Zumikon replaces Kilchberg as Zurich’s new tax haven

33 municipalities in canton Zurich have lowered their tax rates in 2026, while 10 have raised them. Here are where the changes are most significant and 2026’s top tax-friendly places to live in Zurich.

33 municipalities lowered their taxes in Zurich in 2026

Last year ended on a positive note when the Zurich cantonal government announced tax cuts for 2026, reducing from 98 to 95 percent, “the largest reduction in 20 years”, reports Watson

However, taxes in Switzerland are not just paid at a cantonal level but also at the federal and municipal level too. According to analysis from Watson, workers in a total of 33 municipalities in canton Zurich will benefit from lower taxes in 2026 while residents in 10 municipalities will see taxes rise. 

In most municipalities the tax cut is just 1 or 2 percent, “not really that dramatic” and will amount to a saving of around 343 Swiss francs for the average worker. Tax rates will drop the most in Dorf and Oberembrach (-5 percentage points) and slightly less in Zumikon (-4 percentage points). 

On the other hand, there are some municipalities where the tax rate is increasing quite significantly, notably Ossingen (+14 percentage points) and Henggart (+ 8 percentage points). 

These are the most tax-friendly places to live in Zurich

As a result of the tax changes, Zumikon has now replaced Kilchberg as the “tax haven” of the canton. Taxpayers who live here pay 71 percent, compared to Kilchberg’s 72 percent tax rate. In joint third place as the most tax-friendly municipality in Zurich are Küsnacht and Herrliberg, both with a 73 percent tax rate.

The least tax-friendly places to live in Zurich are Maschwanden and Bachs where the tax rate is 128 percent. Third place goes to Winterthur with a 125 percent tax rate. Here, residents may want to speak to a tax advisor for all the help they can get!