Geneva VS Stockholm

Cost of Living & Salary Comparison 2026

Geneva
Switzerland
118.6
COLI Index
#2
Global Rank
CHF
Currency
Stockholm
Sweden
64.3
COLI Index
#34
Global Rank
SEK
Currency

Key Differences

Cost of Living
118.6
64.3
1BR Rent (USD/mo)
$2,600
$1,500
Total Deductions
42.2%
39.0%
Exchange Rate
1 CHF = 11.2361 SEK
Is Geneva cheaper than Stockholm?

Yes, Stockholm is 46% cheaper than Geneva based on our cost of living index. Stockholm has a COLI of 64.3, while Geneva has a COLI of 118.6. 46% cheaper

Key Takeaways: Geneva vs Stockholm

Overall, Stockholm is approximately 46% cheaper than Geneva based on our cost of living index. Geneva has a COLI of 118.6 (ranked #2 of 182 cities), while Stockholm has a COLI of 64.3 (ranked #34).

When it comes to housing, one-bedroom apartment rent in Geneva averages $2,600/month compared to $1,500/month in Stockholm. That makes Stockholm approximately 42% cheaper for rent alone.

Stockholm has lower total deductions (39.0%) compared to Geneva (42.2%), meaning you keep more of your gross salary in Stockholm. 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

Stockholm

Income Tax
32%
Employee Social Fees
7.0%
Total: 39.0%Take-Home: kr 267,812/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 kr 370,182 in Stockholm to maintain the same purchasing power. That is 46% 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) Stockholm (SEK)
Doctor (General) CHF 172,970 kr 1,053,687
Software Engineer CHF 81,680 kr 497,575
Product Manager CHF 96,095 kr 585,382
Lawyer CHF 96,095 kr 585,382
Data Scientist CHF 91,290 kr 556,113
Marketing Manager CHF 69,188 kr 421,475
Teacher CHF 46,125 kr 280,983
Nurse CHF 55,735 kr 339,521

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%)

Stockholm (Top 5)

NeighborhoodMultiplier
Östermalm1.32x (+32%)
Norrmalm1.22x (+22%)
Gamla Stan1.20x (+20%)
Djurgården1.18x (+18%)
Södermalm1.15x (+15%)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Geneva or Stockholm more expensive?

Geneva is more expensive overall. Geneva has a COLI of 118.6 while Stockholm has a COLI of 64.3, making Stockholm approximately 46% cheaper.

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

To maintain the same standard of living as CHF 60,768 in Geneva, you would need approximately kr 370,182 in Stockholm.

Is rent cheaper in Geneva or Stockholm?

Average one-bedroom rent in Geneva is $2,600/month compared to $1,500/month in Stockholm. Stockholm has lower rent by approximately 42%.

Which city has lower taxes, Geneva or Stockholm?

Stockholm has lower total deductions (39.0%) compared to Geneva (42.2%), meaning you keep more of your gross salary in Stockholm.

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.