Office Location Switzerland: City Center vs. Agglomeration – The Ultimate Comparison

City Center: The Advantages of an Urban Location

An office in the city center of Zurich, Geneva, Basel, or Bern undoubtedly has its appeal. The central location signals professionalism and is often an important statement to clients, partners, and potential employees. Especially for companies in sectors such as consulting, law, finance, or communication, the address is part of the brand identity.

Connections to public transport are optimal in the city center. Your employees and business partners can reach the office comfortably by tram, bus, or train – an advantage that should not be underestimated in times when sustainability and giving up cars are becoming increasingly important. Additionally, there are usually numerous restaurants, cafés, fitness studios, and other services in the immediate vicinity, which increases attractiveness as a workplace.

However, the central location also has its price. Rents in city centers are among the highest in Switzerland. In Zurich, for example, office rents in top locations can range between CHF 500 and CHF 900 per square meter per year – not including service charges on account (Nebenkosten akonto). Furthermore, parking spaces are rare and expensive, which can become a problem for companies with field staff or clients who travel by car.

Agglomeration: More Space for a Smaller Budget

The agglomeration offers an attractive alternative, especially for growing SMEs, startups, or companies with higher space requirements. Municipalities in the greater area of Zurich (such as Regensdorf, Dietikon, or Uster), around Basel (Allschwil, Pratteln), or in the Bern area (Ostermundigen, Köniz) offer modern office spaces at significantly lower prices than the city center.

A significant advantage: Parking spaces are usually sufficiently available in the agglomeration and often even included in the rent. This is particularly important if your team commutes by car or if you regularly receive clients. Additionally, you have the opportunity to rent larger areas without breaking the budget – ideal for companies that need storage, production areas, or spacious workplaces.

The quality of life can also be higher in the agglomeration. Many locations offer a greener environment, less noise, and less stress than the inner city. This can have a positive effect on employee satisfaction and productivity. However, you must also reckon with certain limitations: Public transport connections are usually less frequent, and accessibility for external partners can be more time-consuming. Also, the image of a peripheral address is – depending on the industry – not always equivalent to a city location.

Cost Comparison: What Do You Really Pay?

Rent costs are often the decisive criterion when choosing a location. While you have to reckon with square meter prices of CHF 400 to CHF 900 per year in the city center, prices in the agglomeration are usually between CHF 180 and CHF 350 per square meter per year. Specifically, this means: For a 100 square meter office, you pay about CHF 5,000 to CHF 7,500 per month in the center of Zurich, while you get away much cheaper in the agglomeration with CHF 1,500 to CHF 3,000.

Added to this are the service charges on account, which are usually billed separately in Switzerland. These include heating, water, general electricity, and cleaning. Here too, costs tend to be higher in the city, as older properties are often less energy-efficient. In modern commercial buildings in the agglomeration, you often benefit from better insulation and contemporary building technology, which has a positive effect on operating costs.

Not to be forgotten: The costs for parking. While you often get free or cheap parking spaces in the agglomeration, parking spots in the city center can cost CHF 200 to CHF 500 per month – per parking space, mind you.

Accessibility and Infrastructure Compared

Accessibility is a central factor for business success. In the city center, you benefit from excellent public transport connections with frequent intervals, direct connections, and short distances. This facilitates not only your employees' commute but also the arrival of business partners and clients from home and abroad.

In the agglomeration, the situation is more nuanced. Many locations are well connected by S-Bahn or regional trains, but often with longer travel times and fewer connections than in the city center. For employees who live nearby or commute by car, this can still be ideal. It is important that you check exactly how well your desired property is actually connected when choosing a location – not all agglomeration locations are equally accessible.

Another aspect is the local infrastructure. In the city center, you will find a wide range of gastronomy, shops, and services in the immediate vicinity. In the agglomeration, the offer can be more limited, which is particularly relevant for employees who want to run errands or go shopping during their lunch break.

Trends 2026: Where is the Office Market Heading?

The Swiss office market is in transition, and trends for 2026 show significant shifts. Hybrid working is no longer an exception but the standard in many industries. Companies need less space per employee but are increasingly relying on flexible solutions such as coworking spaces or offices with modular areas.

A clear trend: The agglomeration is becoming more attractive. More and more companies are recognizing that the combination of modern office spaces, good motorway access, and significantly lower costs makes more economic sense than the prestigious but expensive city location. In addition, many agglomeration municipalities are investing specifically in infrastructure, expanding coworking offers, and improving public transport connections.

In the city center, however, the focus on quality over quantity continues. Top locations with modern equipment, sustainability certificates, and additional services such as concierge services or meeting lounges remain in demand – albeit at premium prices. For many SMEs, this development will make the agglomeration an even more attractive sensible alternative.

Another trend is sustainability. Both in the city and in the agglomeration, companies are paying increased attention to energy-efficient buildings, good public transport connections, and the possibility of commuting by bike. Properties with Minergie standards or LEED certification are increasingly becoming the norm.

Conclusion: Which Location Suits You?

The choice between city center and agglomeration depends heavily on your priorities and your industry. If prestige, central location, and the best public transport connections are crucial for your business model – for example in consulting, law, or the financial sector – the city center is often the better choice despite higher costs. You benefit from a strong external image, short distances, and a dynamic environment.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for more space for less money, value parking spaces, and want to offer your employees a quieter working environment, the agglomeration is the economically more sensible alternative. Especially for manufacturing companies, logistics providers, or growing startups, the periphery often offers the better overall package.

Regardless of your decision, you should check the following points:

• How good is the public transport connection really?
• What is the parking situation like?
• How high are the total costs including service charges on account?
• Does the location's image fit my brand?
• What infrastructure (restaurants, shops, fitness) is available?

With the right analysis and clear priorities, you will find the office location that fits your company perfectly – whether in the middle of the city or in the up-and-coming agglomeration.

Note: This article serves for general information and does not replace individual advice. Rents and availabilities can vary greatly depending on the region and market situation. For concrete location questions, we recommend professional real estate consultancy.