[jeroh]

I researched Switzerland a bit and it seems your comment about taxes is valid if you assume that you live a low tax canton like Schwyz or Zug (from where you can commute 30-60 minutes to work in Zuerich). Taxes in Geneva look pretty high to me.

[hocuspocus]

Taxes in Zürich are fairly low, anything you'd save living in Zug or Schwyz would probably go into your much higher rent.

The job market in Geneva isn't super exciting anyway. But even in Lausanne, Bern, ... you should end up paying a lot less taxes and contributions than in Germany. I believe only Belgium has a higher tax wedge than Germany. And at least in Switzerland I can see my tax money being invested in the infrastructure.

[lnsru]

Can you write something about salaries in Zürich? How far can CHF 120k bring me with a family? Is CHF 150k doable outside Google Zürich at all?

[hocuspocus]

120k is a decent salary for a mid-level engineer. 140-150k is definitely doable with significant experience. Google pays quite a bit more.

Young kids are expensive in Switzerland if both parents work. But assuming one parent stays at home, 120k is enough to live a comfortable life.

Then if you're in embedded as per your profile, there are just so many more opportunities in the South of Germany, I'm not sure it makes sense.

[lnsru]

Thank you very much!

I am in embedded, but doing more and more Linux C++ programming for my personal projects. I hope, I can transfer from embedded to “normal” software engineering in foreseeable future.

[s3nnyy]

I know people who live fine with two kids on one phd salary (60k / year) or so. 120k CHF is definately enough to support a family. On 100k CHF you get already >7k CHF net, an apartment costs 2k - 2.5k if it is not in the city center and health insurance is 500 chf and food maybe 1k CHF more, so you can save 3k CHF every month. I run a tech recruitment firm in Zurich (coderfit.com), DM or email at [e-mail] if you want to know more.