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My 12 Tested Tips for Saving Money in Zurich as a Lifestyle Expat

Posted on April 26, 2025April 26, 2025 by Angie Weinberger

Living as an expat in Zurich can be both exciting and expensive. When I moved from a fixed income to a fluctuating income I learned a lot of tips and tricks to be able to survive in Zurich as a lifestyle expat. I realized that many of you might struggle with your income and that you would love to have these ideas. They can also help you to be more environmentally friendly. Here are my 12 Tested Tips for Saving Money in Zurich as a Lifestyle Expat

1. Budgeting:

Create a detailed budget to understand your income, fixed expenses, and discretionary spending. This will help you identify areas where you can reduce expenses and save money.

Worksheet 302 Global People Minimum Earning Calculator

2. Public Transportation:

Utilize Zurich’s efficient public transportation system instead of owning a car. It’s not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. Consider purchasing a monthly or annual travel pass for additional savings.

Check out the SBB Halbtax and Halbtax Plus.

SBB

https://www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/tickets/day-passes.html

Halbtax Plus

Day Pass

https://www.ch.ch/en/vehicles-and-traffic/reserving-1-day-travel-passes-at-your-commune/

Other mobility options

In addition to trains, Switzerland offers a diverse range of mobility options, including buses, trams, boats, cars, bicycles, scooters, and car-sharing services. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) website provides access to these different modes of transport, often with discounts via travel passes. Bicycles are a popular and practical choice for local commuting, and car sharing is also a convenient option.

Here’s a more detailed look:

Public Transport:

Buses:
A comprehensive network of buses, including Postbuses in rural areas and local buses in cities, connects various parts of Switzerland.
Trams:
Trams are primarily found in major cities like Zurich, Basel, Bern, and Geneva, offering efficient urban transportation.
Boats:
Passenger ships operate on many of Switzerland’s lakes, offering scenic routes and a unique way to travel.
Shuttle Services:
For stations and stops that are not fully accessible or where assistance is unavailable, a shuttle service is available, according to the SBB.

Private Transportation:

Cars:
While Switzerland has excellent public transportation, driving is also an option, especially for longer distances.
Bicycles:
The extensive network of well-maintained cycling routes makes cycling a popular and environmentally friendly choice for local commuting and leisure.
Scooters and Motorbikes:
These vehicles can be a convenient and affordable way to travel in urban areas.
Car Sharing:
Companies like Mobility or Catch a Car offer car-sharing options, providing access to vehicles for short-term use.

Other options:

Walking:
Switzerland has many pedestrian-friendly areas, making walking a viable option for short trips or exploring cities.
Taxis:
Taxis are readily available in cities and can be a convenient way to reach your destination quickly.
Airport Transfers:
Many services offer transportation from Zurich Airport (and other international airports) to various destinations.
Planes:
While not as common within Switzerland due to its size, smaller regional airports also offer national and international flights.

3. Local Markets and Discounts:

Explore local markets for fresh produce and groceries. Look for discounts and loyalty programs that supermarkets offer to maximize your savings on regular purchases: Migros, Coop, Aldi, Lidl and Denner have these special deals. Many supermarkets now offer reductions to avoid food waste. Check out those sections of the supermarket and buy in bulk whenever possible. You can also order specific items, such as hygiene and cleaning products, from Germany and France.

4. Second-Hand Shopping:

Zurich has a thriving second-hand market. Explore thrift stores and online platforms for pre-loved items, including clothing, furniture, and household goods. It’s a sustainable and budget-friendly way to shop. The Brocki is excellent for buying and selling furniture and other household items you need. Many people discard perfectly functional furniture. With a bit of creativity and TLC, you can have your apartment spruced up in no time. Check out flea markets, too.

The Tigel in Seefeld offers a wide range of items, including a designer furniture store.

https://tigel.ch/brockenhalle.html

Forchstrasse Design Stores

Vintage Design Pop Up at Forchstrasse 59

https://www.instagram.com/bel.view/p/DA8dKsHM7e-/?img_index=1

Paris Turin at Forchstrasse 179 (Please mention me if you go there and ring my bell for a coffee.)

https://www.instagram.com/paristurin.ch/

5. Shared Accommodation:

Consider shared accommodation or flat-sharing to split living costs. This can significantly reduce your rent and utility expenses, allowing you to allocate more funds to savings or other priorities.

https://www.wgzimmer.ch/home.html#google_vignette

6. Health Insurance Optimization:

Research and compare health insurance plans to suit your needs and budget best. Make sure you understand the coverage and explore different options to avoid overpaying. Depending on your salary level, you might be entitled to “Prämienverbillingung”. Fill in the forms when you receive them so you don’t forget it.

https://svazurich.ch/ihr-anliegen/privatpersonen/praemienverbilligung/praemienverbilligung_2025/aktuell.html

7. Cultural and Free Events:

Take advantage of Zurich’s free or low-cost cultural events, festivals, and recreational activities. Many museums offer discounted or free entry on specific days, allowing you to enjoy the city without breaking the bank. It helps to subscribe to newsletters because you can often win free tickets to cultural events. Subscribe to NewInZurich too:

Homepage

8. Meal Preparation:

Cook at home as much as possible to save on dining expenses. Plan your meals, buy groceries in bulk, and explore budget-friendly recipes to keep your food costs under control.

9. Language Exchange:

Participate in language exchange programs to enhance your language skills and connect with new people. These programs can often be found through language schools, community centers, or online platforms, offering a cost-effective way to learn or practice a new language.

10. Financial Planning Services:

Consider seeking advice from financial planning services to optimize your investments and savings. Understanding the local economic landscape can help you make informed decisions about managing your money more efficiently.

Keren-Jo Thomas - Financial Planner for Women — Keren-Jo Thomas – Financial Planner for Women

CONTACT Keren-Jo Thomas for Financial Planning.

11. Find More Work and Get Paid Better:

Several NGOs, including HEKS Mosaiq and CARITAS, will support you in finding employment. We also recommend SINGA Switzerland, Capacity Zurich, and BevelON.

SINGA Switzerland

https://singaswitzerland.ch/

CAPACITY Zurich

https://www.capacity.swiss/

Bevel ON, Geneva

https://www.bevel.world/tomoveon

CARITAS

https://www.caritas.ch/de/angebote-und-dienstleistungen/

HEKS

https://www.heks.ch/inklusion/heks-mosaiq

12. BestSecret

I have started ordering clothes from this app, and I have been delighted with the quality of the items. Please let me know if you’d like to be invited.

Kind regards

Coach Angie

PS: We also offer our HireMeExpress online coaching program at a very low cost (EUR 180), so everyone can benefit from my knowledge of the Zurich job market and my network. You can now sign up for the program by requesting an account here: