What is the cost of living in Lugano?

The cost of living in Lugano is 31.2% cheaper than New York City (index: 68.8). Groceries are 2.4% more expensive than NYC. Restaurants are 28.7% more expensive than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately CHF 1,418 per month. Local purchasing power index is 172.1 (NYC = 100).

How much tax do you pay in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, a gross salary of CHF 46,511 per year results in approximately CHF 3,295 per month take-home pay after income tax and social contributions (effective rate: 15.0%). Use our Switzerland tax calculator for a personalised breakdown.

🇨🇭 Switzerland · #27 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Lugano?

Q: Should I move to Lugano?

Lugano, Switzerland has a cost of living 31.2% cheaper than New York City (index: 68.8). It is ranked #27 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 172.1 vs NYC = 100). Workers in Switzerland earning CHF 46,511 gross take home approximately CHF 3,295/month after tax. Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

31.2% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-31.2%

vs NYC

CHF 1,418

1-BR, city centre

CHF 3,295

Net take-home

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Lugano?

Example: CHF 46,511 gross/year in Switzerland → CHF 3,295/month net after tax (15% effective rate). Full Switzerland tax breakdown →

Cost breakdown: Lugano

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

68.8 Very expensive

Rent

41.1 Affordable

Groceries

102.4 Expensive

Restaurants

128.7 Expensive

Purchasing Power

172.1 Very strong

Rent in Lugano

1-BR, city centre CHF 1,418/mo

1-BR, outside centre CHF 1,064/mo

3-BR, city centre CHF 2,899/mo

3-BR, outside centre CHF 2,147/mo

Save by going outside centre 25% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Switzerland take-home pay

CHF 46,511 → CHF 3,295/Net take-home (15% effective rate, single filer)

Full Switzerland tax calculator →

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇨🇭 Bern

Switzerland

CoL index 75.2

Compare Bern vs Lugano →

🇨🇭 Basel

Switzerland

CoL index 77.8

Compare Basel vs Lugano →

🇨🇭 Lausanne

Switzerland

CoL index 77.8

Compare Lausanne vs Lugano →

Ready to run the numbers?

Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Lugano after tax, in seconds.

Compare salaries → Full cost of living data

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