Hey Everyone,

I'm not currently an Au pair in Zürich, but I'm considering a position there in July/August. I was wondering what it's like living there (as far as affordability goes) with the Au pair pocket money. I'm currently an Au pair in Frankfurt, Germany, which is a pretty expensive city too, but I know Switzerland, in general, is a much more expensive country. Also, I've read through some of the forums and found that 700 CHF is typical for pocket money after everything has been deducted. Is that true? I'm currently paying back student loans, so I just have to figure out if I'll be able to continue doing that and have a somewhat normal life living in Zürich, because I've really had to slow down my life in Frankfurt.

I just think it's better to hear the facts from people who are already going through what I could be going through, so any information would be really helpful.

Thanks,
Janelle Ann

Hi. Well, I'm in Aargau and here the Au Pair pocket money is lower than in Zurich.
But I spend my weekends in Zurich and I have to calculate- every month I spend money on trains and trams (luckily I have Halb Tax!).
If you are in Zurich but you want to travel, you need Halb Tax otherwise is veeery expensive!
If you go somewhere with your friends, you need money.
You need clothes- tough one, because clothes are very expensive. Of course, if you are not too picky, you find something around 10-30chf. It depends what you need...not what you want (in case you want to save money). For a special ocasion- of course, it costs more.
If you want something else ( outings,sports, arts, a hobby)- you have to think what to give up on so you can afford it. Going to a party every Saturday- you have less money for your hobby or outings.
Something comes up- you have to have savings.
Luckily, in my case- I don't smoke, I don't drink, I don't buy make up, I don't go to clubs and I rarely go out with some buddies as I don't have friends here but from time to time I manage to see other au pairs... I do go to Museums and some Museums in Zurich are free! I go to Botanical Garden- free (in case you have a car, you have to pay the parking). I go to a wild park- free (in case you have a car- you to pay 5 Fr.).
So, in my case- I managed to save money but if I see something I crave for- for example a nice cake then I buy it. Being frustrated doesn't help manage your money.
The Au Pair salary gone up a bit now, I don't know how much yet so in Zurich it will be higher. You just need a monthly plan for spending your money...