Taxation in St. Gallen: best neighborhoods and areas

Taxation reflects total tax load (federal + cantonal + communal) for a married couple with one child (income 70/30, CHF 125,000 gross, tax year 2025). Figures come from the official ESTV calculator. A high score means lower taxes.

On this criterion, the St. Gallen area shows average results. The average score of 4/10, computed across 36 communes, sits on par with the national average (3.5/10). Scores span from 2.5/10 to 5.5/10 across the communes analysed.

The standard deviation of 0.7 signals relative homogeneity; results are comparable from one commune to the next.

Geographic Patterns and Contrasts

With a spread of only 3 points between extremes (5.5/10 to 2.5/10), the St. Gallen communes offer relatively uniform conditions on this criterion.

Top-ranked communes typically benefit from several convergent factors (location, long-standing infrastructure, geographic exposure); the weakest often compound structural disadvantages. The interactive map makes these spatial clusters visible at a glance.

Who Weighs This Criterion Most

Among the four VivaMap profiles, the Retirement profile weights this criterion most heavily (weight 70 out of 100). The other profiles apply the following weights: Young Professional (weight 60), Family (weight 50), Nature (weight 30).

Practically, a high Taxation score carries significant impact on the ranking for the Retirement profile, whereas it matters less for a profile that de-emphasises this criterion. This explains why the same commune can lead one ranking and fall mid-pack in another.

Comparison Across Swiss Agglomerations

Among the 21 major Swiss agglomerations analysed by VivaMap, St. Gallen sits in the lower half for Taxation — rank 12/21 (ahead of 48% of the agglomerations).

Its immediate neighbours in the ranking are Glarus (rank 11) and Aarau-Olten (rank 13). This context helps calibrate absolute scores: an agglomeration that looks average in isolation can sit well among its peers, and vice versa.

Key Takeaway

To prioritise Taxation in the St. Gallen area, Appenzell (AI) leads with 5.5/10. Explore the interactive map to compare communes in real time, adjust weights to your profile, and see variation at the neighbourhood scale. See the national Taxation page for the full ranking and methodology.