Cost Comparison 2025

TaipeivsGeneva

Taiwan
Switzerland

Overall

💰

+69.2%

Taipei is 69.2%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+150.0%

Housing is 150.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+118.2%

Restaurants 118.2% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+53.3%

Food shopping 53.3% more

Comparing the cost of living between Taipei, Taiwan and Geneva, Switzerland reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Taipei is more expensive than Geneva by approximately 69.2%. 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 Taipei are lower than in Geneva by 60%. A one-bedroom apartment in Taipei's city center costs around NT$25,000, while the same in Geneva is approximately CHF 3,000.

Dining out in Taipei offers significant savings compared to Geneva. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs NT$120 in Taipei versus CHF 25 in Geneva.

Public transportation in Taipei is more expensive, with monthly passes at NT$1,280 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 Taipei.

Grocery shopping in Taipei is more affordable by approximately 35%. 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 Taipei can expect to spend approximately NT$9,880 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 NT$34,580 monthly in Taipei 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
Taipei, Taiwan
Geneva, Switzerland

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
NT$25,000
CHF 3,000
1BR Outside Center
NT$15,000
CHF 2,200
3BR City Center
NT$50,000
CHF 5,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

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

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
NT$95
CHF 2
Bread (500g)
NT$50
CHF 3
Eggs (12)
NT$80
CHF 6
Cheese (1kg)
NT$600
CHF 25

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
NT$25
CHF 3
Monthly Pass
NT$1,280
CHF 80
Taxi Start
NT$85
CHF 7
Gasoline (1L)
NT$32
CHF 2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
NT$2,500
CHF 200
Internet (60 Mbps)
NT$900
CHF 60
Mobile Minute
NT$5
CHF 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Taipei 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 Taipei 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

Taipei

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index70

Geneva

Cost of Living Index110
Rent Index100
Purchasing Power Index125

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Taipei more expensive than Geneva?

Yes, Taipei is approximately 69.2% more expensive than Geneva overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.7x of your Geneva salary when living in Taipei. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Geneva, you'd need about $84,615 in Taipei for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Taipei and Geneva?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 60%, 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 Taipei if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Geneva for better value.

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

In Taipei, a single person needs approximately NT$24,880 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about NT$64,580. 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 Taipei 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 Taipei

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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