Although we no longer live in the area [too expensive being now on a pension] Zug is lovely with very low taxes [lowest in Switzerland] but is very small and compact after the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam/Rotterdam/Utrecht et al.

Zürich has more in the way of infrastructure and facilities but with this comes the usual problems of large city living. We have young friends who live in Zürich but who commute daily to Zug on the train [excellent service of course].

Zugerberg is outrageously expensive for housing, as is anywhere else in the Kanton of Zug because of the question of supply and demand. If you would like to pay less for housing, then have a look at Affoltern-am-Albis, Mettmenstetten, Knonau, all served by the motorway and the train.

Hope this helps you. You will be overwhelmed by the beauty of the surroundings after living in very flat Holland [we lived in Antwerpen 15 years]

Good luck

Thank you Sheila, for your reply.  Are you saying that it is more expensive to live in canton Zug, than in Zurich?

Probably......it depends upon where in Zürich. For example, if you look in the Zoo/Zürichberg areas, the cost of housing is probably the same or even more expensive than in Zug. Oerlikon and the areas adjacent tend to be less expensive.

Comparisons are odious of course, and one has not to forget that although the houses/apartments in Switzerland are outrageously expensive compared with the rest of Europe, the salaries are noticeably higher, and very often the taxes much lower.

The old phrase "horses for courses" comes to mind, but the standard[s] in CH are extremely high too.

Bijan - before you start comparing how much it costs between canton Zug and Zurich you really need to go see them, they are as different as different could be. 

Hucklewoo, that's exactly what I plan on doing next weekend.  Visiting both cities.  In your opinion how are they different?  Which do you prefer?

Hi Bijan,  its kinda like asking if you prefer apples or kangaroos, they are totally different.  If you can describe what is important to you from a quality of life point of view that will help aim a response accordingly.  Where will you work, how important is your commute, do you like city or countryside, small town vs large city etc etc....

That's a funny analogy .  I work from home. So, no commute. I don't prefer very busy/noisy city life. But also I'm not looking to be alone in the mountains either --  something in the middle.  Natural beauty is important. Walking/bicycling access to necessaties, e.g. shopping, is appreciated. Being near other expats is a definite plus.

I hope I gave you enough insights -- so, is it the apple or the kangaroo?

Definitely the kangaroo, then.  I will drop you an email rather than boring everyone here.

As the top of the Zugerberg is notoriously expensive [same as in Zürich] you could always try living half way up [if you can find an apartment, which is often like looking for hens' teeth]. Alternatively in Kanton Zürich Kappel-am-Albis from where you have a lovely aspect over the Lake of Zug. If you need further advice, do not hesitate to ask.

Happy hunting

Hello Bijan, you are planning to work from home - if you or your wife will be employed by a Switzerland-based company, they will need to successfully apply for a work (and residence) permit before you move to Switzerland.

If neither of you will be employed in Switzerland, it will be a complicated process to obtain a residence permit as you are US citizens, i.e. neither Swiss nor EU citizens (unless one of you has a dual citizenship). In that case, I would strongly recommend you to enquire with the competent authorities (Swiss embassy in Den Haag and/or the cantonal migration office) before starting any house-hunting... To determine which cantonal migration office would be in charge, it would of course make sense checking out where you would like to live.

All the best.

Thank you Stephanie.

Hi Bejan,

Zug is quite boring (it’s a very small industrial city) but is just in between 2 nice bigger cities like Zürich & Luzern.

Zürich is an expensive city but if you live in Meilen (Goldküste) or Horgen for ex, you will pay less taxes & find nicer apartments/houses with event  a view on the lake!
ciardo Vanessa, Dec 1, 2018 @ 23:19

To the best of my knowledge, Zug is a town not a city.

That's absolutely right Ritchie - thank you for pointing this out to the original poster.

And Zug is not boring at all - it is a quaint little town with many attractions = not the least the lowest taxes in Switzerland. But again, it is up to the OP to make his own decisions.

Sorry for town...we say « ville de Zug » in French or village for somewhere smaller.
ciardo Vanessa, Dec 2, 2018 @ 18:40

There is a difference between a town and a city.

You could, however, call Zug a municipality.

FYI, the population of a city is between 100,000 and 300,000 people.

A large town has a population of 20,000 to 100,000.

Best, R.

Yes, it’s a problem of translation between French & English, we don’t have the word « town ».
ciardo Vanessa, Dec 2, 2018 @ 23:31

Altough, all the best in your researches Bijan!

Thank you all, for your input.

Huh? How about "Ville"?

ciardo Vanessa, Dec 3, 2018 @ 12:10

Hi Hucklewooo, just wondering any chance do you know much about name of good  public schools in Zurich or area to move ? I've noticed many expats moving Geneva area and not much info about schools ( primary and High school specificly) Thx