Complete Expat Guide to Küsnacht

Zurich's Gold Coast in a single village. Low tax multiplier, direct S-Bahn to Zurich HB, and a very tight housing market.

Quick facts

  • Population: 14,600
  • Cantons: Zurich
  • Nearest Airport: Zurich Airport (ZUR)
  • Airport Distance: 25 minutes by train
  • Average Rent1 Bedroom: CHF 2,000-2,900/month
  • Average Rent3 Bedroom: CHF 4,000-6,500/month
  • Tax Rate: 18-26% (low for canton Zurich)
  • Safety Rating: 9.8/10 (Extremely Safe)
  • Public Transport Rating: 9.0/10 (Excellent)
  • Language Spoken: Swiss German, High German, English
  • Average Salary: CHF 130,000-220,000
  • Unemployment Rate: 1.7%

Complete Expat Guide to Küsnacht

Küsnacht sits on the eastern shore of Lake Zurich, 12 minutes by train from Zurich HB. It has one of the lowest communal tax multipliers in canton Zurich and one of the highest concentrations of executive relocations:

  • Very low taxes for Zurich canton
  • Direct S-Bahn: 12 minutes to Zurich HB, every 15 minutes
  • Lake access: Public swim spot, sailing club, harbour
  • Excellent schools: Public schools are strong, international schools nearby

The trade-off is the market. Nothing is cheap, most transactions happen through local agents, and desirable properties rarely reach public portals.

Living & Housing

The village is mostly detached villas on the hillside and mid-market apartments closer to the station. Itschnach and Heslibach are the most sought-after residential areas. Register with two or three local Immobilien agents on arrival.

Getting Around

Küsnacht station is on the S6 and S16 lines, 12 minutes to Zurich HB. The lakeside road (Seestrasse) connects to Zurich in 20 to 30 minutes by car, more at rush hour.