Cost Of Living For a Student in Geneve 2025

Average monthly spending for students in Geneve

How much money does a student need in a month to survive in Geneve?

Students in Geneve spend around 3,300 CHF per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 510 CHF or as high as 22,000 CHF. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Geneve?

We asked thousands of students about their spending habits and expenditure break down.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Geneve typically spend from 16% to 27% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 21% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 790 CHF with expenditure ranging from 120 CHF to 5,300 CHF. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for students

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Geneve ranges from 3% to 9% of total expenses with 5% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 130 CHF with 21 CHF and 880 CHF being the upper and lower limits for a student of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for students

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a student resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a student would expect to spend from 36 CHF to 1,500 CHF in a month on commuting with 230 CHF being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 6% of total spending on average but can go as low as 5% or as high as 12%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for students

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical student in a month in Geneve is 660 CHF. The cost of groceries can range between 100 CHF to 4,400 CHF. Students spend on average about 21% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 15% and 25% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students

Students in Geneve allocate 4% to 10% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 7%. The range of medical expenses range from 31 CHF to 1,300 CHF with 200 CHF being the norm for most students.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for students

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 26 CHF to 1,100 CHF with 160 CHF being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most students.

Education and schooling expenditure for students

Spending on education can vary drastically between different students. On average, education constitutes 19% of the monthly expenditure of students with 12% and 24% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 630 CHF per month with 97 CHF being the minimum spent amount and 4,200 CHF being the maximum.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

• 50% for needs and financial obligations

  This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

• 30% for wants and discretionary spending

  This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

• 20% for savings and emergency fund

  This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

Affordable living in Geneve

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Geneve?

Around 92% of surveyed students think that living in Geneve is affordable with proper budgeting while 7.8% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Geneve

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked students how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options71%

Few low-cost options30%

Based on the survey, 71% of the students living in Geneve have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 30% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Students

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked students of Geneve whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes92%

No7.8%

Based on the survey, 7.8% of the students living in Geneve said that they don't have an emergency fund while 92% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Switzerland

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy80%

We asked student guardians and parents in Geneve whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 20% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 80% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.

Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether students of Switzerland have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 10% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 90% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance10%

Easily manages finances90%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Geneve

Rent Cost in Geneve

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

610 CHF

920 CHF

2,400 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$690

$1,000

$2,800

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

920 CHF

1,500 CHF

3,700 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,000

$1,700

$4,100

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,200 CHF

1,800 CHF

4,900 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,400

$2,100

$5,500

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,500 CHF

2,400 CHF

6,700 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,700

$2,800

$7,500

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

2,900 CHF

7,300 CHF

15,000 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3,300

$8,300

$17,000

Townhouse monthly rent cost

2,400 CHF

3,700 CHF

10,000 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2,800

$4,100

$12,000

House monthly rent cost

2,900 CHF

7,300 CHF

15,000 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3,300

$8,300

$17,000

Villa monthly rent cost

3,700 CHF

9,200 CHF

15,000 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4,100

$10,000

$17,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Geneve ranges between 610 CHF and 2,400 CHF, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 920 CHF to 3,700 CHF. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,200 CHF and 4,900 CHF per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,500 CHF to 6,700 CHF. The average rent of a townhouse in Geneve is around 3,700 CHF while house rental costs can be as high as 7,300 CHF per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 3,700 CHF to 15,000 CHF per month.

Apartment and house prices in Geneve

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

120,000 CHF

180,000 CHF

370,000 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$140,000

$210,000

$410,000

1-bedroom apartment price

150,000 CHF

240,000 CHF

920,000 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$170,000

$280,000

$1M

2-bedroom apartment price

240,000 CHF

730,000 CHF

1.5M CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$280,000

$830,000

$1.7M

3-bedroom apartment price

810,000 CHF

1.2M CHF

3.7M CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$920,000

$1.4M

$4.1M

Townhouse price

1M CHF

2.4M CHF

9.2M CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.2M

$2.8M

$10M

House price

1.2M CHF

7.3M CHF

10M CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.4M

$8.3M

$12M

Villa price

1.5M CHF

8.1M CHF

12M CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.7M

$9.2M

$14M

The average price of a studio apartment in Geneve can range from 120,000 CHF to 370,000 CHF depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 150,000 CHF to 920,000 CHF. A villa can cost you 8.1M CHF on average with prices ranging from 1.5M CHF to 12M CHF.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

Property prices in Geneve can be x163 to x250 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x163 multiples of the average monthly salary in Geneve.

Rent to income ratio

The average rent-to-income ratio in Geneve is around 38%. This means that people pay 38% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 27% to 49% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Geneve

Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Geneve

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

21 CHF

130 CHF

880 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$23

$150

$990

Internet and cable cost

34 CHF

68 CHF

90 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$38

$77

$100

Mobile phone bill and charges

27 CHF

45 CHF

140 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$31

$51

$150

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 130 CHF. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 34 CHF to 90 CHF with 68 CHF being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 45 CHF but can range between 27 CHF and 140 CHF depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.

Energy / Utility expense to income ratio

The average utility-to-income ratio in Geneve is around 4.3%. This means that people pay 4.3% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 1.1% to 8.7% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Geneve

Prices and cost of goods and services in Geneve

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

6.8 CHF

14 CHF

23 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$7.7

$15

$26

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Geneve is approximatly 14 CHF with meal cost ranging from 6.8 CHF to 23 CHF. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

24 CHF

35 CHF

71 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$27

$40

$80

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 24 CHF and 71 CHF with 35 CHF being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Geneve.

Fine dining meal for one price

47 CHF

71 CHF

280 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$53

$80

$320

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 47 CHF to 280 CHF with the average cost being 71 CHF for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Geneve.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

5.7 CHF

9 CHF

14 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$6.4

$10

$15

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Geneve is around 9 CHF. Price ranges between 5.7 CHF and 14 CHF depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.

Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

4.5 CHF

5.4 CHF

6.8 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$5.1

$6.1

$7.7

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Geneve is 5.4 CHF. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 6.8 CHF and the minimum being 4.5 CHF depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

3.4 CHF

4.5 CHF

6.8 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.8

$5.1

$7.7

A dozen eggs costs around 4.5 CHF on average with 3.4 CHF and 6.8 CHF being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

7.7 CHF

10 CHF

14 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$8.7

$11

$16

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Geneve is between 7.7 CHF and 14 CHF depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 10 CHF.

Pack of beef price

9 CHF

14 CHF

27 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$10

$15

$31

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 14 CHF. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

3.6 CHF

5 CHF

7.1 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4.1

$5.6

$8

A bag of rice in Geneve costs around 5 CHF on average with prices rangeing between 3.6 CHF and 7.1 CHF depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

1.4 CHF

1.8 CHF

3.4 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.5

$2

$3.8

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 1.4 CHF to 3.4 CHF. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

2.4 CHF

3.2 CHF

5.2 CHF

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.7

$3.6

$5.9

A bag of apples costs 3.2 CHF on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Geneve is around 26%. This means that students spend 26% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 17% to 33% depending on salary and location.

Expenditure on food and grocery for students