Browsing the forum I find that most people here seem to be expats working for important international companies with important jobs and salaries, yet is very difficult to find an apartment. I wonder, how is it for people like a bus driver or a plumber? And please, I´m not saying that some people are better than others, every job is necessary and perfectly honest, just that there´s a difference on the income of the people. If it´s difficult for people with high or medium salaries, how is it to find a place for those who have a lower and completely respectable income (like me)? I can´t imagine a landlord saying: "Sorry sir, you make 150k, but since you have been transfered from London, we just preffer to rent the apartment to this lady who works in the supermarket or to this two exchange students".

Read the other threads on the page, some deal with salary issues Writing down a lower income than it is?

Happens here the same as everywhere else. If you're looking for an apartment in a popular area (read anywhere central in Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne and a few other places) then it's tough. If you're happy to live a bit further out then it's easier. I don't think there are many bus drivers, nurses, teachers living in Beverly Hills or Knightsbridge.

And the last bit does happen, as covered in other threads (Edit - see above) - some landlords will reject you if your salary is 'too high', as they'd rather rent to someone on a lower salary who can afford their apartment. Offering more for an apartment will not often endear you to the landlord (is seen as a bit greasy).

Well many things come into the picture here :

- As far as I know, every Gemeinde in Zurich has some rules regarding housing. Which includes providing affordable housing to people who work in jobs that do not pay a lot. Of course, the apartments are not very magnanimous, but quite livable.

- It also depends on where you are looking for a home. Living in Zurich might be a little harder and specially some areas of Zurich, gold cost et al. Then there are other cheaper areas where affordable housing is available.

- And outside the main cities, housing costs are not really as high, which also serves as a viable option.

Just my two rappen.

It's simple: Rich and successful people complain more because they aren't used to disappointment and not having things go their way all the time.

Everyone else just gets on with it without a fuss.

From what I understand from my Swiss friend, Geneva has a lot of subsidized/low income housing stock that isn't available to the expat community.

From my experience finding an accommodation is the most difficult bit from all about moving and living in Switzerland. No matter what is your job, salary or circumstances. My partner and I looking since Sep 2010. The apartment information provided or advertise are incredibly poor. You go to see place you never going to apply for. The agents won't even tell you what floor the property is on what kind of conditions. Most of them even don't go and view them so can not tell you anything about it. Since the demand is this high seems nobody has to make any effort to rent their flat out and its equally difficult for everybody. After 1.5 months intensive search I would have to get lucky to get something suitable.
Good luck for you too.

Yes, it is pretty difficult in Zurich, especially if you are not European and don't speak German. It took us 3 months. However, we did find one we like in the end and our landlord is a very nice Swiss gentleman. I guess if you keep your spirit up and you will find a nice apartment one day. Good luck!

I disagree. I know some people who fit your profile but just don't like to complain, it's just not their way.