Hello,

My husband got a job offer in Nyon, Switzerland (we actually are living in the US) and I would like to know what is the cost of living over there. He would earn 110 000 Swiss Francs after taxes. We have 3 children (1 - 6 years old), we would have to pay for the International School, health care, rent and everything else. Is it something can can be done or not?
Thank you very much for your time.

Hello Maud and welcome to the Forum

Your question is not atypical and we have many threads on this issue. Perhaps have a browse through the various relevent sections - your questions cover several areas - and see if any of your points are answered. Good luck in your move. If you feel stuck, just ask

Your requirements are all fine...except for the international school part. That will set you back 12-20k CHF per kid per year. An anstounding figure. May I suggest that you send them to the normal Swiss schools? The quality it great, and its free, and kids that young soak up the language. You cannot afford to sent them to English intl schools on that income.

I have a 10 and 12 year old. they both thrive in the local schools, plus speak only English at home.

Have you tried converting 110000 CHF into dollars?
What do you conclude?

BTW You do not "HAVE" to send your children to the International School. Switzerland has a very good public school system.

We want to send them to International School because we are going to be in Switzerland for 1 or 2 years max and then we will be back in the US.

Welcome to the forum.

Perhaps this is something that could be negotiated with the prospective employer. If they are keen to employ your husband then some extra financial assistance in educating the kids is something they may consider - especially as the intended period in Switzerland is limited? It would certainly not be an unreasonable request given your circumstances (3 kids)

Also I guess the one year old won't be an issue and, possibly neither the middle one if the oldest is 6? As others have said the Swiss schools are generally good and encourage independence in the kids from an early age. Seeing as they are not at the crucial exam stage of their education then perhaps an international school is unnecessary even if you are intending on a return to the US in a couple of years. Depending on where you are living your kids will be mixing with a very international bunch at the local school.

Karl thank you. We did consider the Swiss school, but since we will not saty that long, I don't know if it would be a good thing. But we'll keep it mind if my husband accept the offer.

And Martin34, you are telling me to convert the Swiss Frans to US $, but that is really not going to help me unless you can tell me that with a familly of 5 you can spend 1000 Swiss FR per month for food, gas, clothes and everything as far as everyday purchases. From what I am reading the food only is expensive.
So this is what I am asking I would like to know how much a familly with kids spends a months on everyday purchase, sports for kids and stuff like that.

As far as I can tell, when you said 1 - 2 years max., it seems that you are not certain how long you will be here.

I am sure there are many out there, including some in EF that came over to Switzerland with the same mindset as you but end up still living in Switzerland after 5, 10 or even more years...

Things change everyday and it is very possible that after the 2 years period, you and your family will love it here, and the company wants to extend your stay here.

Personally I think local schools are the way to go, you never know what will happen in the future...

i agree. the international schools are not really a necessity- and on that salary, though it is good, for 3 kids it is just not enough for private school. we moved here from the states and our 9 year old is very happy in the public school-

I'd imagine that with a family of 5 (especially with a 1yr old whom I imagine to be in diapers), you're looking more like 250sfr per week at the very least as for my husband and I alone I spend upwards of 150sfr weekly on groceries alone.

Thank you very much for all your replies. Peg, a special thank you for your estimate weekly expenses for food (it is very nice to have an idea..).