Moving to St. Gallen, Switzerland

Nestled in the northeastern corner of Switzerland, St. Gallen is a charming yet dynamic city that blends rich history with modern innovation. Known for its stunning Abbey of St. Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its picturesque old town, this city offers an exceptional quality of life with a balance of tradition and progress.

Why Move to St. Gallen?

St. Gallen isn’t just a city of historical landmarks; it’s also a rising tech hub with strong economic potential, especially in industries like information technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Whether you're a tech professional looking for opportunities in a growing digital ecosystem or someone seeking a high standard of living in a well-connected Swiss city, St. Gallen has something for you.

✅ A Growing Tech & Business Scene:

• Home to the University of St. Gallen (HSG) – one of Europe’s top business schools, attracting startups and entrepreneurs.
• Increasing job opportunities in software development, AI, and fintech, with many companies leveraging the city’s strong business infrastructure.
• Proximity to Zurich (just 1 hour by train) makes it an attractive base for professionals working in Switzerland’s economic powerhouse.

✅ High Quality of Life & Green Spaces:

• One of Switzerland’s most livable cities, with clean air, low crime rates, and a relaxed pace of life.
• Surrounded by nature, with easy access to Lake Constance, the Appenzell Alps, and countless hiking trails.
• Excellent public transportation system makes getting around effortless.

✅ Culture Meets Tradition:

• Famous for the annual OLMA Swiss Fair, celebrating agriculture, innovation, and Swiss culture.
• Rich history reflected in the well-preserved Baroque cathedral, cozy cafés, and a thriving arts scene.
• A mix of Swiss precision and a welcoming, international community.

If you're considering moving to Switzerland but want affordability, career growth, and a high quality of life, St. Gallen should be on your radar.

St. Gallen offers a relaxed yet vibrant lifestyle, blending Swiss efficiency with rich cultural traditions. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a foodie, or a tech professional looking for networking opportunities, the city has plenty to offer.

City Lifestyle: A Perfect Mix of Tradition and Innovation

St. Gallen is known for its peaceful atmosphere and high quality of life. Unlike larger Swiss cities like Zurich or Geneva, it maintains a small-town charm while still offering plenty of cultural and economic opportunities. The city’s streets are clean, safe, and easy to navigate, making it a great place for both young professionals and families.

• The city wakes up early – Swiss punctuality is a way of life here. Expect shops and businesses to open by 8 AM and close by 6–7 PM, with some stores closed on Sundays.
• Work-life balance is a priority, with many businesses offering flexible working hours, especially in the tech and academic sectors.
• Coffee culture is strong, with cozy spots like Kaffeehaus and Pfalzkeller Café being popular for both work and leisure.

Despite its quiet nature, St. Gallen is far from boring. The university brings a youthful energy, and the city hosts festivals, markets, and tech networking events throughout the year.

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Cultural Highlights and Attractions

📚 Abbey of St. Gall & Historic Old Town

The Abbey of St. Gall, with its magnificent Baroque cathedral and world-famous library, is the city’s most iconic attraction. This UNESCO World Heritage Site houses some of the oldest manuscripts in Europe, making it a must-visit for history lovers. The surrounding Old Town is filled with beautifully preserved half-timbered houses, boutique shops, and inviting restaurants.

🎭 Arts, Museums, and Theatre

• Textile Museum – St. Gallen has a deep-rooted history in textile production, once being a global leader in lace and embroidery.
• Kunstmuseum St. Gallen – A modern and contemporary art museum featuring Swiss and international artists.
• Lokremise – A cultural hotspot combining art exhibitions, a theatre, a cinema, and a trendy restaurant.

🌿 Outdoor & Nature Activities

If you love hiking, skiing, or lakeside relaxation, St. Gallen is the perfect base:

• Drei Weieren (Three Ponds) – A beautiful area for swimming in summer and ice-skating in winter, just a short walk from the city center.
• Säntis Mountain – Take a cable car up Switzerland’s most iconic peak for breathtaking alpine views.
• Lake Constance – Just a 20-minute drive away, it offers boating, cycling trails, and waterfront cafés.

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Popular Neighborhoods: Where to Live in St. Gallen

1️⃣ Innenstadt (City Center) – Best for Young Professionals

The heart of St. Gallen, ideal for those who want to be close to work, restaurants, and cultural sites. Rent prices are higher, but the convenience is worth it.

2️⃣ St. Georgen – Best for Nature Lovers

A quiet, green district at the foot of the Drei Weieren hills. Perfect for those who want peace while staying connected to the city center.

3️⃣ Rotmonten – Best for Students & Academics

Located near the University of St. Gallen, this area has a lively yet peaceful atmosphere, with modern apartments and student-friendly cafés.

4️⃣ Bruggen & Winkeln – Best for Families

These western districts offer spacious homes, schools, and easy access to shopping centers like Shopping Arena. Great for those seeking a suburban feel.

Understanding the cost of living in St. Gallen is crucial for planning your relocation. While Switzerland is known for its high living expenses, St. Gallen offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to major Swiss cities like Zurich and Geneva. Here's a detailed breakdown of the major expenses you can expect:

Housing Costs

Housing is typically the most significant expense. In St. Gallen, rental prices are more reasonable than in larger Swiss cities.

• One-Bedroom Apartment:

  • City Center: Approximately CHF 1,550 per month

  • Outside City Center: Around CHF 1,233 per month

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• Three-Bedroom Apartment:

  • City Center: About CHF 2,233 per month

  • Outside City Center: Approximately CHF 1,900 per month

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Compared to Zurich, rent prices in St. Gallen are significantly lower. For instance, rent prices in Zurich are 58% higher than in St. Gallen.

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Utilities

Monthly utilities for a standard 85 m² apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, are estimated at:

• Utilities: Approximately CHF 164

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Transportation

St. Gallen boasts an efficient public transportation system.

• Monthly Public Transport Pass: Around CHF 70

• Gasoline: Approximately CHF 1.61 per liter

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Food and Groceries

Grocery prices in St. Gallen are slightly lower than the Swiss national average.

• Milk (1 liter): CHF 1.56

• Eggs (12): CHF 5.41

• Chicken Breast (1 kg): CHF 10

• Apples (1 kg): CHF 4.35

• Potatoes (1 kg): CHF 3.65

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Dining out varies by establishment:

• Basic Lunchtime Menu: Approximately CHF 20

• Fast Food Combo Meal: Around CHF 13

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Comparison with Other Cities

• Zurich: Overall, Zurich is about 27% more expensive than St. Gallen. Housing costs in Zurich are 69% higher.

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• Munich, Germany: St. Gallen is approximately 17% more expensive than Munich. However, housing in Munich is about 14% more expensive than in St. Gallen.

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Overall Monthly Expenses

While individual expenses vary, a single person in St. Gallen can expect monthly costs (excluding rent) to be around CHF 1,460. For a family of four, this estimate rises to approximately CHF 5,346.

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Note: These figures are estimates and can vary based on personal lifestyle and economic fluctuations. It's advisable to conduct current, personalized research when planning your move.

Understanding the salary landscape is crucial for tech professionals considering a move to St. Gallen. Below is an overview of average salaries for various tech roles in the city, along with comparisons to national averages and other tech hubs.

Salary Ranges by Role and Experience

• Software Engineers:
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years): Approximately CHF 84,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years): Around CHF 85,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (6+ years): Between CHF 97,500 and CHF 110,000 per year.
• Senior Software Engineers:

  • Median total compensation is CHF 107,270, with the 25th percentile at CHF 103,000 and the 75th percentile at CHF 122,000.

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• IT Support Engineers:

  • Salaries range from CHF 75,000 to CHF 100,000 annually, with an average of CHF 91,800.

Comparison to National Averages

The average salary in St. Gallen is approximately CHF 73,490 per year.

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This is lower than the Swiss national average, as cities like Zurich and Geneva generally offer higher salaries due to their larger tech industries, greater concentration of multinational companies, and higher cost of living. In Zurich, for example, the average salary is closer to CHF 90,000, making it a more competitive but also more expensive place to live.

Note: Salary figures are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific skills, certifications, company size, and economic conditions. It's advisable to research current market trends and consult with potential employers for the most accurate information.

St. Gallen is renowned for its family-oriented environment, offering a plethora of services and amenities that cater to families and children. From exceptional educational institutions to abundant recreational facilities, the city ensures a high quality of life for families.

Educational Institutions

Public Schools

The city operates a comprehensive public school system, encompassing 64 kindergartens, 21 primary schools, and 7 secondary schools, serving approximately 6,800 students.

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Private Schools

For those considering private education, the Institut auf dem Rosenberg is a prestigious boarding school in St. Gallen, attracting students globally. It offers multilingual education in English, German, and Italian, preparing students for various international university programs.

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Childcare Services

St. Gallen provides an extensive range of childcare options to support working parents:

• Day-Care Centres: Available for children from three months up to primary school age, these centres operate Monday to Friday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. They also offer full-day care during nine weeks of school holidays.

• Family Day Care: Approximately 70 family day care providers offer flexible childcare solutions for both preschool and school-aged children.

• Lunch Clubs: For upper secondary students, lunch clubs provide freshly prepared meals during school weeks, operating on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

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Additionally, private institutions like Globegarden Childcare offer bilingual education and are conveniently located near public transport, featuring on-site gardens and spacious play areas.

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Recreational Facilities and Green Spaces

St. Gallen is rich in parks and recreational areas, promoting an active lifestyle for families:

• Wildlife Park Peter and Paul: Situated on a hilltop in the Rotmonten district, this free-admission park allows families to observe native animals such as chamois, ibex, deer, marmots, and wild boar.
• Säntispark: Located in nearby Abtwil, Säntispark is a popular leisure centre offering a variety of pools suitable for children aged four months to 12 years, ensuring fun for the whole family.
• Numerous Playgrounds: The city maintains around 50 children's play areas, often nestled within neighbourhoods that foster a village-like atmosphere.

Healthcare Services

St. Gallen boasts a robust healthcare system with several hospitals and clinics providing comprehensive medical services. Families have access to paediatric care, emergency services, and various specialists, ensuring all health needs are met promptly and efficiently.

Community Support and Activities

The city offers a variety of community centres and youth clubs, providing spaces for children and teenagers to engage in social and educational activities. These centres often host events, workshops, and programs aimed at fostering community spirit and personal development among young residents.

In summary, St. Gallen's commitment to education, childcare, healthcare, and recreational facilities makes it an ideal city for families seeking a nurturing and supportive environment.

Moving to St. Gallen? Whether you’re searching for housing, navigating paperwork, or settling into Swiss life, these relocation resources will help make your transition smoother.

Housing and Apartment Search

Homegate (homegate.ch)

One of Switzerland’s largest real estate platforms, Homegate offers a variety of rental and purchase listings in St. Gallen. You can filter properties by location, price, and amenities to find the perfect home.

ImmoScout24 (immoscout24.ch)

A user-friendly platform with thousands of listings, ImmoScout24 helps expats and locals alike find housing. They also provide useful cost estimators and moving guides.

Ron Orp St. Gallen (ronorp.net)

A local classifieds website where people post rental listings, shared apartments, and furnished short-term stays. It’s a great place to find hidden rental gems or connect with locals.

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Relocation Services

Packimpex (packimpex.com)

Specializing in corporate and private relocations, Packimpex provides housing search assistance, settling-in services, and Swiss administration support. They are known for their expertise in Swiss expat relocation.

Immobiliensg (immobiliensg.ch)

A real estate and relocation agency offering personalized support for finding housing in St. Gallen, including expat-friendly rental options.

De Peri Relocation Services (deperi-relocationservices.com)

Provides hands-on assistance with house hunting, school searches, and Swiss bureaucratic processes. Ideal for families or professionals moving to St. Gallen.

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Short-Term & Temporary Housing

If you need a place to stay while searching for permanent housing, check out these short-term rental platforms:

Airbnb (airbnb.com)

Perfect for temporary stays while you explore the city and search for long-term housing.

St. Gallen has a growing job market, particularly in technology, finance, healthcare, and education. With a strong university presence and an increasing number of startups, the city provides excellent career opportunities for tech professionals and entrepreneurs.

In-Demand Tech Jobs in St. Gallen

The city’s tech industry is expanding, driven by the University of St. Gallen’s influence and Switzerland’s overall focus on innovation. Some of the most sought-after tech jobs include:

• Software Engineers & Developers (Java, Python, C++)
• Data Analysts & Data Scientists
• Cybersecurity Specialists
• IT Project Managers
• Cloud & DevOps Engineers
• AI & Machine Learning Specialists

Income Tax in St. Gallen

Switzerland has a progressive tax system, meaning higher earnings are taxed at a higher rate. St. Gallen’s tax rates are lower than Zurich’s, making it an attractive location for professionals.

Estimate Your Taxes

Use TieTalent’s tax calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your salary:

🔗 Switzerland Tax Calculator

Key Factors Affecting Taxes in St. Gallen:

✅ Federal, cantonal, and municipal taxes all apply.

✅ Deductions available for professional expenses, childcare, and housing costs.

✅ Lower tax rates compared to Zurich and Geneva, making St. Gallen a more cost-effective option.

Find Tech Jobs in St. Gallen

Looking for a job in St. Gallen? Explore current openings here:

🔗 Tech Jobs in St. Gallen – TieTalent