Cost Comparison 2025

GenevavsAuckland

Switzerland
New Zealand

Overall

💰

-29.1%

Geneva is 29.1%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-35.0%

Housing is 35.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-35.0%

Restaurants 35.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-30.4%

Food shopping 30.4% less

Comparing the cost of living between Geneva, Switzerland and Auckland, New Zealand reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Geneva is more affordable than Auckland by approximately 29.1%. 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 Geneva are higher than in Auckland by 54%. A one-bedroom apartment in Geneva's city center costs around CHF 3,000, while the same in Auckland is approximately NZ$2,400.

Dining out in Geneva is notably more expensive compared to Auckland. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CHF 25 in Geneva versus NZ$25 in Auckland.

Public transportation in Geneva is more affordable, with monthly passes at CHF 80 compared to NZ$215 in Auckland.

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

Grocery shopping in Geneva is more expensive by approximately 44%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Geneva can expect to spend approximately CHF 798 per month (excluding rent), while in Auckland, the same lifestyle would cost around NZ$893. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CHF 2,794 monthly in Geneva versus NZ$3,126 in Auckland. 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
Geneva, Switzerland
Auckland, New Zealand

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CHF 3,000
NZ$2,400
1BR Outside Center
CHF 2,200
NZ$1,900
3BR City Center
CHF 5,500
NZ$4,200

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CHF 25
NZ$25
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CHF 120
NZ$120
Cappuccino
CHF 5
NZ$6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CHF 8
NZ$12

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CHF 2
NZ$3
Bread (500g)
CHF 3
NZ$3
Eggs (12)
CHF 6
NZ$6
Cheese (1kg)
CHF 25
NZ$13

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CHF 3
NZ$4
Monthly Pass
CHF 80
NZ$215
Taxi Start
CHF 7
NZ$5
Gasoline (1L)
CHF 2
NZ$3

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CHF 200
NZ$170
Internet (60 Mbps)
CHF 60
NZ$85
Mobile Minute
CHF 0
NZ$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Auckland 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 Auckland 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

Geneva

Cost of Living Index110
Rent Index100
Purchasing Power Index125

Auckland

Cost of Living Index78
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index88

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Geneva more expensive than Auckland?

No, Geneva is approximately 29.1% cheaper than Auckland. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 77% of your Auckland salary when living in Geneva. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Auckland, you'd need about $38,732 in Geneva for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Geneva and Auckland?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 54%, 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 Geneva if you prioritize earning potential, or Auckland for affordability.

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

In Geneva, a single person needs approximately CHF 2,998 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about CHF 6,794. In Auckland, these figures are NZ$2,793 for singles and NZ$6,326 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Geneva and Auckland 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 Auckland to maintain your lifestyle from Geneva

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers