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Moving to Winterthur, Switzerland | Expat Exchange
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Moving to Winterthur, Switzerland

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Apr 17, 2024

Summary: Expatriates are drawn to Winterthur, Switzerland for its picturesque scenery, vibrant culture, and excellent quality of life. With its close proximity to Zurich, Winterthur offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city while still providing easy access to the amenities of a larger city. The city is also known for its excellent public transportation system, making it easy to get around. Before moving to Winterthur, it is important to note that the cost of living is higher than in many other parts of Switzerland, and that the city is home to a large number of international companies, making it a great place to find employment. Additionally, the city is home to a diverse population, with many different languages spoken, making it a great place to meet people from all over the world.

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What do I need to know before moving to Winterthur?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Winterthur, they said:

"Winterthur is a city in the canton of Zurich in Switzerland. It is known for its cultural attractions, such as the Oskar Reinhart Collection, the Winterthur Museum of Art, and the Winterthur Library. Expats should be aware that the cost of living in Winterthur is high, and that the city is home to a large number of international companies. Expats should also be aware that the city is very safe and has excellent public transportation. Additionally, the city is home to a diverse population, with many different languages spoken. Finally, expats should be aware that the Swiss culture is very different from other countries, and that it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions," replied a member in Winterthur.

How do I find a place to live in Winterthur?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Winterthur is to use online resources such as websites and apps. Websites such as Immoscout24, Homegate, and ImmoStreet are popular in Switzerland and offer a wide range of rental properties in Winterthur. Additionally, there are a number of real estate agents in the city who can help you find a place to live. It is also possible to find rental properties through classified ads in local newspapers and on bulletin boards. Finally, it is worth asking around in the local community as word of mouth can be a great way to find a place to live," remarked one expat in Winterthur, Switzerland.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Winterthur?

"Expat homes and apartments in Winterthur are typically modern and spacious, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Many of the apartments have balconies or terraces, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The interiors are often decorated with contemporary furnishings and feature high-end appliances. Expats in Winterthur can also expect to find plenty of storage space, as well as access to a variety of amenities such as gyms, swimming pools, and saunas," commented one expat who made the move to Winterthur.

What is the average cost of housing in Winterthur?

If you are thinking about moving to Winterthur, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The cost of housing in Winterthur is generally quite high. Renting an apartment in the city can be expensive, with prices ranging from around 1,500 Swiss Francs per month for a one-bedroom apartment to around 3,000 Swiss Francs per month for a three-bedroom apartment. Buying a property in Winterthur is also costly, with the average price for a three-bedroom apartment being around 1.2 million Swiss Francs," replied a member in Winterthur.

Should I buy or rent a home in Winterthur?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Winterthur, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"Whether you should buy or rent a home in Winterthur is a personal decision that depends on a variety of factors such as your budget, lifestyle, and the current real estate market. Buyers must consider whether they can reasonably afford a home, as well as the closing costs associated with a home purchase. If you're not ready to commit to a long-term mortgage or don't have the money available to purchase a home in Winterthur, then renting may be the better option. Speak to a real estate expert to get a better understanding of the current real estate market and what kind of rates you can expect. They may also be able to give you tips on the best neighborhoods for housing in Winterthur and what kind of rental agreements are available in the city," said one expat who made the move to Winterthur.

What should I pack when moving to Winterthur?

We asked people living in Winterthur to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:

"When moving to Winterthur, it is important to pack warm clothing, as temperatures can drop below freezing during the winter months. It is also important to bring a good pair of walking shoes, as Winterthur is a very walkable city. Additionally, it is a good idea to bring a raincoat and umbrella, as the city experiences a fair amount of rainfall throughout the year. Finally, it is recommended to bring a few items to make your new home feel more comfortable, such as pictures, books, and other personal items," commented one expat who made the move to Winterthur.

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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Winterthur?

We asked people in Winterthur if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:

"It is important to be aware of cultural norms when visiting Winterthur. It is considered impolite to be loud or disruptive in public places, so it is best to keep conversations at a reasonable volume. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, such as taking off your shoes when entering someone's home. It is also important to be aware of local dress codes, as some places may require more formal attire than others. Finally, it is important to be mindful of the local language, as many people in Winterthur speak Swiss German," said one expat in Winterthur.

Why do people move to Winterthur?

When we asked people why foreigners move to Winterthur, they responded:

"Winterthur is an attractive destination for expats due to its high quality of life, excellent public transportation system, and close proximity to major cities such as Zurich and Basel. The city is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, with a variety of museums, galleries, and theaters. Additionally, Winterthur is home to a number of international companies, making it an ideal place for expats to find employment. The city also offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and biking in the summer. Finally, Winterthur is known for its low cost of living, making it an attractive option for expats looking to save money," remarked one expat in Winterthur.

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How are healthcare services Winterthur?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Winterthur, they replied:

"Winterthur offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens. The city has a number of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a variety of medical services, including general and specialized care. The city also has a number of pharmacies, where citizens can purchase medications and other health-related products. Additionally, Winterthur has a number of health insurance providers, allowing citizens to access the healthcare services they need. The city also has a number of health promotion and prevention programs, such as health education and screenings, to help citizens stay healthy," commented one expat who moved to Winterthur.

What are medical services in Winterthur like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Winterthur, they replied:

"Winterthur offers a wide range of medical services to its residents. The city has several hospitals, including the Kantonsspital Winterthur, which is a large public hospital with a wide range of specialties. There are also several private clinics and medical centers in the city, offering a variety of services such as general practice, dentistry, and specialist care. In addition, there are numerous pharmacies and health stores in the city, providing access to a wide range of medications and health products. Winterthur also has a number of alternative health practitioners, such as homeopaths, naturopaths, and acupuncturists, who offer treatments for a variety of ailments," commented one expat living in Winterthur.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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