We are a family of 8 (six kids) and we usually don't spend more than 5000CHF a month. We are comfortable. Our motto is: "Just b/c it's expensive, doesn't mean you have to buy it."

So yes, 90k a year for a couple is PLENTY. If you're careful. And smart. And a little lucky.

My point is, why abandon your country, family, friends for an average salary???? What's the point?

I agree on the 200-250K per annum being very special. There is though a big difference between natives and foreigners. The foreigners do not have the social network the natives do. This often means paying more for childcare, housing and other things.

Then there are the relatives... I mean, if they are not accross the sea, you can be certain that there is someone visiting almost every month. Switzerland is a nice place, so why not come when there's free accommodation available? The family visits then put a pressure on the housing side. To be able to stay at least somewhat sane, you need an extra room for them to stay at, meaning more costs.

Then on the other hand the foreigners may want to/need to visit their homecountry a couple of times a year. Flights, rental cars etc. cost money as well. You'll be able to stay with same relatives, but remember that they will come to CH as well, to your extra room...

Anyway, back to the topic. 90k will get a decent standard of living here, no question about that but do remember to take the foreigner/relatives/travel home factors into account.

Cheers,
Pekka

Maybe because an average Swiss salary will allow you a far better quality of life than an average Russian salary.

Just my .02 centimes.

earning less in your country?
developping, starting your career= good job-opportunity with the outlook of payrise soon?

For the experience. Mountains, foreign language, personal growth.. the list is endless.

It's not all about the money, you know.

If your country is crap, your family is tiresome and you are sociable enough to make friends wherever you go, then why not?

Definitely enough to live on and have a nice life for 2 people :-)

We lived for 2 years on a similar amount in Geneva, with no bonus and where taxes are much higher and we were not married so had an even higher tax rate...

Of course we had to be a bit careful, had to think about how many times we could afford to eat out and we would not necessarily fly to the caribbeans 3 times a year, but we went out, had holidays, bought clothes etc etc

As for the comment above on why come here on an averge salary: I find this attitude so small minded.... Coming to another country is not only about money but alsothe cultural experience and long term benefits...

I always find that he flexibility and openness of mind one can gain by such experiences is huge and hardly quantifiable and, personally, I also like to believe it makes us all more tolerant and better individuals who learn to live with all in harmony... (Obviously does not work for all )

Salary should be sufficient to have nice life (and in this case it really is) So... my suggestion... plunge :-)

And when you are here, do tell so we can meet you!

Cristina

To meet people like you?

According to the "Rich-o-meter" here, CHF 90K (GBP 41.5K) puts you in the top 3.6% of the UK, or the top 0.87% worldwide.

Stop being a trolling arrogant prick.

It is hard but u could do it.
Remember...there is a fine difference between surviving and living.
With that amount ....two person will survive.
Obviously you have to compare your current situation vs your expectations.
With that salary, don't expect too many nights out etc...

Good Luck
Cheers
Max

I guess it is all down to your definition of live and survive... ¨
My of survive is a life much much worse than the one 2 people can have in Zurich with 90k plus bonus...

Cheers,
Cristina

No, no, he's right! On my salary, which is significantly less than 90k, I am only just scraping by. I can only afford sushi two or three times a week, haven't been to the Caribbean yet this year, and have to walk myself to the station since I can't afford to pay a chauffeur. In fact, I'm barely making ends meet.

I'd say that, to maintain a normal, typical upper-middle-class lifestyle in this country, a fellow should be earning at least 300k, with bonus on top. Anything less than that is peanuts.

Now, where did I park the plane?

BS. I started out on 65k out of university in Geneva, which is and by far the most expensive canton to live in. I could easily eat out, go to the movies, go on holidays, ski every weekend, afford a decent car and save money - all that without living under bridges nor eating M-budget pasta without sauce six days out of seven.

We make around that much and have absolutely no trouble. We looked for an apartment which is below our means (around 1200 per month) - location is key here. We love where we live, but it isn't in the middle of the city. We have 4 rooms and it is newly renovated, and most of all we are very happy.

Choosing a reasonably priced place to live leaves a lot of financial breathing room for going out to eat (we do this often), buying organic food instead of the chemically concocted stuff from Migros, going on vacation (a few times a year) and saving. We also both have a 2nd class GA instead of a car which we occasionally upgrade to 1st class when we are feeling in the mood.

There are families which survive on much much less. It is no problem to enjoy life and feel secure on that amount.

That's not your point. Your only point is to post inflammatory statements to belittle other forum users... almost anything you post reeks of self-aggrandizement and arrogance. 90K is definitely enough to get by on, unless of course you're so superficial that you require luxuries (fast cars, designer clothing and expensive restaurants) to appease and compensate for a low sense of self esteem. Luckily most people are not like that... unlike some people in this forum.

The Adventure..!

The job I left back home in California was paying me double the State's average salary at the time but when I left it to move to Switzerland I was ready to sweep the streets if I had to for minimum wage. This was to be the challenge of a lifetime, new cultures, new languages, new foods, new surroundings, everything different! I've meet people from every corner of the globe living here who love to talk about their home countries and share their experiences with you. It's to bad you've come to Switzerland with only dollar signs in your eyes because there is so much to see, experience and learn about which money could never buy.

Very well put !

It seems that people have very conflicting views about how far 90K can get you, but I suppose it is the lifestyle that you are think is "comfortable " that will determine how far it goes.

Does anyone know how much "Hairdressers/stylists/kunster" get paid on average, and if there are any english salons willing to hire extremely talented people in the greater Zurich area.

Thank you
Nils

Hi Nilsen,


Nice to know that a South African is moving or moved to Switzerland. Hi we , my husband and myself also are planning to move to Switzerland shortly. We were planning last year , but eventually we both got very good jobs in SA, and therefore decided to stay a bit.

Let me know if you are in SA or planning to move..your inputs would greatly help us...

Cheers,

Bernie

Because what may be an average salary and an average lifestyle here is above average, even luxurious from where I came from. I abandoned a high paying job, two cars, and a serviced apartment for trams and train, doing my own house chores, but I'm enjoying every moment of it.

I haven't gotten sick since I got here because of the clean air.

I have met people and making friends with people from Russia, Germany, Slovakia, and yes, Switzerland. I'm learning how to speak another language, and I'm learning different cultures.

The most common comment I get from folks back home whenever they see my pictures are, "It's like you're living inside a postcard."

And the list goes on and on everyday....