Pros and Cons of Living in Zug: Pros

It’s a Tax Haven

Swiss residents are subject to federal, cantonal, municipal, and optional church taxes. A person’s tax rate depends not only on their income, but also on their marital status, the number of children they have, their religion, and their location.

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If you’re a high earner and would like to reduce your tax burden, the easiest way is to move to a low-tax canton. The differences can be significant. According to MME Legal, the maximum tax rate is 48% in Geneva, but only 22.7% in Zug, Switzerland’s most tax-efficient canton. Therefore, moving to Zug could be a great way to reduce your taxes, especially if you earn an above-average wage or have many assets.

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The Location Is Convenient

Although Zug is a small town, you can find everything you need, from great schools to convenient supermarkets and shops to entertainment venues. Additionally, Zug is located in the heart of Switzerland, so many larger cities are easily accessible. You can travel to both Zurich and Lucerne in under 30 minutes by train, which makes working in either of these cities possible. Bern and Basel are also nearby, although you’ll have to travel for more than an hour by train to reach them.

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Beautiful Nature Is At Your Fingertips

One of the best things about living in Zug is that you’re never far from nature. Since the city is quite small, you can easily walk or cycle to scenic locations, no matter where you live. One of the top attractions is Lake Zug and its 13 public swimming baths. You can also easily visit the nearby Lake Aegeri, the Zugerberg mountain with its plentiful hiking trails, the Höllgrotten stalactite caves near Baar, or even stunning mountains like Rigi.

There’s Plenty to Do in the Area

Aside from natural sights, there’s a lot of culture in and around Zug. Many residents love visiting the Museum of Prehistory, the historic town square, and the Zytturm, the city’s 52-metre-high clock tower built in the 13th century. Because other towns like Zurich and Lucerne are so easily accessible, it’s possible to take half-day or day trips to a wide range of cultural venues.

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Lots of Expats Live in Zug

Typically, expats gravitate towards larger metropolitan areas like Zurich and Geneva. Settling in a quieter or more rural place can be challenging because there may not be as many like-minded, English-speaking people. Zug is an exception because it’s small and calm, but more than 30% of residents are foreign nationals. Several local networking and expat groups put on regular events, so you can quickly find a community.

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Further Reading: Where Do Most Expats Live in Switzerland?

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Zug Has a Very Low Crime Rate

Zug is known for being one of Switzerland’s safest towns. Crime rates are consistently low, and most people feel comfortable walking around alone, both during the day and at night. This and the excellent schooling options make Zug a great place to raise a family.

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Pros and Cons of Living in Zug: Cons

The Cost of Living Is High

Because Zug is so attractive, rental prices are higher than in other cantons. In 2021, the average household paid CHF 1,824 a month in rent. The Swiss average was just under CHF 1,400, and the average home in the most affordable canton, Jura, only cost CHF 961 per month. Other goods and services may also be more expensive.

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When weighing the pros and cons of living in Zug, consider your situation to determine whether the low taxes make up for the higher living costs. If you’re a high earner, it’s likely that you’ll save money by moving to Zug. However, if you’re on an average or below-average salary, you may find the high housing costs prohibitive.

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Finding a Home Can Take Time

Due to the consistent housing shortage in Canton Zug, you may initially struggle to find a home. Often, ten or more families compete for the same rental property.

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It’s easier to find a home if you’re already living in the area, so you may need to rent a furnished home for a few months. View and apply for as many properties as you can. Make sure your application is as complete as possible, and send it to the landlord ASAP. They frequently select a tenant from the first few applications they receive, so delays reduce your chances of success.

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Zug Is Very Small

Living in a small town isn’t right for everyone. Because Zug isn’t a major metropolitan area, the number of restaurants, cultural and entertainment spaces, and activities is limited. You’ll need to travel to attend events and concerts. If you enjoy the excitement of city living, Zurich or Basel might be better.

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Further reading:

Pros and Cons of Living in Zurich

Pros and Cons of Living in Bern

Pros and Cons of Living in Basel

Pros and Cons of Living in Geneva

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While there are both pros and cons of living in Zug, this area is a top destination for expats due to its natural beauty, low taxes, convenient location, and friendly expat community. If you’re looking for a job in the Zug or Zurich area, use the Rigby AG application form to register your interest. We’ll let you know as soon as something suitable becomes available.

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