Gothenburg vs Geneva
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Gothenburg is ~59% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Gothenburg
Sweden
COL+Rent
37
Rent Index
18.5
Groceries
47.7
Restaurant
45
Geneva
Switzerland
COL+Rent
89.4
Rent Index
59.2
Groceries
129.2
Restaurant
128.7
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Gothenburg | Geneva | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $819 | $2,622 | $1,803 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $644 | $2,082 | $1,438 |
| Groceries | $271 | $734 | $463 |
| Restaurant Meal | $14 | $36 | $22 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $92 | $17 |
| Utilities | $82 | $234 | $152 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Gothenburg | Geneva |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,047/mo | $3,066/mo |
| Typical | $1,457/mo | $4,222/mo |
| Comfortable | $1,844/mo | $5,302/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Gothenburg | ≈ in Geneva | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $3,624/mo | +$2,124 |
| $2,000/mo | $4,832/mo | +$2,832 |
| $3,000/mo | $7,249/mo | +$4,249 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Gothenburg vs Geneva for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Gothenburg is approximately 59% more affordable than Geneva when combining rent and daily living costs. Gothenburg's COL+Rent Index of 37 vs Geneva's 89.4 (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 Gothenburg costs $819/month versus $2,622/month in Geneva — 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 Gothenburg ($271/mo) vs Geneva ($734/mo) reflect Gothenburg's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $14 vs $36 show Gothenburg is the better value for dining out. 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.