Compare countries · Switzerland vs United States
Switzerland vs United States
Switzerland(Europe)·
United States(North America)
Across 13 comparable indicators: Switzerland leads on 9, United States on 4. Which trade-offs matter is yours to weigh — the rows below show where each country wins, with sources.
Head to head
Cost of living index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Switzerland
110.7
Worse than 99% of countries
United States
68.8
Worse than 90% of countries
United States: 38% cheaper overall.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Switzerland
51.5
Worse than 99% of countries
United States
40.7
Worse than 95% of countries
United States: 21% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
Switzerland
1.34
Better than 96% of countries
United States
2.39
Worse than 79% of countries
Switzerland: more peaceful (1.34 vs 2.39).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
Switzerland
72.6
Better than 83% of countries
United States
50.8
Worse than 63% of countries
Switzerland: higher perceived safety (72.6 vs 50.8).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
Switzerland
0.967
Better than 99% of countries
United States
0.927
Better than 90% of countries
Switzerland: higher human development (0.967 vs 0.927).
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
Switzerland
$102,513
Better than 97% of countries
United States
$90,027
Better than 95% of countries
Switzerland: 14% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
Switzerland
84.4 yrs
Better than 98% of countries
United States
78.9 yrs
Better than 75% of countries
Switzerland: 5.5 years longer on average.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
Switzerland
71.2
Better than 72% of countries
United States
67.0
Better than 59% of countries
Switzerland: better-rated healthcare (71.2 vs 67.0).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
Switzerland
286 Mbps
Better than 94% of countries
United States
308 Mbps
Better than 96% of countries
United States: 8% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
Switzerland
85/100
Better than 95% of countries
United States
63/100
Better than 64% of countries
Switzerland: freer press (85 vs 63 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
Switzerland
7.02
Better than 93% of countries
United States
6.82
Better than 85% of countries
Switzerland: happier on the Cantril ladder (7.02 vs 6.82).
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
Switzerland
564
Better than 70% of countries
United States
700
Better than 94% of countries
United States: stronger English proficiency (700 vs 564).
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
Switzerland
80.7
Around the global middle
United States
75.8
Worse than 60% of countries
Switzerland: more pleasant climate rating (80.7 vs 75.8).
Deciding between Switzerland and United States for real?
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70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full United States profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.