Complete Expat Guide to Opfikon (Glattbrugg)

Zurich's airport corridor. Popular with expat professionals on relocation packages who need short commutes and frequent flights.

Quick facts

  • Population: 22,300
  • Cantons: Zurich
  • Nearest Airport: Zurich Airport (ZUR)
  • Airport Distance: 5 minutes by tram or car
  • Average Rent1 Bedroom: CHF 1,500-2,100/month
  • Average Rent3 Bedroom: CHF 2,800-4,400/month
  • Tax Rate: 20-28% (varies by income)
  • Safety Rating: 9.4/10 (Very Safe)
  • Public Transport Rating: 9.4/10 (Excellent)
  • Language Spoken: Swiss German, High German, English
  • Average Salary: CHF 85,000-125,000
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.4%

Complete Expat Guide to Opfikon (Glattbrugg)

Opfikon covers Glattbrugg, Oberhausen and Glattpark, all inside the Zurich airport corridor. It is the practical choice for expats who fly often and want a very short commute to both airport and Zurich HB:

  • Airport in minutes: Zurich Airport is 5 minutes by tram or car
  • Zurich HB in under 10: Direct S-Bahn from Glattbrugg
  • Glattpark: Modern lakeside quarter with new apartments and a small artificial lake
  • International feel: One of the highest expat densities in the canton

Living & Housing

Housing is dominated by newer apartment developments, especially in Glattpark. Family homes concentrate in older Opfikon. Rents are 10 to 20 percent below equivalent Zurich city stock. Aircraft noise is real, ask about the flight-path direction before signing.

Getting Around

The Glattalbahn tram (lines 10 and 12) connects Glattpark, Glattbrugg and the airport to Zurich HB. The S-Bahn adds a second option. The A1 motorway ring is at the doorstep.