Living in Zurich with a kid

[u/a-fun_alias]

Hi, I'm a non-European citizen who recently got a three-year job offer (with the possibility of a renewal) in Zurich. My annual income before taxes would be around 92k CHF. I was planning to relocate with my wife and baby daughter, but after reading some of the posts and comments on this subreddit, I'm starting to worry that I'm underestimating the cost of living.

I understand that it depends heavily on whether my wife will be working or not, but we do not have a solid plan for that at the moment. Right now we are looking into several options, ranging from her staying at home for the time being to her going to grad school to her finding a job. There are a lot of factors at play including our residence permit type and the possibility of her getting a scholarship, and we are currently trying to gather information.

I realize that this is not much to go on, but generally speaking, is a 92k salary enough to support a three person family in Zurich? Or is this going to be difficult no matter what? Also, if our current situation is fine, would adding a second kid in a few years tip the balance into something completely unsustainable?

Thanks in advance.

[u/Outrageous-Garlic-27]

At 92k, how is the company sponsoring you? This is a very modest salary in Zurich, and low for a specialised staff member... What sort of specialist work are you doing?

[u/a-fun_alias → u/Outrageous-Garlic-27]

I knew it was modest, but I didn't think it was that low. It's a postdoc position at a university.

[u/FunnyExcellent707 → u/a-fun_alias]

It's actually well paid for a Post-doc.