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Switzerland vs Germany
Compare cost of living, taxes, salaries and visas between Switzerland and Germany.
| Switzerland | Germany | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | ||
| Cost of living index | 169 | 115 |
| Taxes | ||
| Income tax (top rate) | 40% | 45% |
| VAT / sales tax | 8.1% | 19% |
| Social security (employee) | — | 20% |
| Corporate tax | 15% | 30% |
| Capital gains | 0% | 26.4% |
| Economy & salaries | ||
| Avg net salary | $6,000/mo | $2,900/mo |
| Minimum wage | — | $2,200/mo |
| GDP per capita | $93,000 | $52,000 |
| Life expectancy | 84 yr | 81 yr |
| Quality of life | ||
| LGBTQ+ acceptance | High | High |
| Digital-nomad visa | No | No |
? Frequently asked questions
Is Switzerland cheaper than Germany?
Germany is about 32% cheaper than Switzerland overall — its cost-of-living index is 115 versus 169 for Switzerland.
How much do you need to earn in Germany to live like in Switzerland?
To keep the same standard of living, a $75,000 salary in Switzerland is worth about $51,144 in Germany. Enter your own figure in the calculator above.
Which has lower taxes, Switzerland or Germany?
Switzerland has the lower top income-tax rate — 40% versus 45% in Germany.