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Car taxes in Switzerland: how cantonal vehicle tax works

The short answer: every canton sets its own vehicle tax formula – based on horsepower, weight, cubic capacity or CO₂ depending on the canton – so the same car can cost under CHF 200 or over CHF 800 per year depending on where you live.

Von Leutrim MiftarajGründer von BudgetHub, MSc Innovation Management (FFHS)

Why the differences are so big

There is no federal vehicle tax. Cantons choose their own basis and rates, and several give eco-discounts for efficient or electric vehicles (sometimes temporary). Moving cantons can change your car's tax by hundreds of francs.

What to check before buying

Look up your canton's formula for the exact model: heavy SUVs and high-powered cars are penalised in weight/power cantons; EVs are often (but not always) discounted.

Plan it annually

Vehicle tax arrives once a year – put one-twelfth aside monthly so it never surprises you.

Track these costs in your own budget: create your free Swiss budget in BudgetHub – in English, with Swiss categories built in.

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Car taxes in Switzerland: how cantonal vehicle tax works · BudgetHub.ch