Moving to Geneva? 2023 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Geneva sits on the lake of the same name, situated in Switzerland, and its residents can admire the beautiful views of the Alps and Jura mountains. All across Geneva, a French influence is observed in the architecture and culture.

If you are considering moving to Geneva, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in the city which is home to the United Nations and the Red Cross.

Quick Geneva Facts:

Population: 203,951 (2020)
Official Language: French (de facto) with many other languages being spoken at home, including English, Swiss-German, German, Italian, Romansch, Polish, Russian and many others.
GDP Per Capita: $74,580 USD (2015)
Most International City in Europe: 38.1% of Geneva’s population are not Swiss.
Currency: Swiss Franc or CHF. As of early 2023, $1 USD = 0.94 SFR, €1 EUR = 0.99 SFR, $1 CAD = 0.69 SFR, $1 AUD = 0.63 SFR

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Geneva

Here are some estimated costs of moving to Geneva from other major European cities.

You can also look at our guides to Container Shipping Rates To Switzerland and Best International Moving Companies in Switzerland for moves from further away.

From City	Estimated Cost
London, UK	CHF 1,600
Paris, France	CHF 1,300
Berlin, Germany	CHF 1,900
Rome, Italy	CHF 1,700
Amsterdam, Netherlands	CHF 1,500
Stockholm, Sweden	CHF 2,100
Vienna, Austria	CHF 1,800
Warsaw, Poland	CHF 1,400
Lisbon, Portugal	CHF 1,500
Zurich, Switzerland	CHF 1,000

2. Geneva Housing Costs

House and flat prices in Geneva are among the most expensive in the world. Prices obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will indicate what’s available at what price.

Monthly Rental Prices in Geneva:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: CHF 2,070+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: CHF 1,720+
3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: CHF 4,150+
3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: CHF 3,000+

Geneva Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: CHF 16,500+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: CHF 11,450+

Geneva Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Geneva compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 0.8% more expensive
New York is 32.6% more expensive
Los Angeles is 7.7% more expensive
Toronto is 40.4% cheaper
Vancouver is 30.4% cheaper
Sydney is 20.1% cheaper
Melbourne is 69% cheaper
Paris is 56.9% cheaper
Dubai is 40.1% cheaper

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

Share a Flat or House: Like any city in the world with such high rental costs, flat and house sharing in Geneva is very popular. With a house/flat share you will have your own room, or, for a cheaper option, you can share a room. The bathroom/s will be shared with other people in the house/flat. Have a look on RoomLaLa, Just Landed and Flats for Expats and find someone you can get on with to share the costs with you.
Different Areas – Different Prices: Accommodation in Geneva is in short supply and what is available commands a high price. Many expats choose to live just over the border in France where there is a greater selection of properties and more reasonable prices. Central Geneva is the most expensive area to live in. It is highly sought after by professionals with a suitably high income, who enjoy the excellent restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Many companies have their head offices in Acacias, so employees enjoy living in this area, even though the living spaces are small and expensive. Paquis is very popular with expats. It’s a busy cosmopolitan area, with interesting restaurants and entertainment options. At the other end of the spectrum are the quieter areas of Champe, Malagnou and Florissant which offer larger and more affordable property options. Grottes, Saint Gervais, Cologny and Chenes Bougeries are areas favoured by families.

3. Geneva Food, Grocery and Restaurant Cost

Geneva has a wide selection of both traditional Swiss and international restaurants. Standards are high, with prices to match.

Inexpensive Restaurant: CHF 25.00 – CHF 30.00
Takeout Coffee: CHF 4.50 – CHF 5.00
Bottle of Coke: CHF 3.90 – CHF 5.00
1L of Milk: CHF 1.60 – CHF 2.00
Loaf of Bread: CHF 2.80 – CHF 3.50
12 Eggs: CHF 5.30 – CHF 9.00
1kg Chicken: CHF 22.00 – CHF 35.00
1kg Beef: CHF 45.00 – CHF 70.00
1kg Apples: CHF 3.50 –CHF 6.50
1kg White Rice: CHF 2.70 – CHF 5.00

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

New York restaurants are 16.2% cheaper and groceries are 1.9% cheaper than Geneva.
Los Angeles restaurants are 28.5% cheaper and groceries are 32.3% cheaper than Geneva.
London restaurants are 44.1% cheaper and groceries are 82.1% cheaper than Geneva.
Toronto restaurants are 56.6% cheaper and groceries are 51.6% cheaper than Geneva.
Vancouver restaurants are 60.7% cheaper and groceries are 44.6% cheaper than Geneva.
Sydney restaurants are 49.8% cheaper and groceries are 29.9% cheaper than Geneva.
Melbourne restaurants are 55.5% cheaper and groceries are 28.4% cheaper than Geneva.
Paris restaurants are 67.5% cheaper and groceries are 36.2% cheaper than Geneva.
Dubai restaurants are 62.4% cheaper and groceries are 108.3% cheaper than Geneva.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

Know Your Supermarkets: Manor Supermarkets are generally the most expensive supermarkets, where you’ll find exclusive, luxury goods. Migros is Switzerland’s largest supermarket chain and, together with Coop and Volg forms the middle of the road when it comes to prices. Denner is Switzerland’s third-largest supermarket chain and is also reasonably priced. Aldi, Lidl and Spar are the cheapest supermarkets in Switzerland. Geneva also has its fair share of farmers’ markets. The biggest and most famous is the Plainpalais farmers’ market which is held on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday and sells delectable fare. Eaux-Vives farmers market showcases local produce and is mainly and fruit and veg market.
Find Cheap Eats: Finding somewhere cheap to eat in Geneva is not an easy task. Trip Advisor, Trip Savvy and Geneva Info all have suggestions for restaurants which offer affordable meals.

4. Geneva Alcohol Costs

Geneva has a wide selection of bars and nightclubs. The following is a list of basic prices of beer and wine from the supermarket and restaurants.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: CHF 7.50 – CHF 8.00
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: CHF 8.00 – CHF 8.50
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: CHF 2.20 – CHF 3.00
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: CHF 2.00 – CHF 4.00
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: CHF 12.50 – CHF 20.00

How To Drink For Less in Geneva:

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
Cheep Advisor, Geneva Info and Trip Advisor have a few suggestions for finding cheaper drinks in Geneva. Unfortunately, Happy Hour isn’t a Swiss tradition.
Scour the areas around the university and other tertiary institutions to find the best alcohol deals.

5. Geneva Transportation Fares

Geneva has an efficient system of regional and national trains run by SBB, and buses, trolleybuses and trams which run regularly and cover all routes, these are run by TPG.

Here are some example ticket costs.

Adult single – CHF 3.00
One day ticket for bus and tram – CHF 20.00
Monthly season ticket for bus, tram and train – CHF 70.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

If you are staying in a hotel, a campsite or a youth hostel you are entitled to a free travel card for the duration of your stay.
Buy a bike. There is a good system of cycle lanes all around the city and many people cycle to work and school.
Walk. The city is not that big and is a pleasure to walk around.

6. Cost of Internet in Geneva

Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Sunrise: 49.90 CHF a month (Fiber broadband, up to 1GB of data)

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

Everyone in Geneva waits impatiently for the summer. The hottest month is August with an average high of 25.8°C. January is the coldest month with an average low of -1.3°C. The wettest month is October, with an average of 105mm falling during the month.

Like most places in Switzerland, rain is always a possibility, so it’s wise to carry an umbrella or a fold-up waterproof jacket.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: CHF 100.00 – CHF 150.00
Summer Dress: CHF 60.00 – CHF 80.00
Running Shoes (Trainers): CHF 120.00 – CHF 150.00
Business Shoes: CHF 200.00 – CHF 250.00
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): CHF 120.00
Deodorant: CHF 5.00
Shampoo: CHF 6.00
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): CHF 3.00
Gym Membership: CHF 75.00 – CHF 160.00 per month
Movie (cinema) Ticket: CHF 18.50 – CHF 22.00

Source: Numbeo and Expatistan

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Geneva

Everyone in Switzerland drives on the right. Driving in Geneva is not a problem as long as you obey the rules of the road. Fines are very high and the traffic police and parking attendants are very vigilant. Driving during peak hours should be avoided due to traffic congestion. Parking fees are very high.

If you’re moving to Geneva from within Switzerland, you’ll be able to keep your licence but need to update your address to your new Geneva one. You can drive on a foreign licence for 12 months, after that you will need to obtain a Swiss license. Your foreign licence must be in either English, French, German or Italian. If it isn’t, then you either need a translation or an International Driver’s Licence. People from the EU/EEA don’t need to take a test to get their Swiss Licence. Each Canton has its own traffic office where you can organise your Swiss licence.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Geneva:

Volkswagen Golf: CHF 35,000+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): CHF 1.98
Registration Fee (if any): Varies from Canton to Canton and also depends on the vehicle
Motorway Fee: CHF 40 per annum
Other Fees (if any): MOT every four years. Price varies from Canton to Canton and vehicle to vehicle.

Source: Expatistan, CH

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Geneva:

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Carpoolworld and BlaBlaCar.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber.

9. Taxes in Geneva

No matter where you live in Switzerland, you will pay the same rate of tax. Sales Tax is 8% in Switzerland and is added to most goods and services throughout the country. Unlike in some countries, it is always included in the marked price.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to council tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Switzerland has a complex system where areas of a city with wealthy residents and commercial areas often pay lower taxes than areas whose residents earn an average income.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Geneva you should expect to pay 5% of the sale price to pay fees – 0.2 – 1% notary fees, 0.3 – 3% property transfer tax and 1 – 1.5% for registering the property deed.

10. Flight Costs from Geneva

If you do make the move to Geneva, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023:

New York: CHF 350
Los Angeles: CHF 350
London: CHF 50
Paris: CHF 30
Toronto: CHF 300
Vancouver: CHF 540
Dubai: CHF 300
Sydney: CHF 640
Melbourne: CHF 760
Cape Town: CHF 480
Hong Kong: CHF 530

Other Tips on Moving to Geneva:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Geneva but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Geneva Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be rather daunting. Here are a few tips about settling into Geneva.

Meetups: Geneva has lots of free meetup groups you can find on Meetup.com. Find groups that do what you love, such as Geneva Racket Club, Women in Digital Geneva, Yoga and Meditation Classes, The Mamas’ Cafe and many more.
Attend Local Events: There are always events going on in Geneva at any given time. Find out what’s happening from Genevalive, Glocals and Trip Advisor.

12. Moving to Geneva with a Family

Geneva is a beautiful city to bring up a family. It has history, the arts, museums as well as lots of green spaces. Lake Geneva becomes ‘the beach’ in the summer months and, of course, there are the Alps and the Juras on your doorstep, with everything they offer throughout the year. Here’s some extra food for thought.

New Parents (or parents to be): Check out Anglo Info.
LLive in a Family-friendly Area: Geneva is a family-friendly city on every front, except housing. Most accommodation is found in apartments, as houses are in short supply. Many expats choose to live in Grottes and Saint Gervais. These areas are close to the city centre but feel more like villages. There are also good schools close by. Although, it really doesn’t matter where you live in Geneva as far as schooling is concerned, as the city has many excellent schools. Many families live in Champei, Malagnou and Florissant which have larger properties and schools close by. Cologny, which has great views of the city, is another favourite with families but prices are high. The leafy suburb Chene-Bougeries is another option which is more affordable.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: Hello Switzerland and Family Travel Scoop have great ideas for activities and events your kids will love.

13. Moving to Geneva for Work

Moving to Geneva for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. The majority of people already have a job when they move to Switzerland, as acquiring a residence permit is almost impossible without a job. Geneva has very high professional standards in all spheres of work. Finance, banking and international trade attract many expats to Geneva. There are many opportunities in many spheres.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries in Geneva are high. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Glassdoor and Payscale.
How to Find Work: To find a job before you move to Geneva, have a look at the following sites: Jobs in Geneva, Swiss Info and Xpat Jobs. You may also want to google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Geneva from Australia

There are a number of Australians living in Geneva. If you are considering joining them, here are a few added pointers.

Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of the city of Geneva with a town in Australia, you’d be looking at Newcastle.
Join Expat Groups: Both InterNations and Expat.com offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in Geneva.

15. Moving to Geneva from Canada

There are quite a few Canadians living in Geneva. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: The population size of Geneva is around the same as the Canadian city of London, Ontario.
Expat Groups: InterNations and Canada Club Geneva will give you a chance to meet other Canadians already living and working in Geneva.

16. Moving to Geneva from the United States

There’s a fairly large American contingent living in Geneva. If you’re considering moving to Geneva, here are a few bonus tips:

Size Comparison: Geneva’s population is roughly the same as Colorado Springs.
Expat Groups: InterNations and The American International Club of Geneva will introduce you to fellow Americans already living and working in Geneva, helping you to settle in with ease.

17. Moving to Geneva from the United Kingdom

Brits love everything Swiss, so you’ll find a large group already living and working in Geneva. If you’re considering moving to the city, here are a few bonus tips

Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of Geneva with a city in the UK, you’d be looking at Edinburgh.
Expat Groups: InterNations and Expat.com both offer opportunities for you to meet fellow Brits already living in Geneva.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Geneva you can start by comparing moving quotes here.