International Schools in Zurich, Switzerland | Scholae

Zurich

Name: Zurich
Address: Zurich, Switzerland

Switzerland

32 schools10 curricula

Zurich stands as one of the world's premier cities for expat families, offering exceptional international schools, world-class healthcare, and outstanding quality of life. Switzerland's financial capital combines pristine natural surroundings with cultural sophistication and efficient public services. The city is extremely safe and family-friendly, with excellent public transportation and numerous recreational activities. However, the cost of living is among the world's highest, requiring substantial financial planning. The large expat community includes many international business professionals and their families. English proficiency is very high, and the multilingual environment helps international families integrate. Mountain access and outdoor activities are unparalleled.

5/5

Safety

5/5

Quality of Life

5/5

Expat Friendly

$2,800

Avg Rent/mo

☀️ Climate & Weather

Monthly temperatures, rainfall, and sea conditions

24°C

Hottest (Aug)

-2°C

Coolest (Dec)

Sunny days/mo avg

985mm

Annual rainfall

Avg highAvg lowRainfall

💰 Cost of Living

Monthly family budget estimates (USD)

At a Glance

$2,800

Avg. rent /mo

$25

Budget meal

$100

Mid-range dinner (2 ppl)

Dining & Drinks

Cappuccino$5.80

Domestic beer$7.00

Imported beer$7.50

Water (1.5L)$0.90

Groceries

Loaf of bread$3.20

Milk (1L)$1.80

Dozen eggs$5.50

Chicken (1 kg)$16

Transport

Taxi flag-drop$6.50

Taxi per km$3.80

Monthly transit pass$87

Gasoline (per liter)$1.85

Monthly Bills

Internet$50 /mo

Utilities (avg.)$250 /mo

Gym membership$90 /mo

Domestic help$2,500 /mo

Preschool / nursery$2,200 /mo

Comfortable

A two-bedroom apartment in Oerlikon or Altstetten, public transport pass, cooking at home with occasional dining out, Swiss public school (free, excellent quality with German instruction). Healthcare premiums are mandatory.

$5,100/mo

Rent$2,500

Groceries$800

Lifestyle & leisure$300

Transport$250

Utilities$250

Dining out$400

Healthcare$600

Established

A spacious apartment in Seefeld or Enge, international school, a car, regular dining at Zurich's excellent restaurants, skiing weekends, full-time cleaner, and private supplemental health insurance.

$12,450/mo

Rent$4,500

Groceries$1,200

Lifestyle & leisure$700

Transport$500

Utilities$350

Dining out$900

Healthcare$1,000

School fees (per child)$2,500

Domestic help$800

Premium

A luxury lakeside apartment in Küsnacht or villa on the Gold Coast, top-tier international school like Zurich International School, private driver, au pair, premium everything — Swiss precision meets Swiss prices.

$22,600/mo

Rent$8,000

Groceries$1,800

Lifestyle & leisure$1,800

Transport$1,000

Utilities$500

Dining out$2,000

Healthcare$1,500

School fees (per child)$4,000

Domestic help$2,000

Zurich is consistently ranked among the world's most expensive cities. Swiss francs (CHF) trade roughly at parity with USD. Salaries are correspondingly high, but families relocating from lower-cost countries should prepare for sticker shock on everything from groceries to childcare. The upside is exceptional quality of life, safety, and public services.