Cost of living in Geneva
Geneva, a global city in Switzerland, is known for its high quality of life and international influence. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or planning a visit.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Geneva, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $32.81 on average, with a range between $22.63 and $56.56.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $135.75, with prices ranging from $101.82 to $169.69.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $16.97, with a range between $16.97 and $22.06.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5.66 to $11.31, imported beer $5.66 to $11.31, cappuccino $3.96 to $6.79, and Coke/Pepsi $3.39 to $6.79.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.36 and $2.26 per liter, averaging $1.93.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.36 and $5.09, with an average price of $3.85.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $5.02 to $11.31, averaging $7.52.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.26 to $5.88 per kg, while oranges range from $1.7 to $5.66 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.81 and $3.39 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.7 to $2.83 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $3.39 and $4.24, with a monthly pass priced between $48.74 and $84.85.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.99 and $2.26 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $5.66, with a cost of $3.39 to $5.66 per km and $50.91 to $90.5 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1696.93 to $2828.21, averaging $2176.87.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1475.13 to $2488.83, averaging $1926.6.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3393.85 to $5656.42, averaging $4431.93.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2828.21 to $4525.14, averaging $3545.92.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $14706.7 to $24888.26, averaging $19213.11.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $13575.41 to $19684.35, averaging $15460.89.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $131.13 and $339.39, averaging $232.4.
- Internet - Internet services range from $45.25 to $107.47, with an average cost of $59.11.
Cost of Living Rankings
Geneva ranks 2nd on the Cost of Living rankings in Switzerland. The cost of living indices for Switzerland are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Switzerland, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Geneva is known for its high cost of living, with significant expenses in housing and dining.
Renting in the city centre is notably expensive, but options outside the centre offer some savings.
Dining out can be costly, especially in mid-range restaurants, but there are more affordable options available.
Public transportation is relatively affordable, and owning a car involves high fuel costs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Geneva offers a high standard of living with corresponding costs. Potential residents should prepare for substantial expenses, particularly in housing and dining.
While the city is expensive, it also provides excellent public services and a vibrant cultural scene, making it a desirable place to live for those who can afford it.