Geneva's international character makes it attractive for couples relocating from abroad. This assessment calculates the cost of living for two adults in this cosmopolitan city. With many employers offering partner assistance programs and a diverse expat community, Geneva provides excellent support for accompanying partners. Our tool estimates combined monthly expenses including Geneva's competitive rental market, Swiss health insurance for two, cantonal taxes, and lifestyle costs to help plan your joint Switzerland relocation.
Real calculator output for a couple in Genève
Based on real Swiss cantonal tax logic, housing indices, and mandatory health insurance baselines.
| Category | Monthly Amount | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Monthly Salary | CHF 16’000 | Base salary input for couple |
| Taxes (cantonal & federal) | −CHF 4’800to−CHF 6’720 | Canton Genève: 30%–42% rate |
| Rent (city center) | −CHF 2’900 | Genève market rate (2-bedroom) |
| Health Insurance | −CHF 960 | Genève base premium |
| Food & Groceries | −CHF 792 | Local price index × 2 occupants |
| Transport | −CHF 45 | Genève public transport pass |
| Utilities | −CHF 173 | Adjusted for 2 occupants |
| Lifestyle | −CHF 915 | Medium tier × Genève multiplier |
| Estimated Monthly Savings | CHF 3’495toCHF 5’415 | Net after all deductions |
Small changes in rent or tax canton can shift monthly savings by several hundred CHF.
Example Scenario: A professional earning CHF 16’000/month in Genève retains approximately CHF 3’495–5’415 after all expenses. The same salary in Zürich would retain CHF 4’662–6’262 — Zürich offers CHF 1’007/month more (CHF 12’084/year).
Understanding what makes Genève unique helps you evaluate if it's the right fit for your relocation.
Compared to Zürich, Genève offers approximately CHF 1’007 lower monthly savings at the same gross salary. Compared to Basel, housing is higher but overall savings remain competitive.
For professionals weighing Genève against Swiss Average, Swiss Average offers lower taxes by approximately CHF 1720/month. However, Genève may compensate through other factors like housing or lifestyle costs.
Genève vs Swiss Average housing: Genève requires CHF 1622/month more for housing than Swiss Average. Couples sharing costs may find this trade-off acceptable for career benefits.
Canton Genève vs Swiss Average: higher premiums than Swiss Average (CHF 480 vs CHF 383 base). Couples pay double premiums, amplifying canton differences. Choose cantons with lower base premiums to optimize household costs.
Genève vs Swiss average: slightly higher food costs than Swiss Average (110% vs 101% of baseline). While individual purchases differ modestly, cumulative grocery and dining expenses add CHF 50–150/month variance between Swiss cities.
Genève vs Swiss Average: lower transport costs than Swiss Average (CHF 45 vs CHF 67). With excellent Swiss public transit, most professionals avoid car ownership—a decision that saves CHF 500–800/month versus driving.
Genève vs Swiss Average: higher entertainment costs than Swiss Average (1.22× vs 1.02× multiplier). Professionals choosing Swiss Average for savings can reallocate CHF 282/month toward lifestyle upgrades or accelerated wealth building.
See how changing city, salary, and household type impacts your real monthly savings.
Start Free Calculator