Zurich vs London on CHF 100,000: take-home pay, rent and cost of living in 2026
On a gross salary of CHF 100,000 a year, a single employee takes home CHF 6,527 a month in Zurich (78% of gross) and £5,278 a month in London on the equivalent £91,000 (70%), after income tax and social security contributions.
London is 9% cheaper than Zurich overall (cost-of-living index 81.6 vs 89.8, New York = 100). A one-bedroom flat in the city centre rents for about £2,145 a month in London and CHF 2,483 in Zurich, which leaves £3,134 and CHF 4,044 of take-home pay after rent. Keeping the same standard of living and saving 15% of your pay would cost about £4,587 a month in London: this salary leaves £691 a month on top.
By category, groceries cost 41% less in London than in Zurich, eating out 27% less and rent 7% less.
| Zurich | London | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary per year | CHF 100,000 | £91,000 |
| Take-home pay per month | CHF 6,527 | £5,278 |
| One-bedroom rent, city centre | CHF 2,483 | £2,145 |
| Left after rent | CHF 4,044 | £3,134 |
| Cost-of-living index (New York = 100) | 89.8 | 81.6 |
How each figure is taxed: Switzerland tax calculator and United Kingdom tax calculator; prices: cost of living in Zurich and in London. Single employee without children; rent and price data from Numbeo, refreshed monthly.
Questions about Zurich vs London
Is London, United Kingdom more expensive than Zurich, Switzerland?
London, United Kingdom is 9% cheaper than Zurich, Switzerland overall. On a gross salary of CHF 100,000 a year, you take home CHF 6,527 a month in Zurich, Switzerland and £5,278 a month in London, United Kingdom after income tax and social contributions.
How much can I save living in London, United Kingdom vs Zurich, Switzerland?
Keeping the same standard of living as in Zurich, Switzerland, you could save about £691 a month (£8,290 a year) in London, United Kingdom on this salary, after rent and living costs.
What taxes will I pay in United Kingdom vs Switzerland?
On CHF 100,000 gross a year you take home CHF 6,527 a month in Switzerland and £5,278 a month in United Kingdom. The calculation applies each country's 2026 income tax and social security rules for a single employee.