Geneva VS Krakow

Cost of Living & Salary Comparison 2026

Geneva
Switzerland
118.6
COLI Index
#2
Global Rank
CHF
Currency
Krakow
Poland
23.8
COLI Index
#101
Global Rank
PLN
Currency

Key Differences

Cost of Living
118.6
23.8
1BR Rent (USD/mo)
$2,600
$550
Total Deductions
42.2%
20.6%
Exchange Rate
1 CHF = 4.8327 PLN
Is Geneva cheaper than Krakow?

Yes, Krakow is 80% cheaper than Geneva based on our cost of living index. Krakow has a COLI of 23.8, while Geneva has a COLI of 118.6. 80% cheaper

Key Takeaways: Geneva vs Krakow

Overall, Krakow is approximately 80% cheaper than Geneva based on our cost of living index. Geneva has a COLI of 118.6 (ranked #2 of 182 cities), while Krakow has a COLI of 23.8 (ranked #101).

When it comes to housing, one-bedroom apartment rent in Geneva averages $2,600/month compared to $550/month in Krakow. That makes Krakow approximately 79% cheaper for rent alone.

Krakow has lower total deductions (20.6%) compared to Geneva (42.2%), meaning you keep more of your gross salary in Krakow. When evaluating a relocation, remember that total deductions directly impact your take-home pay and should be weighed alongside cost of living differences.

Tax & Deductions Comparison

Full breakdown of mandatory payroll deductions for a mid-range salary as a local employee in each city.

Geneva

Income Tax
10%
AHV/IV/EO + ALV
6.4%
Cantonal + Municipal Tax (Genève)
26%
Total: 42.2%Take-Home: CHF 41,639/yr

Krakow

Income Tax
7%
ZUS Contributions
13.7%
Total: 20.6%Take-Home: zł 55,525/yr

Rates shown for local employees. Expat deductions may differ — use the main converter for personalized calculations.

Salary Equivalent

If you earn CHF 60,768 in Geneva, you would need approximately zł 58,933 in Krakow to maintain the same purchasing power. That is 80% less thanks to lower cost of living.

Salary Comparison by Job Title

Estimated mid-level annual salaries in local currency, adjusted for each city's cost of living:

Job Title Geneva (CHF) Krakow (PLN)
Doctor (General) CHF 172,970 zł 167,747
Software Engineer CHF 81,680 zł 79,214
Product Manager CHF 96,095 zł 93,193
Lawyer CHF 96,095 zł 93,193
Data Scientist CHF 91,290 zł 88,533
Marketing Manager CHF 69,188 zł 67,099
Teacher CHF 46,125 zł 44,733
Nurse CHF 55,735 zł 54,052

Salary estimates are adjusted by each city's COLI relative to the New York baseline. Actual salaries vary by company, experience, and industry.

Neighborhoods

Geneva (Top 5)

NeighborhoodMultiplier
Cologny1.35x (+35%)
Champel1.25x (+25%)
Eaux-Vives1.20x (+20%)
Florissant1.18x (+18%)
Nations1.15x (+15%)

Krakow (Top 5)

NeighborhoodMultiplier
Old Town (Stare Miasto)1.28x (+28%)
Kazimierz1.18x (+18%)
Zwierzyniec1.10x (+10%)
Zabłocie1.08x (+8%)
Podgórze1.05x (+5%)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Geneva or Krakow more expensive?

Geneva is more expensive overall. Geneva has a COLI of 118.6 while Krakow has a COLI of 23.8, making Krakow approximately 80% cheaper.

What salary in Krakow equals CHF 60,768 in Geneva?

To maintain the same standard of living as CHF 60,768 in Geneva, you would need approximately zł 58,933 in Krakow.

Is rent cheaper in Geneva or Krakow?

Average one-bedroom rent in Geneva is $2,600/month compared to $550/month in Krakow. Krakow has lower rent by approximately 79%.

Which city has lower taxes, Geneva or Krakow?

Krakow has lower total deductions (20.6%) compared to Geneva (42.2%), meaning you keep more of your gross salary in Krakow.

Explore Each City

Data Sources & Methodology

Cost of living indices (COLI) are benchmarked to New York City = 100 and derived from Numbeo and Expatistan crowd-sourced price surveys, cross-referenced with national statistics agencies. Rent data from Numbeo Property Prices.

Salary ranges are compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OES), Glassdoor, and PayScale. Tax rates are approximate effective rates for mid-range earners based on OECD Taxing Wages and national tax authorities. Exchange rates from the European Central Bank. Neighborhood multipliers are estimated from local rental indices and property data.

Last updated: 2026-02-28. Data is refreshed periodically. All figures are estimates for informational purposes only.