Why finding an apartment in Zurich is difficult

Why finding an apartment in Zurich is difficult 

Zurich has one of the most competitive rental markets in Europe. The combination of strong demand, limited supply and strict application requirements makes securing an apartment challenging for many newcomers.
  • The vacancy rate for rental apartments in Zurich is around 0.1%, meaning only a few hundred apartments are available across the city at any time.
  • Popular apartments often receive dozens of applications within days.
  • Landlords usually expect tenants to earn at least three times the monthly rent.
  • A well prepared rental application dossier can significantly improve your chances.
Working with SwissNest helps you navigate the process and prepare a strong application.
Start Your Apartment Search

Typical rent prices for apartments in Zurich (furnished and unfurnished)

  • Unfurnished

    800 – 1200 EUR per month
    (≈ 850 – 1300 CHF)

    Shared apartments are common for students, young professionals and newcomers moving to Zurich. Rooms are usually part of a 3–5 room apartment shared with other tenants.

    Furnished

    1000 – 1500 EUR per month
    (≈ 1050 – 1600 CHF)

    Furnished rooms are often short term sublets or relocation housing and usually include internet, utilities and basic furniture.

  • Unfurnished

    1800 – 2600 EUR per month
    (≈ 1900 – 2800 CHF)

    Studios in Zurich are usually between 25–40 m² and are most common in newer developments or renovated older buildings.

    Furnished

    2200 – 3200 EUR per month
    (≈ 2400 – 3400 CHF)

    Furnished studios are popular with expats relocating to Zurich before securing long term housing. They often include utilities, internet and household equipment.

  • Unfurnished

    2400 – 3200 EUR per month
    (≈ 2600 – 3400 CHF)

    1 bedroom apartments are one of the most common apartment types for individuals and couples relocating to Zurich.

    Furnished

    3000 – 4200 EUR per month
    (≈ 3200 – 4500 CHF)

    Furnished apartments usually include utilities, internet and furniture and are typically used for temporary relocation housing.

  • Unfurnished

    3200 – 4600 EUR per month
    (≈ 3400 – 4900 CHF)

    These apartments are common for couples, small families or professionals working from home.

    Furnished

    3800 – 5600 EUR per month
    (≈ 4100 – 6000 CHF)

    Fully furnished apartments of this size are frequently used by relocation clients moving to Zurich for work assignments.

  • Unfurnished

    4300 – 6200 EUR per month
    (≈ 4600 – 6600 CHF)

    Family apartments in Zurich are highly competitive and often receive many applications within a short time.

    Furnished

    5200 – 7500 EUR per month
    (≈ 5600 – 8000 CHF)

    Furnished family apartments are less common and usually located in newer developments or premium neighborhoods.

  • Unfurnished

    5500 – 10000+ EUR per month
    (≈ 6000 – 11000+ CHF)

    Most rental houses near Zurich are located outside the city center in municipalities around Lake Zurich.

    Furnished

    7000 – 12000+ EUR per month
    (≈ 7500 – 13000+ CHF)

    Furnished houses are usually executive rentals used by relocating professionals or families moving to Zurich.

Cost of Living in Zurich

Cost of Living in Zurich 

Zurich consistently ranks among the cities with the highest living standards in Europe. Housing is usually the largest expense, followed by health insurance, taxes and everyday living costs. The examples illustrate typical monthly living costs in Zurich excluding rent.

Typical monthly expenses for individuals, couples and families relocating to Zurich

  • Typical monthly expenses excluding rent

    • Health insurance: 330 – 380 EUR
    • Public transport: 100 – 120 EUR
    • Food and groceries: 450 – 650 EUR
    • Phone, internet and utilities: 140 – 190 EUR
    • Leisure and personal expenses: 250 – 400 EUR

    Estimated monthly living cost excluding rent
    1200 – 1700 EUR

  • Typical monthly expenses excluding rent

    • Health insurance: 700 – 760 EUR
    • Food and groceries: 670 – 720 EUR
    • Public transport: 200 – 250 EUR
    • Utilities, internet, phone: 150 – 200 EUR
    • Personal spending and leisure: 450 – 650 EUR

    Estimated monthly living cost excluding rent
    2200 – 2700 EUR

  • Typical monthly expenses excluding rent

    • Health insurance: 1,050 EUR
    • Food and groceries: 820 – 870 EUR
    • Transport: 320 – 350 EUR
    • Utilities and communication: 180 – 220 EUR
    • Clothing, childcare and leisure: 400 – 600 EUR

    Estimated monthly living cost excluding rent
    2800 – 3500 EUR

  • Typical monthly expenses excluding rent

    • Health insurance: 1180 EUR
    • Food and groceries: 1000 – 1150 EUR
    • Transport: 330 – 350 EUR
    • Utilities and communication: 200 – 250 EUR
    • Personal and childcare expenses: 500 – 800 EUR

    Estimated monthly living cost excluding rent
    3200 – 4200 EUR

  • Typical monthly expenses excluding rent

    • Health insurance: 1300 EUR
    • Food and groceries: 1200 – 1300 EUR
    • Transport: 340 – 360 EUR
    • Utilities and communication: 210 – 260 EUR
    • Personal expenses and childcare: 600 – 900 EUR

    Estimated monthly living cost excluding rent
    3700 – 4700 EUR

Start Your Apartment Search

Zurichs best neighborhoods

Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important decisions when moving to Zurich. Each district has its own character, lifestyle and price level.

Learn more 
What are the best neighborhoods for professionals and singles?

Wiedikon (Kreis 3)
Trendy restaurants, cafés and excellent public transport connections. Popular with young professionals.

Kreis 4 (Langstrasse / Aussersihl)
Creative, international and vibrant. Known for nightlife, startups and cultural diversity.

Kreis 5 (Zurich West)
Modern district with loft apartments, offices, restaurants and design studios.

Seefeld (Kreis 8)
Close to the lake, elegant and walkable. Popular with international professionals.

What are the best neighborhoods for families?

Wollishofen
Quiet residential district near Lake Zurich with parks, schools and playgrounds.

Enge
Central but calm neighborhood with good schools and lake access.

Kilchberg
Upscale suburb with lake views and quick train connections to Zurich.

Adliswil, Thalwil and Horgen
Popular family areas on the left side of the lake with international schools nearby.

What are the best neighborhoods for dog owners?

Wollishofen
Close to Allmend park and lake walking paths.

Adliswil
Direct access to forests and hiking trails.

Leimbach
Quiet residential area near the Sihl river and Uetliberg mountain.

Furnished vs unfurnished apartments in Zurich

When relocating to Zurich many newcomers must decide between a furnished apartment or a long-term unfurnished rental. Both options have advantages depending on your timeline, budget and relocation situation.

Most expats start in a furnished apartment for the first months and later move into an unfurnished long-term apartment once they understand the Zurich housing market and neighborhoods better. Some stay long term.

Unfurnished Apartments

Typically for long term rent

Most apartments in Zurich are unfurnished apartments. In many buildings there is also a shared laundry room in the basement rather than private washing machines inside the apartment.

Because the Zurich rental market is extremely competitive there is often strong competition for attractive apartments with group viewings of 50 applicants or more. Landlords and rental companies typically review many applications and select the most reliable tenant.

To apply successfully for an unfurnished apartment landlords or rental companies usually require the following:

  • Security deposit of 2–3x the monthly rent, which must be paid upfront into a Swiss rental deposit account

  • Income of at least 3x the monthly rent to ensure the tenant can comfortably afford the apartment

  • Debt register certificate showing no outstanding debts and usually not older than 3 months

  • Swiss residence permit already available. Even when expats qualify, landlords often still prefer local applicants

  • Rental application form in German including employer information and work references. Employers are often contacted by phone and if they cannot be reached landlords may move on to the next applicant

Additional aspects to consider when renting an unfurnished apartment in Zurich:

  • Maintenance state and responsibility and repair obligations can vary depending on the rental contract and rental company

  • Additional costs may apply such as utilities with annual adjustment

  • Further monthly costs should be calculated including WiFi, household insurance, liability insurance, water, electricity and the Swiss TV / internet / radio license

Rental contract conditions can also include:

  • Cancellation sometimes only possible after the first year

  • Termination often only possible at the end of the month or on specific termination dates such as twice per year

  • Some contracts do not allow termination in December

  • Termination must usually be submitted in writing by registered letter

If you need to move out earlier:

  • You may be required to advertise the apartment and find the next tenant yourself who meets the landlord's requirements

Advantages of unfurnished apartments:

  • Lower monthly rent than furnished apartments

  • Larger selection of apartments available

  • Ideal for long term living in Zurich

Challenges of unfurnished apartments:

  • Strong competition from other applicants

  • Significant upfront costs for deposit, furniture and equipment

  • More documents and preparation required during the application process

Furnished Apartments

Furnished apartments are less common in Zurich than unfurnished rentals. However, they can be an excellent option for expats relocating to Zurich, professionals starting a new job quickly or families needing temporary housing before finding a long term apartment.

Although furnished apartments are typically 20–30% more expensive than unfurnished housing, depending on your needs they can be the right option.

Benefits of furnished apartments include:

  • Lower competition compared to the unfurnished rental market, meaning individual viewings are more common than group viewings

  • Apartments are completely move-in ready, often fully furnished and equipped with items such as TV, microwave, toaster, kettle, coffee machine, towels, linen, hangers and household equipment, towels, linens

  • No upfront furniture investment, which can easily cost CHF 10k or more when buying furniture, appliances, delivery and assembly services

  • Additional furniture or equipment can often be exchanged or added if required

  • Utilities such as WiFi, water, electricity and Swiss TV / internet / radio license can be included, creating one transparent monthly price

  • Flexible rental durations, often starting from 1 month

  • Short cancellation periods, sometimes only 14 days instead of the typical 3 months required for long term apartments

  • No obligation to find the next tenant if you cancel earlier

  • Lower upfront costs, since deposits may be waived or reduced

  • Most furnished apartments include dishwashers and in-unit washing machines and tumble dryers rather than shared laundry rooms

  • Only minimal documents are usually required, often just ID and basic personal information

  • Rental process is typically fast and uncomplicated compared to traditional rental companies

  • Service response times are often faster and more flexible, in some cases 24h, than large property management companies

  • Additional services such as cleaning services may be available

Additional practical advantages:

  • Furnished apartments can often be used for residence registration in Zurich

  • They also include additional storage space such as basements or bicycle storage rooms like unfurnished apartments

Because of these advantages furnished apartments are frequently used by relocation clients during the first months in Zurich, while searching for a long term unfurnished apartment. But they are also available for long term rent with more competitive prices per month than for their short term rent.

Typically temporary housing
Learn more