Cost Comparison 2025

GenevavsEdinburgh

Switzerland
United Kingdom

Overall

💰

-31.8%

Geneva is 31.8%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-55.0%

Housing is 55.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-37.5%

Restaurants 37.5% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-39.1%

Food shopping 39.1% less

Comparing the cost of living between Geneva, Switzerland and Edinburgh, United Kingdom reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Geneva is more affordable than Edinburgh by approximately 31.8%. 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 Edinburgh by 122%. A one-bedroom apartment in Geneva's city center costs around CHF 3,000, while the same in Edinburgh is approximately £1,200.

Dining out in Geneva is notably more expensive compared to Edinburgh. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CHF 25 in Geneva versus £15 in Edinburgh.

Public transportation in Geneva is more expensive, with monthly passes at CHF 80 compared to £60 in Edinburgh.

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

Grocery shopping in Geneva is more expensive by approximately 64%. 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 Edinburgh, the same lifestyle would cost around £518. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CHF 2,794 monthly in Geneva versus £1,813 in Edinburgh. 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
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CHF 3,000
£1,200
1BR Outside Center
CHF 2,200
£900
3BR City Center
CHF 5,500
£2,200

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CHF 25
£15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CHF 120
£60
Cappuccino
CHF 5
£3
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CHF 8
£5

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CHF 2
£1
Bread (500g)
CHF 3
£1
Eggs (12)
CHF 6
£3
Cheese (1kg)
CHF 25
£8

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CHF 3
£2
Monthly Pass
CHF 80
£60
Taxi Start
CHF 7
£3
Gasoline (1L)
CHF 2
£2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CHF 200
£180
Internet (60 Mbps)
CHF 60
£35
Mobile Minute
CHF 0
£0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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

Edinburgh

Cost of Living Index75
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index85

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Geneva more expensive than Edinburgh?

No, Geneva is approximately 31.8% cheaper than Edinburgh. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 76% of your Edinburgh salary when living in Geneva. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Edinburgh, you'd need about $37,931 in Geneva for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Geneva and Edinburgh?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 122%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. 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 Edinburgh for affordability.

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

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 Edinburgh, these figures are £1,418 for singles and £3,413 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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