19 Pros and Cons of Living in Switzerland in 2023 

1. Pro: High quality of life 

Switzerland performs very well when comparing many aspects to other countries in the Better Life Index.

Switzerland performs well when it comes to safety, health, and life satisfaction just to name a few. Life expectancy in Switzerland is above average at 84 years old. 

When you add these up, you can expect a better work-life balance, plenty of outdoor opportunities, higher standards in education, a healthier lifestyle, and a great healthcare system. 

This means that you can expect to have a better lifestyle and less stress while relocating there.

2. Con: Cost of living 

When looking at the most expensive cities to live in worldwide, it is not surprising to have two Switzerland cities in the top ten.

A significant downside to living in Switzerland is that everything is expensive. Housing options have high prices. Food and entertainment add up quickly, especially in bigger cities. 

If you compare the cost of living for a single person in Canada versus Switzerland, you’ll notice a gap.

The cost of living in Canada averages around $1,831 USD and in Switzerland is around $2,507 USD. 

Transportation costs are similar to Canada. 

You’ll have to keep the cost of living in mind when looking to relocate. The cost of living is higher but salaries are as well. Do the math and it might still make sense for you to relocate there.

4. Con: Reserved and rigid culture

The Swiss culture can be a culture shock as it is the opposite of what we are used to.

They are also rigid and have many rules you will need to adjust to. There is a rule for everything. For example, Sundays are shut-down days but it also is the case for hanging your laundry and cutting your grass. 

Switzerland is slow to make changes to its culture. They have traditional views as well. Some of their rules could also be viewed as somewhat racist to foreigners. Some people say that communal laundry rooms in their housing building have washers dedicated to Swiss citizens and some for foreigners.

It might take longer to make some friends with the local people. They will eventually warm up to you and you might have a great community to hang out with.

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5. Pro: Happiness index

Switzerland comes in fourth based on the last three years. The average life evaluation is at 7.512.

There are many factors that contribute to the citizen’s happiness such as feeling supported by their country, their income, life expectancy, trust in their government, and freedom.

People are happy to live where they are which is a great reason for living in Switzerland and making it your new home. 

Moving abroad can be daring but knowing that you are going to a country where people feel happy to be there might just make the transition easier for you.

6. Con: Sunday shutdown  

Sundays are considered rest days in Switzerland. Pretty much everything is closed. The work-life balance is important to Swiss citizens. 

Sunday shutdowns are not only a rest day but also a day to spend with families.

You might still find some retailers open such as small convenience shops at gas and train stations. Some bakeries, coffee shops, and restaurants can be open in the morning.

Since it is considered a rest day, you should also avoid any loud noises that could be disruptive to the people around you.

When knowing beforehand that Sundays, mostly everything is closed off, you can easily go around and plan your life around it. You might need a bit of getting used to it in the beginning though.

7. Pro: Climate is moderate 

One benefit of living in Switzerland is that you will have a moderate climate. Which means there is no excessive heat or cold weather. 

Carry extra layers with you because the temperature will vary depending on your altitude.

Temperatures range from 18°C (64°F) to 28°C (82°F) in July and August which are the warmest months of the year. Coldest temperatures are expected to be between -2°C (28°F) and 7°C (44°F) during January and February. Temperatures are around 8°C (46°F) and 15°C (59°F) during the other months of the year. 

The temperatures are easily manageable.

8. Con: Air pollution

If you look at Switzerland in general, air pollution isn’t that bad. It comes in at 87th position globally. It is almost within the World Health Organization’s target goals. 

However, cities like Rotkreuz and Liestal have higher readings.

Most pollution comes from vehicle emissions, which is a worldwide issue. Switzerland has been working on trying to improve its air quality by implementing different measures. For example, they want to prioritize reducing domestic emissions and using energy sources effectively.

9. Pro: The Swiss Alps

A great perk to living in Switzerland is the Alps.

Not only will you have beautiful views of these majestic mountains, but if you are an outdoorsy person you can practice many sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, and hiking.

Switzerland has many amazing skiing resorts, hiking trails, and different extreme sports you can practice. 

If you’re not into those, you can still enjoy it as the scenery is quite impressive.

A fun fact about the Swiss Alps is that they cover about 58% of the country’s territory. 

10. Con: Renting can be difficult for foreigners

While looking for a place to stay in Switzerland, there isn’t much land available. Less than 40% of the population owns a home. Most people will rent unfurnished properties. 

It is illegal for foreigners to buy a home in Switzerland. You’ll need a residence permit. 

To rent, you will need to have a Swiss bank account. But to open a bank account, you need to have proof of a lease. Which makes it more difficult for a foreigner to settle down.

I had a similar issue getting my IRD number in New Zealand. I used Wise.com – a free international bank – so I could expedite the process.  

You’ll have to be flexible because there aren’t many properties available. You might have to live in a different city than you had planned. 

Prices are pretty high too as there is more demand than what is actually available. It can cost approximately $2,507 USD a month.

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14. Con: Limited space

Switzerland has about a surface area of 41,285 km2. But it’s not all livable space. 

The Alps cover around 58% of the country’s surface area but only 11% of the population lives in those mountainous areas. 

Only 7.5% of the land is used as settlement areas such as housing and infrastructure. The rest of the land is either agricultural lands, forests, or lakes.

This can make it difficult for expats to find a home. Since there isn’t much territory for housing, the demand is greater than the actual available space.

15. Pro: Proximity to everything

A positive aspect of living in Switzerland is that you are close to everything. 

Switzerland is bordered by five European countries: Italy, France, Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein. It makes it quite easy to catch a train and visit another country. 

Having one of the best-developed public transportation systems, it’s quite easy to get around throughout Switzerland as well.

Switzerland has a lot to offer. You can experience different cultures within the country’s borders. 

You’re probably looking in moving to Switzerland to work. But if you are like me, you love traveling as well. Being close to everything is a great reason to combine working abroad and seeing the world.

16. Con: Gender pay gaps

A con of living in Switzerland is the gender pay gap. Women’s paychecks are about 18% lower than men’s. It can be noticed even in entry-level jobs. 

Switzerland has been working on reducing the gender pay gap. 

They have put multiple initiatives in place such as the Switzerland Advancing Gender Equal Pay (SAGE). With this measure, companies are performing regular audits regarding gender pay equality.  

Keep that in mind if you are a woman moving to Switzerland. Chances are, you’ll experience this firsthand.

18. Con: Different education system

Switzerland has one of the best education systems in Europe. Education standards are set up by each canton which makes the system a decentralized one. 

From one canton to another, teaching methods, the school year calendar, structure, and curriculum might change.

Starting from secondary school, children are separated according to their academic abilities and interests which is completely different from what we are accustomed to. 

Switzerland is also renowned for its international schools which have very high standards. They have many great universities you can attend if you wish to study while living there.

19. Pro: Eco-friendly

Switzerland has been leading the way to sustainability. With their slogan “Swisstainable”, they are leading the way to a better sustainable future. 

Swiss citizens are known to consume the most organic products compared globally. 

Recycling and waste management are other important factors in their country’s sustainability. 

They have a sustainable lifestyle and prioritize using public transportation over personal vehicles.

Now that global warming is on the table, living in a country where you can contribute to making a difference is attractive.

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• Pros and Cons of Living in Amsterdam
• Living in Prague: The Complete Expat Guide
• Pros and Cons of Living in Turkey
• Pros and Cons of Living in Austria
• Pros and Cons of Living in Sweden
• Pros and Cons of Living in Switzerland
• Pros and Cons of Living in Denmark
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• Pros and Cons of Living in the UK: Should You Move to England?
• Pros and Cons of Living in Scotland as a Foreigner
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