Skyline of Schaffhausen
Cost of Living: 105 37,000

Schaffhausen, Schaffhausen, Switzerland

A historic city in northern Switzerland near the Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall, with a beautifully preserved medieval old town and a vibrant industrial heritage.

Updated July 12, 2026
Cost of Living 105

Above Average vs Switzerland avg (100)

Housing Index 110

Above Average

Median Income CHF 80,000

Household income

Unemployment 2.2%

Job market health

Schaffhausen vs Switzerland Average

Cost of Living
Schaffhausen: 105
Switzerland Avg: 100
Housing Index
Schaffhausen: 110
Switzerland Avg: 100
Cantonal Income Tax
Schaffhausen: 10%

Taxes

  • Cantonal Income Tax: 10.0%
  • VAT: 8.1%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: CHF 80,000
  • Unemployment: 2.2%
  • Population: 37,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 175/year
  • Summer High: 76°F
  • Winter Low: 27°F

Housing

  • Median Home: CHF550,000
  • 1BR Rent: CHF1200/mo

Cost of Living

Schaffhausen's cost of living index is 105 (Switzerland average = 100).

CategorySchaffhausenNational AverageDifference
Overall105100+5.0%
Housing110100+10.0%

Data source: BFS / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceCHF550,000
Median Rent (1BR)CHF1200/mo
Median Rent (2BR)CHF1,500/mo
Price per Sq FtCHF366

Data source: Homegate / Comparis, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

CHF
%
$90,000 down
%
%
CHF

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Schaffhausen:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityCHF70Based on ~4,500 kWh/year typical Swiss household usage
Heating & CoolingCHF120Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterCHF35Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)CHF50Broadband average
Garbage / TrashCHF30Private service
Total UtilitiesCHF305Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: ElCom, Swissgrid, BFS 2025

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Schaffhausen

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: CHF1,440/mo.

Schaffhausen Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: CHF1,320/mo.

East Schaffhausen

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: CHF1,080/mo.

West Schaffhausen

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: CHF1,140/mo.

Remote Work Score

Schaffhausen scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
105
Rent
CHF1200
Sunny Days
175
Tax
10%
Unemployment
2.2%
Climate
76°F / 27°F

Climate

Schaffhausen has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January47°F27°F2.5"
April61°F42°F2.8"
July76°F51°F1.5"
October56°F45°F2.2"

Taxes

  • Cantonal Income Tax: 10%
  • VAT: 8.1%
  • Property Tax: ~0.3% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Schaffhausen, Schaffhausen, Switzerland?

The cost of living index in Schaffhausen is 105, which is Higher the Switzerland national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Schaffhausen?

The median home price in Schaffhausen is CHF550,000. The housing index is 110.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Schaffhausen is approximately CHF1200/mo.

Does Schaffhausen, SH have income tax?

Schaffhausen is in SH, which has an income tax rate of 10%.

What is the climate like in Schaffhausen?

Schaffhausen enjoys approximately 175 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 76°F, while winter lows can drop to around 27°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: BFS / Numbeo, 2026
  • Housing Data: Homegate / Comparis, 2026
  • Income & Employment: BFS Labour Force Survey, 2024
  • Utilities ElCom, Swissgrid, BFS 2025

Data last updated: July 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.