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Germany vs Switzerland
Compare cost of living, taxes, salaries and visas between Germany and Switzerland.
| Germany | Switzerland | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | ||
| Cost of living index | 115 | 169 |
| Taxes | ||
| Income tax (top rate) | 45% | 40% |
| VAT / sales tax | 19% | 8.1% |
| Social security (employee) | 20% | — |
| Corporate tax | 30% | 15% |
| Capital gains | 26.4% | 0% |
| Economy & salaries | ||
| Avg net salary | $2,900/mo | $6,000/mo |
| Minimum wage | $2,200/mo | — |
| GDP per capita | $52,000 | $93,000 |
| Life expectancy | 81 yr | 84 yr |
| Quality of life | ||
| LGBTQ+ acceptance | High | High |
| Digital-nomad visa | No | No |
? Frequently asked questions
Is Germany cheaper than Switzerland?
Switzerland is about 47% more expensive than Germany overall — its cost-of-living index is 169 versus 115 for Germany.
How much do you need to earn in Switzerland to live like in Germany?
To keep the same standard of living, a $75,000 salary in Germany is worth about $109,984 in Switzerland. Enter your own figure in the calculator above.
Which has lower taxes, Germany or Switzerland?
Switzerland has the lower top income-tax rate — 40% versus 45% in Germany.