Geneva vs Gothenburg
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Gothenburg is ~59% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Geneva
Switzerland
COL+Rent
89.4
Rent Index
59.2
Groceries
129.2
Restaurant
128.7
Gothenburg
Sweden
COL+Rent
37
Rent Index
18.5
Groceries
47.7
Restaurant
45
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Geneva | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,622 | $819 | +$1,803 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,082 | $644 | +$1,438 |
| Groceries | $734 | $271 | +$463 |
| Restaurant Meal | $36 | $14 | +$22 |
| Transit Pass | $92 | $75 | +$17 |
| Utilities | $234 | $82 | +$152 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Geneva | Gothenburg |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $3,066/mo | $1,047/mo |
| Typical | $4,222/mo | $1,457/mo |
| Comfortable | $5,302/mo | $1,844/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Geneva | ≈ in Gothenburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $621/mo | -$879 |
| $2,000/mo | $828/mo | -$1,172 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,242/mo | -$1,758 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Geneva vs Gothenburg for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Gothenburg is approximately 59% more affordable than Geneva when combining rent and daily living costs. Geneva's COL+Rent Index of 89.4 vs Gothenburg's 37 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Geneva costs $2,622/month versus $819/month in Gothenburg — giving Gothenburg a $1,803/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $21,636 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Geneva ($734/mo) vs Gothenburg ($271/mo) reflect Gothenburg's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $36 vs $14 show Gothenburg offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Gothenburg offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,457 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.