📅 Last updated: 2026-02-24

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

Obwalden, a picturesque Central Swiss canton, offers professionals low taxes and affordable living surrounded by Alpine scenery. This assessment calculates your expected monthly expenses. With competitive tax rates and housing costs well below Lucerne or Zug, Obwalden is ideal for those seeking maximum savings in a natural setting.

With a gross salary of CHF 10’000, a single professional in Obwalden can expect to save CHF 4’954–CHF 5’854 per month, placing them above the Swiss urban comfort threshold.
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Real calculator output for a single professional in Obwalden

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

📍 Obwalden 👤 Single Professional 💰 CHF 10’000/month
In Obwalden, fixed costs consume approximately 25% of a single professional's gross income, which is 2% 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 1’600 – CHF 2’500
16% – 25% rate
Derived from Obwalden cantonal logic
Housing
CHF 1’190
City center rent
Based on Obwalden rental index
Health Insurance
CHF 335
Mandatory coverage
Obwalden cantonal premium baseline
Living Costs
CHF 1’021
Food, transport, lifestyle
Weighted by local indices
Monthly Savings
CHF 4’954 – CHF 5’854
After all expenses
Net of taxes and costs
Taxes and Housing together account for approximately 71% of total costs in Obwalden.
For a single professional in Obwalden, taxes represents the largest monthly expense at CHF 2’050, followed by housing at CHF 1’190. Canton Obwalden's low 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 1’600to−CHF 2’500 Canton Obwalden: 16%–25% rate
Rent (city center) −CHF 1’190 Obwalden market rate (1-bedroom)
Health Insurance −CHF 335 Obwalden base premium
Food & Groceries −CHF 353 Local price index × 1 occupants
Transport −CHF 58 Obwalden public transport pass
Utilities −CHF 150 Adjusted for 1 occupants
Lifestyle −CHF 460 Medium tier × Obwalden multiplier
Estimated Monthly Savings CHF 4’954toCHF 5’854 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.

Example Scenario: A professional earning CHF 10’000/month in Obwalden retains approximately CHF 4’954–5’854 after all expenses. The same salary in Zürich would retain CHF 3’194–4’194 — Obwalden offers CHF 1’710/month more (CHF 20’520/year).

Why Obwalden Is More or Less Expensive Than Other Swiss Cities

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

Compared to Zürich, Obwalden offers approximately CHF 1’710 higher monthly savings at the same gross salary. Compared to Genève, housing is lower but overall savings remain stronger.

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Tax Rates

For professionals weighing Obwalden against Swiss Average, Obwalden delivers a stronger after-tax position—up to CHF 475 less in monthly taxes. This makes Obwalden the rational choice for income-focused relocators.

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Housing Market

Obwalden vs Swiss Average housing: Obwalden enables CHF 88/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 Obwalden vs Swiss Average: lower premiums than Swiss Average (CHF 335 vs CHF 383 base). Selecting the right plan tier within the canton structure directly impacts monthly budget.

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Living Costs

Obwalden vs Swiss average: lower food costs than Swiss Average (100% 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

Obwalden vs Swiss Average: lower transport costs than Swiss Average (CHF 58 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

Obwalden vs Swiss Average: lower entertainment costs than Swiss Average (1.00× vs 1.02× multiplier). Professionals choosing Obwalden for savings can reallocate CHF 667/month toward lifestyle upgrades or accelerated wealth building.

Frequently Asked Questions

Obwalden is among Switzerland's most affordable cantons. A single earning CHF 10,000 can save CHF 5,300-5,900 monthly.
Single professionals spend CHF 3,700-4,300 monthly: taxes (CHF 1,600-2,500), rent (CHF 1,190), health insurance (CHF 335), and living costs (CHF 700).
A gross salary of CHF 6,500-8,500 provides comfortable savings of CHF 3,500-5,000.
Canton Obwalden taxes range 16-29% for mid-range earners—low by Swiss standards.
Excellent. Low costs, beautiful surroundings, and Lucerne/Zürich access (40-80 min) make it ideal for remote professionals.

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