Cost Comparison 2025

GenevavsSingapore

Switzerland
Singapore

Overall

💰

-13.6%

Geneva is 13.6%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-10.0%

Housing is 10.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-33.3%

Restaurants 33.3% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-26.1%

Food shopping 26.1% less

Comparing the cost of living between Geneva, Switzerland and Singapore, Singapore reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Geneva is more affordable than Singapore by approximately 13.6%. 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 Singapore by 11%. A one-bedroom apartment in Geneva's city center costs around CHF 3,000, while the same in Singapore is approximately SGD 3,500.

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

Public transportation in Geneva is more affordable, with monthly passes at CHF 80 compared to SGD 120 in Singapore.

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

Grocery shopping in Geneva is more expensive by approximately 35%. 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 Singapore, the same lifestyle would cost around SGD 777. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CHF 2,794 monthly in Geneva versus SGD 2,720 in Singapore. 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
Singapore, Singapore

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CHF 3,000
SGD 3,500
1BR Outside Center
CHF 2,200
SGD 2,500
3BR City Center
CHF 5,500
SGD 7,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CHF 25
SGD 15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CHF 120
SGD 100
Cappuccino
CHF 5
SGD 6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CHF 8
SGD 10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CHF 2
SGD 3
Bread (500g)
CHF 3
SGD 3
Eggs (12)
CHF 6
SGD 4
Cheese (1kg)
CHF 25
SGD 20

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CHF 3
SGD 2
Monthly Pass
CHF 80
SGD 120
Taxi Start
CHF 7
SGD 4
Gasoline (1L)
CHF 2
SGD 3

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CHF 200
SGD 200
Internet (60 Mbps)
CHF 60
SGD 50
Mobile Minute
CHF 0
SGD 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Singapore 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 Singapore 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

Singapore

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index90
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Geneva more expensive than Singapore?

No, Geneva is approximately 13.6% cheaper than Singapore. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 88% of your Singapore salary when living in Geneva. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Singapore, you'd need about $44,000 in Geneva for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Geneva and Singapore?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 50%, 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 Singapore for affordability.

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

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 Singapore, these figures are SGD 3,277 for singles and SGD 7,220 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Geneva and Singapore in 2025 shows notable 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 Singapore to maintain your lifestyle from Geneva

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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