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Living and working in Schaffhausen

Jobs · January 21, 2026 · 1 min read

Schaffhausen, small canton of 84,000 inhabitants, hosts the famous Rhine Falls and IWC watchmaking. Advantageous taxation, Zurich proximity, remarkable quality of life.

Living and working in Schaffhausen

The canton

  • Population: 84,000
  • Capital: Schaffhausen
  • Median salary: CHF 6,900/month
  • Language: German

Economy

  • Watchmaking: IWC Schaffhausen (high-end)
  • Industry: Garmin Switzerland (EMEA HQ), Stahl AG
  • Taxation: quite soft for companies (~13-14%)
  • German cross-border workers: numerous (Singen, Konstanz nearby)

Housing

  • 3.5 rooms: CHF 1,400-1,900/month
  • Purchase: CHF 700K-1.3M
  • Relaxed market

Transport

  • Zurich 45 min train
  • Germany: immediate cross-border
  • ZRH airport 45 min

Practical life

  • Rhine Falls: Europe's largest waterfall
  • Medieval old town
  • Vineyards: local wine tradition
  • Very quiet, family-friendly

Tips

  • IWC: watchmaker or engineer sought
  • German mandatory
  • Ideal DE expats wanting CH-side living