Cost Comparison 2025

BangkokvsGeneva

Thailand
Switzerland

Overall

💰

+120.0%

Bangkok is 120.0%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+185.7%

Housing is 185.7% higher

Dining

🍽️

+242.9%

Restaurants 242.9% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+109.1%

Food shopping 109.1% more

Comparing the cost of living between Bangkok, Thailand and Geneva, Switzerland reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Bangkok is more expensive than Geneva by approximately 120.0%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Bangkok are lower than in Geneva by 65%. A one-bedroom apartment in Bangkok's city center costs around THB 20,000, while the same in Geneva is approximately CHF 3,000.

Dining out in Bangkok offers significant savings compared to Geneva. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs THB 80 in Bangkok versus CHF 25 in Geneva.

Public transportation in Bangkok is more expensive, with monthly passes at THB 1,200 compared to CHF 80 in Geneva.

Purchasing power in Geneva is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Bangkok.

Grocery shopping in Bangkok is more affordable by approximately 52%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Bangkok can expect to spend approximately THB 8,710 per month (excluding rent), while in Geneva, the same lifestyle would cost around CHF 798. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about THB 30,485 monthly in Bangkok versus CHF 2,794 in Geneva. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Bangkok, Thailand
Geneva, Switzerland

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
THB 20,000
CHF 3,000
1BR Outside Center
THB 10,000
CHF 2,200
3BR City Center
THB 50,000
CHF 5,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
THB 80
CHF 25
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
THB 800
CHF 120
Cappuccino
THB 80
CHF 5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
THB 80
CHF 8

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
THB 50
CHF 2
Bread (500g)
THB 40
CHF 3
Eggs (12)
THB 50
CHF 6
Cheese (1kg)
THB 350
CHF 25

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
THB 30
CHF 3
Monthly Pass
THB 1,200
CHF 80
Taxi Start
THB 35
CHF 7
Gasoline (1L)
THB 40
CHF 2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
THB 2,500
CHF 200
Internet (60 Mbps)
THB 600
CHF 60
Mobile Minute
THB 2
CHF 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Bangkok to Geneva, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Geneva to Bangkok requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Bangkok

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index40

Geneva

Cost of Living Index110
Rent Index100
Purchasing Power Index125

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bangkok more expensive than Geneva?

Yes, Bangkok is approximately 120.0% more expensive than Geneva overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Bangkok compared to Geneva?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 2.2x of your Geneva salary when living in Bangkok. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Geneva, you'd need about $110,000 in Bangkok for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Bangkok and Geneva?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 71%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Geneva offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Geneva provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Bangkok if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Geneva for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Bangkok vs Geneva?

In Bangkok, a single person needs approximately THB 18,710 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about THB 55,485. In Geneva, these figures are CHF 2,998 for singles and CHF 6,794 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Bangkok and Geneva in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Geneva to maintain your lifestyle from Bangkok

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers