If you live in either of these two cities, you know how expensive they can get — especially in terms of rents and costs of living overall.
So how much should you (ideally) earn to live comfortably in each of these cities?
Obviously, for many people ‘living comfortably’ is a subjective concept — for some, it is being able to afford the basics and have a bit left over, while for others it is living in the lap of luxury.
Depending on which category fits you best, your current pay may either be sufficient to satisfy your needs, or you may find your wages lacking.
Let’s have a factual look at wages in both cities
Based on the September 2024 figures from Numbeo cost of living database, the average monthly salary in Zurich is 7,156.91 francs.
In Geneva, it is over 600 francs less: 6,503.24 francs.
Both are net wages, which means the obligatory social and pension contributions have already been deducted.
That amounts to an annual salary of 85,872 and 78,036 francs, respectively
These figures being averages, you could expect your income to be lower or higher, depending on your job and experience.
But if you are a highly skilled professional, you will likely earn more than these averages.
READ ALSO: Is Geneva or Zurich better for job prospects?
For instance, generally speaking, foreigners in high managerial positions have an average salary of 130,000 francs per year.
And you may get a better idea what average pay is for your line of work on this job recruitment site, in Zurich and Geneva.
What is left of these wages after all the bills are paid?
READ MORE: Zurich vs Geneva - Which city is most expensive to live in?
Housing
In terms of rents, Geneva’s are slightly above Zurich’s, mainly due to its geography: the canton is nestled in the southwest corner of the country, where it is wedged between France and Lake Geneva. The land for new constructions is therefore limited, while the demand for new accommodations is growing steadily.
Three-bedroom apartments outside of city centre cost about 3,952.65 francs in Geneva, versus 3,654.64 francs in Zurich.
Now, not every family will necessarily need such a spacious flat; for many a two-bedroom apartment could suffice. Numbeo doesn’t list current rents for dwellings of this size, but you could easily pay several hundred francs less.
Health insurance
Premiums depend on a variety of factors, including your age and your chosen deductible, among others.
But in general, rates are higher in Geneva (502 francs per month) than in Zurich (441 francs), according to Moneyland consumer platform — but again, these are averages.
Taxes
READ ALSO: Six big differences between Zurich and Geneva
The maximum tax rate for the basic cantonal tax in Zurich is 13 percent.
In Geneva, taxes on the medium-wage tax bracket (from 75,046 to 122,900 francs a year) is 15.5 percent.
But here too a lot depends on the number of children you have and other deductibles that are able to claim.
Other fixed charges
Basic utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage disposal) for an 85-square-metre appartment, as well as mobile phone monthly plan and internet: 366.95 in Zurich versus 306.08 in Geneva.
Public transport
A monthly pass costs 70 francs in Geneva and 87 francs in Zurich.
These numbers give you an overall view (though of course a very general one) of wages versus costs of living in these two cities.
Keep in mind that all the figures mentioned above are approximate and based on averages, and your situation may be quite different — either for better or for worse.
Much depends on how many children you have, and — most importantly — whether both parents work and earn a salary.
Though situations between the countries, both from the salary and cost of living perspectives vary — this is how Zurich and Geneva compare with two German cities, Berlin and Munich:
Munich vs Berlin: What's considered a good salary for foreign workers?
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