Finding out cost of living for Zurich contract

[MPwannadecentincome]

Agency has advertised a role in Zurich for 12 m+ gig.

Apart from the fact that there is no job spec and no budgeted rate I have been asked my preferred rate.

"Can I have a couple of days to research what it costs to live in Zurich as I am already working on contract?" I ask.

"No I have to know this morning" comes the reply.

Only thing I can think of doing in a tea break from a meeting maybe is browse the web to see how much a serviced apartment might cost, add in the costs of a flight home every weekend and add something to allow for eating out.

Quick research indicates a 1 bed serviced apartment for approx 2300 to 2500 CHF per month - but I have no idea what the location is like, nor whether property / council taxes are payable on top etc.

Any pointers from a kind fellow contractor please?

[BlasterBates]

That would be the easiest solution, you can find furnished flats or rooms for 800-1500, no service though. I pay 1100, for a one bedroom flat, with Kitchen and bathroom, not far from the airport.

[Lewis]

That would be the easiest solution, you can find furnished flats or rooms for 800-1500, no service though. I pay 1100, for a one bedroom flat, with Kitchen and bathroom, not far from the airport.

I'm looking to rent somewhere in Zurich but only for 2 months. I've heard this is quite difficult, do you have any suggestions? Trying to avoid a serviced apartment, was thinking maybe some kind of holiday let? 1100 is per week I assume?

[dozer]

i know some in the city for 1750 with kitchen, basically a bedsit though but serviced.

[MPwannadecentincome]

That would be the easiest solution, you can find furnished flats or rooms for 800-1500, no service though. I pay 1100, for a one bedroom flat, with Kitchen and bathroom, not far from the airport.

Hi BB is 1100 per month what extra do you pay for gas / electric / water etc?

[Lewis]

i know some in the city for 1750 with kitchen, basically a bedsit though but serviced.

Thanks for the response, sorry I should have added I need somewhere for two adults and two children (Feb-Mar).

[JustMe]

Very expensive

Look at www.comparis.ch for tax rates, health-care rates, housing.

You should ask a minimum rate of 1000 chf per day. Do not go lower.
Try to get an appartment in Zug (low taxrates) . Appartment will be more expensive but you will get an extra discount on your taxbill and the end of the year.

Greetings from Bern

[alreadypacked]

Hi BB is 1100 per month what extra do you pay for gas / electric / water etc?

Most apartment have a rate like 950 + 150 The 150 covers water, cleaning of common area etc. Electric is seperate but less than UK. Service apartments you just pay a total for everything inc ele.

Most contracts are via agency where you will be an employee of agency they will deduct your tax etc. They will ask a few questions an tell you your nett amount.

When you move into an apartment, your local authorthy will send you a letter asking you to produce your health insurance (they have to pay if you are not insured) you also have to register costs 85CHF.

Eating out in Zurch is high, supermarket more like a UK petrol station for range. Ready meals have not realy arrived here yet.

At least they have some TV in English.

[MPwannadecentincome]

Look at www.comparis.ch for tax rates, health-care rates, housing.

You should ask a minimum rate of 1000 chf per day. Do not go lower.
Try to get an appartment in Zug (low taxrates) . Appartment will be more expensive but you will get an extra discount on your taxbill and the end of the year.

Greetings from Bern

Thanks for the tip - I will be asking for a bit more than that as my UK rate is high, oh does this mean I have to pay CH tax instead of UK tax, and would I be able to operate under UK ltd co? Currently I'm under brolly - guess I have to do more research - I need more tea breaks!

[MPwannadecentincome]

Most apartment have a rate like 950 + 150 The 150 covers water, cleaning of common area etc. Electric is seperate but less than UK. Service apartments you just pay a total for everything inc ele.

Most contracts are via agency where you will be an employee of agency they will deduct your tax etc. They will ask a few questions an tell you your nett amount.

When you move into an apartment, your local authorthy will send you a letter asking you to produce your health insurance (they have to pay if you are not insured) you also have to register costs 85CHF.

Eating out in Zurch is high, supermarket more like a UK petrol station for range. Ready meals have not realy arrived here yet.

At least they have some TV in English.

Advice appreciated many thanks!