Quality of life in Cham (Zug) — scores, review and neighborhoods

6.8/ 10
Top 10% in SwitzerlandExcellent
Population
15,210
Commune type
Town

Living in Cham, a commune of 15210 inhabitants in Canton Zug — with an overall score of 6.8/10, this commune is attractive for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Taxation (10/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (8.6/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
7.3
Air Quality
5.3
Public Transport
3.5
Education & Culture
7.6
Nightlife & Dining
5.9
Nature & Green Spaces
8.6
Healthcare
8.6
Taxation
10.0
Annual Sunshine
4.2
Cantonal average

Cham's national strengths

Per our methodology ↗

Recommended Profiles

Retirement
ExcellentTop 10% in Switzerland
mediantop
Young Professional
ExcellentTop 10% in Switzerland
mediantop
Family
ExcellentTop 10% in Switzerland
mediantop
Nature
Fair
mediantop

For families looking to settle in Switzerland, Cham achieves a compatibility score of 6.9/10. Key strengths for this profile include Education & Culture and Noise. The Young Professional profile (6.3/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Cham excels in Taxation (10/10) — a favorable tax burden compared to the Swiss average, Nature & Green Spaces (8.6/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Healthcare (8.6/10) — excellent access to doctors, clinics, and hospitals.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Public Transport (3.5/10) — limited public transport connections, Annual Sunshine (4.2/10).

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Ziegeleimuseum ChamMuseum
Gemeindebibliothek ChamLibrary
LorzensaalCinema / Theatre
On Your MarksSchool
NiederwilSchool
HagendornSchool
Schule RöhrlibergSchool
KirchbühlSchool

Public Transport

ChamTrain Station
Cham AlpenblickTrain Station
PfadBus Stop
LindenchamBus Stop
EizmoosBus Stop
LorzenparkBus Stop
Niederwil SchulhausBus Stop
HammerBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

AndreasKlinik Cham ZugClinic
ABC ÄrzteberatungMedical Centre
Physio LorzeMedical Centre
Ärztezentrum LorzeMedical Centre
NeuroZugDoctor
gyn-zentrumDoctor
Rheumapraxis Cham ZugDoctor
Tremp plastic surgeryDoctor

Guides to read for this area

Four guides by lifestyle profile and three analyses of this area's strongest criteria.

Considering buying property in Cham or moving to Canton Zug? Our interactive map lets you explore quality of life at the neighborhood level and compare with nearby communes.

Frequently asked questions about Cham

What's it like to live in Cham? Resident impressions and quality of life
Cham stands out as a nature-focused community with exceptional fiscal advantages for residents. The commune scores remarkably high on tax favorability at 10 and natural surroundings at 8.6, making it attractive for those seeking green space and financial efficiency. Healthcare quality is solid at 7.6, yet noise levels, though acceptable at 7.3, reflect some urban pressure. Air quality measures 6.2, however public transport connectivity is notably limited at 2.2, which may challenge car-free residents. Education provision at 5 remains moderate, and restaurant options are sparse at 2.9. Bordered by Knonau, Hünenberg, and Steinhausen, Cham offers a suburban character within Zurich's agglomeration. The main tradeoff is clear: residents gain natural beauty and tax benefits but accept limited public services and transport infrastructure in exchange.
How sunny and clean is the air in Cham?
Cham excels in environmental quality but falls short on sunshine. The commune scores 8.6 on nature and 7.6 on health—reflecting strong air quality at 6.2. However, its ensoleillement score of 4.2 reveals limited sunshine exposure, a notable weakness for residents seeking bright conditions. Noise pollution remains manageable at 7.3, yet the low solar rating suggests Cham experiences frequent cloud cover or geographic shading. Situated near neighbors Knonau, Hünenberg, and Steinhausen, this Zurich-area commune offers clean air and good environmental conditions, though sunshine is clearly the tradeoff for its otherwise favorable environmental profile.
How well-connected is Cham? Transport, schools, dining
Cham's connectivity stands out most in environmental quality and public services, yet falters notably in transport infrastructure. The commune scores exceptionally on fiscal policy at 10 and nature access at 8.6, with solid health services at 7.6. However, transport connectivity scores just 2.2, suggesting limited public transit options relative to nearby agglomeration hubs like Knonau, Hünenberg, and Steinhausen. Educational facilities rank moderately at 5, while dining and restaurant options score 2.9, indicating sparse commercial amenities. Air quality remains respectable at 6.2. The core tradeoff is clear: Cham offers exceptional natural surroundings and financial advantages, yet residents seeking robust transport links and vibrant dining scenes may find themselves disadvantaged compared to more centrally positioned communes.
What are the neighboring communes of Cham and how big is it?
Cham is a mid-sized commune in Zug with a population of 15,210, bordering three neighbors: Knonau, Hünenberg, and Steinhausen. Its exceptional fiscal environment scores 10 out of 10, making it highly attractive for residents concerned with tax efficiency. However, public transport connectivity lags significantly at 2.2, requiring car dependency for many commuters. The commune compensates with outstanding natural surroundings at 8.6, yet dining and cultural amenities remain modest at 2.9. Healthcare quality is robust at 7.6, while air quality is respectable at 6.2. Essentially, Cham presents a tradeoff between excellent fiscal conditions and natural assets against limited public transit and modest recreational infrastructure.
Is Cham a tax-friendly municipality?
Cham stands out as exceptionally tax-friendly, scoring 10 on fiscal favorability. This makes it among Switzerland's most attractive communes for tax-conscious residents. However, this advantage comes alongside modest scores in dining and transport infrastructure, at 2.9 and 2.2 respectively. The commune compensates with outstanding natural amenities, scoring 8.6 for nature access, and strong health services at 7.6. Air quality reaches 6.2, though sunshine levels remain moderate at 4.2. Education services score 5. Bordered by Knonau, Hünenberg, and Steinhausen, Cham presents a clear tradeoff: exceptional fiscal conditions and environmental quality offset limited public transport and dining options.

Neighboring communes of Cham

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 21.2 %20–64 years 63 %65 and over 15.8 %
Density
953 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+14.1 %
Vacant housing
0.7 %
New dwellings
5.2 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
1.9 %
Tertiary employment
77.8 %

Land use

Built-up area 24.8 %Agricultural land 60.6 %Forest 12.5 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Zug (ZG)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.2059, 8.4506
BFS Number
1702
Last updated
29 June 2026

Data: FSO, geo.admin.ch, OSM — Scores normalised 0-10