Livability scores

• Walkabilityⓘ 18 / 20

  Zurich’s compact centre, extensive sidewalks and car-reduced old town make most daily needs reachable on foot, earning it a “very walkable” rating.

  Sources:

  • SafeStreets – Zurich Walkability overview
  • City of Zurich – Mobility and transport (EN)
• Rail Connectivityⓘ 10 / 10

  Zurich Hauptbahnhof is Switzerland’s largest railway hub, with dense national and international services operated by SBB and integrated S-Bahn lines.

  Sources:

  • SBB – Zurich HB station information
  • ZVV – Zurich transport network and S-Bahn map
• Public Transitⓘ 10 / 10

  Zurich’s ZVV network combines trams, buses, S-Bahn trains, boats and cableways with high frequency and integrated ticketing across the metro area.

  Sources:

  • ZVV – Network and services
  • VBZ – Zurich city trams and buses
  • UITP – Zurich public transport case material
• Affordabilityⓘ 2.7 / 10

  Zurich has very high living and rent costs, with a cost of living index above 118 and typical monthly expenses for one person over CHF 1,500 before rent, making it relatively unaffordable.

  Sources:

  • Numbeo – Cost of Living in Zurich
  • Numbeo – Cost of Living Index by City 2026
  • Numbeo – Cost of Living in Switzerland (Zurich indices)
  • Moneycontrol – Zurich tops Numbeo 2026 Cost of Living Index
• Safetyⓘ 9 / 10

  Zurich shows very low crime and a high safety perception, with Numbeo rating it among the safest major cities worldwide.

  Sources:

  • Numbeo – Crime in Zurich 2026
  • Swiss Federal Statistical Office – Police crime statistics
• Air Qualityⓘ 9 / 10

  EEA and Swiss monitoring show generally good air quality in Zurich, with PM2.5 and NO2 levels usually below EU limit values.

  Sources:

  • EEA – Air quality in Zurich city
  • Swiss FOEN – Air quality in Switzerland (Zurich data)
• Quality Of Lifeⓘ 10 / 10

  Zurich ranks at or near the top of global liveability and quality-of-life surveys, reflecting strong infrastructure, healthcare, safety and environment.

  Sources:

  • Numbeo – Quality of Life in Zurich
  • Mercer – Quality of Living City Ranking (Zurich profile)
  • EIU – Global Liveability Index summary mentioning Zurich
• Food Cultureⓘ 8 / 10

  Zurich has a strong but not top-tier global food scene, with several Michelin-starred restaurants and diverse Swiss and international cuisine.

  Sources:

  • Michelin Guide – Zurich restaurants
  • Zurich Tourism – Eating and drinking in Zurich
• Car Free Practicalityⓘ 9 / 10

  High public transport coverage, dense amenities and policies to reduce car traffic make living in Zurich without a car practical for most residents.

  Sources:

  • City of Zurich – Urban transport policy and reduction of car traffic
  • ZVV – Coverage of the Zurich transport network

Advantages & drawbacks

Monthly costs

• Estimated monthly cost €3,450 – €5,050
• Monthly transit pass €80