Is 100k, 120k, or 150k CHF Enough to Live in Switzerland?

For a single person in Zurich, 100k CHF gross is comfortable, 120k is comfortable with savings, and 150k feels wealthy. For a couple with one child, 120k is tight, 150k is comfortable, and 180k+ is where most families breathe. Geneva and Zug are 5 to 10 percent more expensive than Zurich, Basel is cheaper, and rent is the single largest variable.

In this article

  • First, understand what Swiss salary means
  • Single in Zurich
  • Couple in Zurich, no kids
  • Family with one or two kids
  • City by city
  • Zurich
  • Geneva
  • Basel