Glarus offers couples some of Switzerland's lowest housing costs in a stunning Alpine setting. This assessment calculates combined living expenses for two adults. For couples willing to embrace small-town living, Glarus provides exceptional savings potential while maintaining Swiss quality of life.
Real calculator output for a couple in Glarus
Based on real Swiss cantonal tax logic, housing indices, and mandatory health insurance baselines.
| Category | Monthly Amount | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Monthly Salary | CHF 16’000 | Base salary input for couple |
| Taxes (cantonal & federal) | −CHF 3’520to−CHF 4’960 | Canton Glarus: 22%–31% rate |
| Rent (city center) | −CHF 1’350 | Glarus market rate (2-bedroom) |
| Health Insurance | −CHF 640 | Glarus base premium |
| Food & Groceries | −CHF 677 | Local price index × 2 occupants |
| Transport | −CHF 52 | Glarus public transport pass |
| Utilities | −CHF 173 | Adjusted for 2 occupants |
| Lifestyle | −CHF 638 | Medium tier × Glarus multiplier |
| Estimated Monthly Savings | CHF 7’510toCHF 8’950 | Net after all deductions |
Small changes in rent or tax canton can shift monthly savings by several hundred CHF.
Example Scenario: A professional earning CHF 16’000/month in Glarus retains approximately CHF 7’510–8’950 after all expenses. The same salary in Zürich would retain CHF 4’662–6’262 — Glarus offers CHF 2’768/month more (CHF 33’216/year).
Understanding what makes Glarus unique helps you evaluate if it's the right fit for your relocation.
Compared to Zürich, Glarus offers approximately CHF 2’768 higher monthly savings at the same gross salary. Compared to Schwyz, housing is lower but overall savings remain stronger.
For professionals weighing Glarus against Swiss Average, Swiss Average offers lower taxes by approximately CHF 200/month. However, Glarus may compensate through other factors like housing or lifestyle costs.
Glarus vs Swiss Average housing: Glarus requires CHF 72/month more for housing than Swiss Average. Couples sharing costs may find this trade-off acceptable for career benefits.
Canton Glarus vs Swiss Average: lower premiums than Swiss Average (CHF 320 vs CHF 383 base). Couples pay double premiums, amplifying canton differences. Choose cantons with lower base premiums to optimize household costs.
Glarus vs Swiss average: lower food costs than Swiss Average (94% vs 101% of baseline). While individual purchases differ modestly, cumulative grocery and dining expenses add CHF 50–150/month variance between Swiss cities.
Glarus vs Swiss Average: lower transport costs than Swiss Average (CHF 52 vs CHF 67). With excellent Swiss public transit, most professionals avoid car ownership—a decision that saves CHF 500–800/month versus driving.
Glarus vs Swiss Average: lower entertainment costs than Swiss Average (0.85× vs 1.02× multiplier). Professionals choosing Glarus for savings can reallocate CHF 3493/month toward lifestyle upgrades or accelerated wealth building.
See how changing city, salary, and household type impacts your real monthly savings.
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