The study in question, "Expat Insider 2026" by InterNations, ranked Switzerland relatively low – in 22nd place out of 31 countries surveyed. This is a far cry from some other international rankings, which have consistently placed Switzerland in the top 10. None of these findings will come as a shock to those living in Switzerland: high rents and property prices are already among the main challenges for newcomers. Making Swiss friends and the high cost of living have also been consistently cited as downsides of living in Switzerland. As one German national living in Geneva pointed out: “It’s very difficult to make local friends, despite efforts like joining local associations and having a child in local school.