
• $10,000/mo for a couple
• $4,000/mo for a 2-bedroom apartment
• Healthcare: ~$600/month

Climate

Climate type: temperate. Average temperature: 48°F (°C).

Healthcare & Safety

Healthcare quality rating: 5/5. Safety rating: 5/5. Overall rating: 5/5.

Language & Expat Community

Primary language: German. English proficiency: High. Expat community rating: 4/5.

Visa

Retirement Permit

Signature Dish: Fondue

Melted cheese pot for dipping bread - Switzerland's iconic communal dining experience.

Getting There from the US

Zurich has nonstop flights from JFK. The efficient Swiss rail connects the airport to the main station in just 12 minutes.

Total travel time: ~10-12 hours total

• Fly NYC (JFK) → Zurich (ZRH) — ~8.5 hours nonstop