Vaud vs Valais Tax Comparison

Side-by-side income tax comparison on a CHF 120’000 salary — federal + cantonal + municipal tax, social contributions and take-home pay. Capital-city municipal multipliers, 2025/2026 rates.

Result on CHF 120’000
Valais leaves you with CHF 2’903 more per year (3.7% more take-home) than Vaud.
CHF
40k120k200k300k
Take-home / year
CHF 78’239
CHF 6’520/month
Total tax
CHF 24’481
Effective rate
20.4%
Federal tax
CHF 2’707
Cantonal + municipal
CHF 21’774
Above CHF 120k gross, you must file a regular tax return even if you're under withholding (Quellensteuer) — don't miss the deadline.
Winner
Take-home / year
CHF 81’142
CHF 6’762/month
Total tax
CHF 21’578
Effective rate
18.0%
Federal tax
CHF 2’707
Cantonal + municipal
CHF 18’871
Bilingual (FR/DE). Sun-blessed Rhône valley. Seasonal tourism economy. Wine regions (Fendant, Petite Arvine) are world-class.

Full breakdown

Tax comparison between Vaud and Valais on CHF 120’000
ItemVaudValaisDifference
Annual gross salaryCHF 120’000CHF 120’000
Social contributions (AHV/ALV/BVG/NBU)CHF 17’280CHF 17’280
Total deductionsCHF 4’882CHF 4’882
Taxable incomeCHF 97’838CHF 97’838
Federal direct taxCHF 2’707CHF 2’707
Cantonal + municipal taxCHF 21’774CHF 18’871
Total taxCHF 24’481CHF 21’578
Effective tax rate20.4%18.0%
Marginal tax rate40.1%35.6%
Take-home / yearCHF 78’239CHF 81’142
Take-home / monthCHF 6’520CHF 6’762

Figures are estimates using capital-city municipal multipliers and standard deductions. For binding numbers, use the official calculators linked above. Sources: ESTV (federal), cantonal tax administrations.

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People also asked

Which canton has lower taxes — Vaud or Valais?

On a CHF 120’000 salary, Valais leaves you with CHF 2’903 more take-home per year (3.7% difference) compared to Vaud.

What is the effective tax rate in Vaud?

On CHF 120’000, the effective rate in Vaud (capital city) is approximately 20.4%, including federal direct tax and cantonal/municipal tax.

What is the effective tax rate in Valais?

On CHF 120’000, the effective rate in Valais (capital city) is approximately 18.0%, including federal direct tax and cantonal/municipal tax.

Estimates only. Always verify with the official cantonal calculator before making a relocation decision.