Cost of Living in Geneva - Updated Prices & Insights

137.28
Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,817 (excluding rent), and $4,093 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $4,742 (excluding rent), and $8,955 including rent.
Currency
Do you live in Geneva? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$37.22 CHF 30.26
$24.81 CHF 20.18
$62 CHF 50.4
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$147 CHF 120
$98.2 CHF 79.8
$184 CHF 150
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$18.4 CHF 14.96
$18.4 CHF 14.96
$22.07 CHF 17.95
Cappuccino
$5.83 CHF 4.74
$4.27 CHF 3.47
$7.32 CHF 5.95
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.34 CHF 4.34
$3.68 CHF 2.99
$6.74 CHF 5.48
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.83 CHF 3.92
$3.65 CHF 2.96
$6.07 CHF 4.93
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$9.93 CHF 8.08
$6.2 CHF 5.05
$12.41 CHF 10.09
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$8.45 CHF 6.87
$6.04 CHF 4.91
$12.08 CHF 9.82
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.18 CHF 1.77
$1.67 CHF 1.36
$2.39 CHF 1.94
White Bread (500g)
$3.8 CHF 3.09
$1.45 CHF 1.18
$4.84 CHF 3.94
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.49 CHF 3.65
$2.5 CHF 2.03
$6.21 CHF 5.05
Eggs
$7.39 CHF 6.01
$4.88 CHF 3.97
$10.98 CHF 8.93
Local Cheese (1kg)
$27.19 CHF 22.11
$22.38 CHF 18.2
$49.75 CHF 40.45
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$33.43 CHF 27.18
$16.16 CHF 13.14
$44.73 CHF 36.37
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$51.7 CHF 42.04
$36.55 CHF 29.72
$97.5 CHF 79.2
Apples (1kg)
$3.48 CHF 2.83
$2.44 CHF 1.98
$4.89 CHF 3.98
Banana (1kg)
$2.51 CHF 2.04
$1.62 CHF 1.32
$3.99 CHF 3.24
Oranges (1kg)
$2.95 CHF 2.4
$1.81 CHF 1.47
$6.02 CHF 4.9
Tomato (1kg)
$6.27 CHF 5.09
$3.6 CHF 2.93
$9.66 CHF 7.86
Potato (1kg)
$2.61 CHF 2.12
$1.47 CHF 1.2
$4.29 CHF 3.49
Onion (1kg)
$2.33 CHF 1.9
$1.75 CHF 1.43
$3.63 CHF 2.95
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.48 CHF 2.02
$1.8 CHF 1.47
$2.88 CHF 2.34
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.37 CHF 1.11
$0.75 CHF 0.61
$2.06 CHF 1.67
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$11.1 CHF 9.03
$10.48 CHF 8.52
$12.33 CHF 10.03
Wine (Bottle)
$13.73 CHF 11.17
$9.99 CHF 8.13
$22.47 CHF 18.27
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$3.24 CHF 2.64
$2.3 CHF 1.87
$5.48 CHF 4.46
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.64 CHF 2.96
$2.06 CHF 1.68
$4.87 CHF 3.96
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$3.75 CHF 3.05
$3.75 CHF 3.05
$4.37 CHF 3.56
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$86.8 CHF 70.6
$53.4 CHF 43.43
$91.7 CHF 74.6
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$7.69 CHF 6.25
$3.75 CHF 3.05
$13.75 CHF 11.18
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$3.61 CHF 2.93
$3.38 CHF 2.75
$5.63 CHF 4.58
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$65.3 CHF 53.1
$55.9 CHF 45.49
$99.4 CHF 80.9
Gasoline (1 liter)
$2.31 CHF 1.88
$2.2 CHF 1.79
$2.53 CHF 2.06
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$40K CHF 32.5K
$40K CHF 32.5K
$40K CHF 32.5K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$49.8K CHF 40.5K
$39.9K CHF 32.4K
$49.8K CHF 40.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$258 CHF 210
$143 CHF 116
$377 CHF 307
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$47.76 CHF 38.83
$24.25 CHF 19.72
$84.9 CHF 69
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$62.4 CHF 50.7
$48.53 CHF 39.46
$97.1 CHF 78.9
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$80.1 CHF 65.1
$61.2 CHF 49.79
$104 CHF 84.7
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$36.63 CHF 29.79
$30.77 CHF 25.02
$49.23 CHF 40.03
Cinema Ticket
$24.26 CHF 19.72
$21.83 CHF 17.75
$32.74 CHF 26.62
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$3,502 CHF 2,848
$2,502 CHF 2,034
$5,628 CHF 4,576
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$33.7K CHF 27.4K
$25.1K CHF 20.4K
$43.9K CHF 35.7K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$135 CHF 110
$97.1 CHF 78.9
$169 CHF 137
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$80 CHF 65.1
$36.55 CHF 29.72
$121 CHF 98.1
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$162 CHF 131
$122 CHF 99.1
$268 CHF 218
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$215 CHF 175
$113 CHF 91.9
$251 CHF 204
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,384 CHF 1,939
$1,884 CHF 1,532
$3,015 CHF 2,452
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,033 CHF 1,653
$1,597 CHF 1,299
$2,457 CHF 1,998
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$4,655 CHF 3,785
$3,653 CHF 2,970
$6,089 CHF 4,951
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$3,838 CHF 3,121
$3,056 CHF 2,485
$4,890 CHF 3,976
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$21.2K CHF 17.2K
$18.1K CHF 14.8K
$26.6K CHF 21.6K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$17.1K CHF 13.9K
$14.6K CHF 11.9K
$21.7K CHF 17.7K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$8,089 CHF 6,577
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
2.46
2
2.5
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
City tags:
Cost of Living in Geneva - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Geneva compare in affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Geneva sits toward the higher end of living costs, but the city delivers exceptional public services, safety, and a well-organized urban rhythm that many travelers and remote workers value. Expect price variability by neighborhood and season, with housing and dining typically shaping the budget more than transit or healthcare. Those who prioritize a short, efficient commute, multilingual amenities, and frequent international connections often find value here, even when rent is a major consideration. Cost of Living in Geneva, Switzerland reflects a premium on quality, location, and convenience, especially around the lake and old town. Tip: scan housing options near tram lines and factor maintenance costs into your overall plan.
What are practical tips for daily life in Geneva, such as housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
Geneva offers efficient transit, robust markets, and a mix of international and local flavors that shape daily choices. For housing, explore neighborhoods like Carouge, Eaux-Vives, or Plainpalais to balance rent, proximity, and character. In meals, local markets and seasonal produce help you maintain variety without breaking the budget. Transport is convenient: an extensive tram network, bike lanes, and walkable centers; a monthly pass can simplify planning. For errands, group activities, and co-working days save both time and energy. Understanding Geneva, Switzerland living cost helps you tailor decisions about housing and groceries. Tip: map your routine around off-peak transit times to stretch your budget further.
How can you optimize quality of life in Geneva while budgeting and choosing the right neighborhood?
Focus on a simple budgeting framework: separate fixed housing costs from flexible daily expenses, then test two or three neighborhood clusters for access to transit, parks, and groceries. In Geneva, the lakefront and Old Town offer lifestyle perks, while areas farther from the center tend to feel calmer and more affordable. Embrace seasonal activities - winter markets, spring walks, and summer lake days - to stack free or low-cost experiences. Save by cooking at home, using markets, and taking advantage of library events and coworking deals. Tip: choose a base near reliable transport to keep travel time predictable and meals affordable.
Join the CityCost newsletter – low traffic, no spam, and easy to unsubscribe. Your email stays private.