How much can you really save as a physio in Switzerland?

This is likely one of the most common questions we receive from Dutch physiotherapists considering a move to Switzerland. And we completely understand why.

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Of course, people move for the mountains, nature, and adventure. But salary often plays a significant role too. Switzerland is known for its high wages, but equally for its high cost of living. So the question is logical: do you actually end up with more money at the end of the month?

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The short answer: yes, usually. But exactly how much you save depends entirely on your lifestyle. We'll break it down honestly for you below. All amounts are in euros, with the equivalent in Swiss francs next to them. We're using an exchange rate of approximately 1 CHF to 1.05 euro to give you a realistic picture.

1. What are your average expenses in Switzerland?

The biggest factor is housing.

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Many Dutch physiotherapists start in a shared apartment, known as a 'WG' (Wohnungsgemeinschaft). Not only is this cheaper, but it's often also a great way to settle in during your first period. You immediately become part of a social circle.

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For a room in such a shared flat, you'll pay an average of between 735 and 1050 euros per month (approximately 700 to 1000 CHF), depending on the location. In cities like Zurich or Zug, this is often a bit higher. Prefer to live alone? Then the costs will increase. A studio or small apartment often costs between 1260 and 1890 euros per month (approximately 1200 to 1800 CHF).

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In addition, you have the standard costs: groceries, health insurance, and transport. Groceries are indeed more expensive than in the Netherlands, that's true. The first time you pay 5 CHF for a coffee (approximately 5.25 euros) or 8 CHF for a sandwich (approximately 8.50 euros), you'll definitely feel it. However, many people also notice that it feels less burdensome once you earn a Swiss salary.

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On average, many physiotherapists spend approximately the following:

• Groceries: 315 to 525 euros (approximately 300 to 500 CHF)
• Health insurance: 315 to 475 euros (approximately 300 to 450 CHF)
• Public transport: 105 to 265 euros (approximately 100 to 250 CHF)

Health insurance in Switzerland works differently than you might be used to, and the premium can vary significantly by canton and insurer. If you opt for a higher deductible, you'll pay less per month. We explain it in detail in our blog about health insurance and physiotherapy in Switzerland.

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Furthermore, costs for hobbies and leisure activities are often higher than people expect. And that makes sense, as many people want to see a lot of the country once they live there. Weekend trips, skiing, dining out, hikes, sports, traveling around Switzerland – these things cost money. But it's also precisely one of the reasons why people make the move, so feel free to factor it into the overall picture.

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2. What do you earn as a physiotherapist in Switzerland?

What you earn depends on your experience, your canton, the practice, your specializations, and your working percentage. Some physiotherapists earn a bit less in their first year, while others with experience or a specialization earn more.

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For many Dutch and Belgian physiotherapists, approximately 4725 euros net per month is a realistic average to consider, which translates to about 4500 CHF. Please note that this is an average and not a promise. Your starting salary might be slightly below or above this.

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Do you want to know how that net amount is calculated, including all deductions? Then our blog about gross to net in Switzerland will help you further.

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3. How much do you actually have left?

That varies for everyone. Some live minimally and save a lot. Others want to go on adventures, eat out, or travel every weekend.

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But let's add up the figures from above. Suppose you live in a shared apartment and maintain a reasonably normal lifestyle. Then you'd end up with something like this:

• Room in a shared apartment (WG): around 950 euros (approximately 900 CHF)
• Groceries, health insurance, and transport: together around 1050 euros (approximately 1000 CHF)
• Leisure, sports, dining out, and weekend trips: around 1050 to 1575 euros (approximately 1000 to 1500 CHF)

In total, your monthly expenses would be around 3150 to 3675 euros, which translates to approximately 3000 to 3500 CHF. A significant portion of that goes towards enjoyable activities, and that's exactly the idea.

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If you compare that to a net salary of around 4725 euros, it often means you can still save between 1575 and 2100 euros per month, which is approximately 1500 to 2000 CHF.

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And that's usually when people realize what a financial difference Switzerland can make. Not because everything is cheap – it absolutely isn't – but because salaries often increase faster than your monthly expenses.

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Do you want those savings to work smartly for your future? In Switzerland, you can build up your pension tax-efficiently through the third pillar. We explain how that works in our blog about smart saving for your pension with the third pillar 3a.

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4. The biggest difference is actually the freedom

From personal experience, I can say that you can usually save significantly more in Switzerland. But honestly, for me, the biggest difference isn't just the money itself. It's primarily about the freedom it provides.

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In Switzerland, I found that I didn't necessarily have to work full-time to live comfortably. At certain times, I worked 80 to 90 percent, while still earning enough to fully enjoy the country. That meant more time in the mountains, spontaneous weekend trips, more frequent hiking or skiing, and simply a better work-life balance.

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And perhaps that is ultimately the biggest advantage of working in Switzerland. Not just that you can save more, but also that you gain more space to truly enjoy your life here.

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Are you thinking about taking the plunge? Then take a look at how takeoff works, or meet us. We'd be happy to calculate with you what a move would mean for your specific situation.

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