Swiss Budget Calculator 2026: Vom Gross salary zum Investitionsbudget

How much of your gross salary actually remains? In Switzerland, this is more complex than in most countries — taxes are not automatically deducted (except source tax), social contributions are split across AHV, ALV, BVG and NBU, and the tax burden varies massively by canton, municipality and marital status.

The arvy Budget Calculator computes your personal budget in five steps: from gross income through all social deductions (AHV/IV/EO 5.3%, ALV 1.1%, NBU ~1.2%, BVG 3.5-9.0% by age) and a tax estimate by canton, to monthly living costs and savings rate. For married couples, it calculates household income with partner earnings, separate deductions and the married federal tax tariff.

What are the main deductions from a Swiss salary?

Every employee pays mandatory social insurance: AHV/IV/EO (5.30%), ALV (1.10% up to CHF 148,200), NBU (~1.2%) and BVG pension (3.5-9.0% by age). Income taxes at federal, cantonal and municipal level are added, plus church tax by denomination.

Why are canton and municipality so important?

Switzerland has 26 cantons with different tax progressions. On CHF 100,000 income, the tax burden varies by over CHF 10,000 between the cheapest (Zug) and most expensive (Neuchâtel) canton. The municipal multiplier adds 20-40%. This makes residence the most important tax decision in Switzerland.

What is a good savings rate?

The average Swiss savings rate is about 15-20%. Experts recommend at least 20% for long-term wealth building. Over 30% massively accelerates financial independence — thanks to compound interest. The key step: invest rather than leaving savings in a bank account where inflation erodes them.

Pillar 3a: The biggest tax lever

The max Pillar 3a for 2026 is CHF 7,258. Fully deductible — at 35% marginal rate, that saves ~CHF 2,540/year. From 2026: retroactive contributions for up to 10 years.

Childcare: The underestimated tax deduction

Childcare is one of the largest expenses for young families — CHF 1,500-3,000/child/month in Zurich. These costs are tax-deductible: up to CHF 10,100 federally, and CHF 25,000 in Zurich since 2024. Our calculator automatically accounts for this and shows effective tax savings.

With arvy, you can automatically invest your free budget in quality companies — with a savings plan from CHF 1/month. Our founders invest their own money in the same portfolio, FINMA-regulated. Over 12,000 readers receive our weekly newsletter with analysis of quality companies worldwide.

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