Schaffhausen offers families affordable living with excellent schools and a safe, compact environment. This assessment calculates family living expenses including children's health insurance, larger apartments, and family activities. With the Rhine Falls nearby and easy access to nature, Schaffhausen is ideal for families seeking Swiss quality at lower costs.
Real calculator output for a family in Schaffhausen
Based on real Swiss cantonal tax logic, housing indices, and mandatory health insurance baselines.
| Category | Monthly Amount | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Monthly Salary | CHF 18’000 | Base salary input for family |
| Taxes (cantonal & federal) | −CHF 4’230to−CHF 6’030 | Canton Schaffhausen: 24%–34% rate |
| Rent (city center) | −CHF 2’210 | Schaffhausen market rate (3+ bedroom) |
| Health Insurance | −CHF 897 | Schaffhausen base premium (includes child premiums) |
| Food & Groceries | −CHF 936 | Local price index × 3 occupants |
| Transport | −CHF 68 | Schaffhausen public transport pass |
| Utilities | −CHF 195 | Adjusted for 3 occupants |
| Lifestyle | −CHF 1’021 | Medium tier × Schaffhausen multiplier |
| Estimated Monthly Savings | CHF 6’643toCHF 8’443 | 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 18’000/month in Schaffhausen retains approximately CHF 6’643–8’443 after all expenses. The same salary in Zürich would retain CHF 4’614–6’414 — Schaffhausen offers CHF 2’029/month more (CHF 24’348/year).
Understanding what makes Schaffhausen unique helps you evaluate if it's the right fit for your relocation.
Compared to Zürich, Schaffhausen offers approximately CHF 2’029 higher monthly savings at the same gross salary. Compared to Winterthur, housing is lower but overall savings remain stronger.
For professionals weighing Schaffhausen against Swiss Average, Swiss Average offers lower taxes by approximately CHF 585/month. However, Schaffhausen may compensate through other factors like housing or lifestyle costs.
Schaffhausen vs Swiss Average housing: Schaffhausen requires CHF 932/month more for housing than Swiss Average. Families should weigh this against school quality and neighborhood amenities.
Canton Schaffhausen vs Swiss Average: higher premiums than Swiss Average (CHF 395 vs CHF 383 base). Families pay adult premiums plus reduced child rates, multiplying the impact. Choose cantons with lower base premiums to optimize household costs.
Schaffhausen 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.
Schaffhausen vs Swiss Average: slightly higher transport costs than Swiss Average (CHF 68 vs CHF 67). With excellent Swiss public transit, most professionals avoid car ownership—a decision that saves CHF 500–800/month versus driving.
Schaffhausen vs Swiss Average: lower entertainment costs than Swiss Average (0.95× vs 1.02× multiplier). Professionals choosing Schaffhausen for savings can reallocate CHF 2806/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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