8 Rentals in Switzerland that Cost 2500 Francs a Month

Switzerland has one of the highest living standards in the world. Zürich and Geneva are also some of the most expensive places to live, with median monthly rents of 2950 francs and 3900 francs, respectively.

We were recently in the market for a new rental apartment. So we were naturally curious to find out what we could get for the money: Lake view? Peace and quiet in a "no fly" zone? A private lawn or a rooftop terrace?

It's all about relationships - and timing.

Overall, the biggest determining factor for rents is whether an apartment is owned by the city or by a private landlord. Public building projects are highly desired, and vacant apartments are almost never published. They are usually handed down to a tenant's friends - or to friends of friends. In other words: Getting one of those highly desired city flats is a relationship business.

In our case, it was a matter of the right timing. I had set up an instant alert on homegate.ch, Switzerland's most popular rental marketplace. I learned about the new listing late on a Sunday night, contacted the landlord first thing on Monday, arranged to see the flat on Tuesday and handed in the application on Wednesday. Being quick was the deciding factor in getting our new apartment.

Here are eight recent rental flats in Switzerland that could be yours for 2500 francs a month:

One Person Loft Apartment in Zürich

- Huge terrace
- Modern, fully fitted kitchen with washer/drier
- Fireplace

Small Apartment in Zürich's Hipster Seefeld District

- Comfy flat from 1940's on quiet street
- Kitchen with dishwasher
- Tiny balcony

New Single Family House in Valais

- Sunny and quiet location with view
- Two parking spaces
- Sun room and patio
- Vegetable garden

Dated downtown Apartment in Geneva

- Centrally located 4th floor apartment
- Spacious entrance hall with built-in wardrobes
- Decorative fireplace

Roof-top Flat in St. Gallen

- Huge terrace (127 sq m) with view of Mt. Säntis
- Open floor plan featuring oak flooring
- Washer/drier in the apartment
- Elevator

The Only Vacant Flat at 2500 francs in Zug

- 1965 building near the station
- Two bedrooms plus living space
- Shared laundry room
- Elevator and balcony

Modern Chalet Apartment in Arosa

- Luxurious apartment in newly built chalet
- Open floor plan with a central fireplace
- Master bath with rainforest shower, tub and a sink made of cherry wood
- Balcony with view of a waterfall, mountains and the sunset
- Elevator
- Underground parking garage

Rustic House in Ticino's Valle Maggia

- Traditional rustico style house with modern amenities
- Open floor plan featuring oak flooring
- Fireplace in main living space, energy efficient floor heat throughout
- Terrace with access to large private garden and covered veranda
- Stone walled cellar
- Two parking spaces

So, which place would you rent for 2500 francs per month?

(Feature photograph copyright by homegate.ch, rent statistics by comparis.ch)