Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva, Switzerland

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on May 06, 2023

Summary: People describe Geneva, Switzerland as a beautiful, cosmopolitan city with a stunning lake and mountain backdrop. Expats love the city's international atmosphere, its excellent public transportation system, and its proximity to the Alps. The weather in Geneva is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit throughout the year. The average cost of living for an expat is quite high, with estimates ranging from $2,500 to $4,000 per month. The cost of a one bedroom apartment in Geneva is typically around $1,500 to $2,500 per month, while a two bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,500 per month. The approximate population of Geneva is around 200,000 people.

Universal Tax
Universal Tax
Universal Tax
Universal Tax

What do I need to know about living in Geneva?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Geneva, they said:

"Before retiring in Geneva, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is higher than in many other countries. They should also be aware of the language barrier, as French is the main language spoken in Geneva. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system in Geneva, as it is different from many other countries. It is also important to research the tax system in Geneva, as taxes can be high. Finally, expats should research the visa requirements for living in Geneva, as they may need to obtain a residence permit," said one expat in Geneva.

"Don't bother bringing anything unless you are totally convinced that you won't be able to get it in Geneva. If you can think of something that fits that catagory I would love to know what it was as I haven't found anything (a long while ago we couldn't find "crunchy" peanut butter but forget that problem, it's here) lacking here. Go to the library and check out a couple of books on Switzerland. The locals will be amazed when you are able to demonstrate any knowledge about history, especially theirs. North Americans have been judged, and rightfully so, deficient in an appreciation of history and the role it plays in Europe generally. You will have to read the books, by the way," said one expat who made the move to Geneva.

Answer Question & View More Answers

Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.
International Citizens InsuranceInternational Citizens Insurance

Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.
GET QUOTES

What do I need to know before moving to Geneva?

Answer Question & View More Answers

Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.
International Citizens InsuranceInternational Citizens Insurance

Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.
GET QUOTES

Answer Question & View More Answers

Answer Question & View More Answers

Answer Question & View More Answers

Answer Question & View More Answers

Answer Question & View More Answers

International Citizens Insurance

Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.

Learn MoreGET QUOTES

International Citizens Insurance

Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.

Learn MoreGET QUOTES

Answer Question & View More Answers

Answer Question & View More Answers

Answer Question & View More Answers

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Lake Geneva, Switzerland

International Citizens Insurance
International Citizens Insurance

Get comparison quotes from Cigna, Allianz, IMG, GeoBlue and more.
GET QUOTES

International Citizens InsuranceInternational Citizens Insurance

Get comparison quotes from Cigna, Allianz, IMG, GeoBlue and more.
GET QUOTES

Contribute to Switzerland Network Contribute
Help others in Switzerland by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Switzerland.

Universal Tax
Universal Tax

Copyright 1997-2023 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal