📅 Last updated: 2026-02-24

Cost of Living in Glarus for a Single Professional (2026) – Salary, Rent, Taxes & Savings

Glarus, a small Alpine canton with progressive policies and some of Switzerland's lowest housing costs, offers unique value for professionals. This assessment calculates your expected monthly expenses. Despite its small size, Glarus has a flat tax system and affordable living that attracts remote workers and those seeking maximum savings. Our calculator estimates rent, Canton Glarus taxes, health insurance, and daily costs.

With a gross salary of CHF 10’000, a single professional in Glarus can expect to save CHF 5’070–CHF 5’970 per month, placing them above the Swiss urban comfort threshold.
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Real calculator output for a single professional in Glarus

Based on real Swiss cantonal tax logic, housing indices, and mandatory health insurance baselines.

📍 Glarus 👤 Single Professional 💰 CHF 10’000/month
In Glarus, fixed costs consume approximately 22% of a single professional's gross income, which is 5% lower than the Swiss average of ~27% (using Swiss Average as a reference baseline).
Gross Salary
CHF 10’000
Monthly income
Base salary input
Estimated Taxes
CHF 1’800 – CHF 2’700
18% – 27% rate
Derived from Glarus cantonal logic
Housing
CHF 945
City center rent
Based on Glarus rental index
Health Insurance
CHF 320
Mandatory coverage
Glarus cantonal premium baseline
Living Costs
CHF 965
Food, transport, lifestyle
Weighted by local indices
Monthly Savings
CHF 5’070 – CHF 5’970
After all expenses
Net of taxes and costs
Taxes and Housing together account for approximately 71% of total costs in Glarus.
For a single professional in Glarus, taxes represents the largest monthly expense at CHF 2’250, followed by housing at CHF 945. Canton Glarus's moderate tax rates and affordable housing market create this cost structure.
Category Monthly Amount Context
Gross Monthly Salary CHF 10’000 Base salary input for single
Taxes (cantonal & federal) −CHF 1’800to−CHF 2’700 Canton Glarus: 18%–27% rate
Rent (city center) −CHF 945 Glarus market rate (1-bedroom)
Health Insurance −CHF 320 Glarus base premium
Food & Groceries −CHF 338 Local price index × 1 occupants
Transport −CHF 52 Glarus public transport pass
Utilities −CHF 150 Adjusted for 1 occupants
Lifestyle −CHF 425 Medium tier × Glarus multiplier
Estimated Monthly Savings CHF 5’070toCHF 5’970 Net after all deductions

Small changes in rent or tax canton can shift monthly savings by several hundred CHF.

⚠️ Note: These estimates are derived from cantonal tax logic, local housing indices, and health insurance baseline models. Your actual costs depend on specific deductions, insurance choices, and lifestyle. Use our calculator for a personalized assessment with your exact inputs.

Why Professionals Choose Glarus

Example Scenario: A professional earning CHF 10’000/month in Glarus retains approximately CHF 5’070–5’970 after all expenses. The same salary in Zürich would retain CHF 3’194–4’194 — Glarus offers CHF 1’826/month more (CHF 21’912/year).

Why Glarus Is More or Less Expensive Than Other Swiss Cities

Understanding what makes Glarus unique helps you evaluate if it's the right fit for your relocation.

Compared to Zürich, Glarus offers approximately CHF 1’826 higher monthly savings at the same gross salary. Compared to Schwyz, housing is lower but overall savings remain stronger.

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Tax Rates

For professionals weighing Glarus against Swiss Average, Glarus delivers a stronger after-tax position—up to CHF 275 less in monthly taxes. This makes Glarus the rational choice for income-focused relocators.

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Housing Market

Glarus vs Swiss Average housing: Glarus enables CHF 333/month in housing savings compared to Swiss Average. This positions singles to save more while maintaining urban convenience.

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Health Insurance

Canton Glarus vs Swiss Average: lower premiums than Swiss Average (CHF 320 vs CHF 383 base). Selecting the right plan tier within the canton structure directly impacts monthly budget.

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Living 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.

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Transport

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.

Lifestyle & Entertainment

Glarus vs Swiss Average: lower entertainment costs than Swiss Average (0.85× vs 1.02× multiplier). Professionals choosing Glarus for savings can reallocate CHF 783/month toward lifestyle upgrades or accelerated wealth building.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glarus is among Switzerland's cheapest cantons. A single earning CHF 10,000 can save CHF 5,500-6,100 monthly thanks to rent from CHF 1,350 and moderate taxes.
Single professionals spend CHF 3,500-4,100 monthly: taxes (CHF 1,800-2,700), rent (CHF 945), health insurance (CHF 320), and living costs (CHF 700).
A gross salary of CHF 6,000-8,000 provides comfortable savings of CHF 3,000-4,500—excellent value.
Canton Glarus taxes range 18-31% for mid-range earners—moderate by Swiss standards. The flat tax system simplifies planning.
Excellent. Rock-bottom housing costs, decent internet, and 60-minute access to Zürich by train make it ideal for remote professionals.

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