Pros of Living in Geneva

It’s Very Multicultural

Geneva is Switzerland’s most cosmopolitan city, with around 40% of its residents being foreigners. It is home to the European headquarters of over 400 NGOs as well as the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, and the World Health Organisation. Additionally, the city is located on the border of France, and it offers great transport links to destinations around the world. This makes it a highly sought-after destination for both businesses and individuals.

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Thanks to its multicultural nature, Geneva is a welcoming and inclusive place for newcomers. There are many international associations, so expats can quickly build up a network and social circle. Because people from over 190 nationalities live in Geneva, foreign residents often encounter others from their home country, and they can benefit from the incredible cultural richness of this city.

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Working Conditions Are Good

Professionals in Geneva benefit from high wages. While the average Swiss salary for upper and middle management positions is just under CHF 10,700 per month, those living in the greater Geneva area can expect to earn over CHF 11,100.

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Despite this, there is a strong focus on work-life balance. A typical work week is made up of 40-42 hours, and employees aren’t usually expected to be contactable in the evenings and at weekends.

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There’s a Lot to Do in the Area

There’s something for everyone in Geneva. A particular highlight is the area around the lake, as there are many bars, cafes, and outdoor swimming areas to enjoy. Locals often head there after work or at weekends, especially in the summer. Other things to do and see are:

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• Natural scenery: The area is great for hikers and nature lovers because there are so many trails, some of which lead through the Alps or the Jura mountains.

• History: St. Peter’s Cathedral, the Reformation Wall, and the old town are some of the most famous sights. Additionally, there are several castles dotted around Lake Geneva.

• Culture: Geneva is home to 36 museums as well as several theatres and art galleries.

• Restaurants: You can find a fantastic range of options. The Michelin Guide lists 74 restaurants in Geneva and the surrounding area. On top of that, there are countless smaller restaurants featuring dishes from around the world.

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Public and International Transport Is Excellent

Public transport in and around Geneva is quick, safe, and affordable. A monthly travelcard for the city costs just CHF 70, and an annual one costs CHF 500, with reduced prices available for children and pensioners.

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From Geneva’s main train station, you can get to many destinations in Europe. There are fast trains to all large Swiss cities as well as Paris and Lyon. You can also easily travel to other neighbouring countries like Italy and Germany, although you may have to change trains along the way.

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The Language Barrier Is Smaller

Unlike in Zurich, Bern, Zug, and Basel, where German and Swiss German are spoken, the primary language in Geneva is French. Swiss French is very similar to the language used in France, so someone who already knows French won’t have any trouble getting around. This makes life easier for expats because expats don’t have to worry about learning both a standard and a spoken version.

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Additionally, most people in Geneva speak good English. Because many companies are international, some workplaces are primarily English-speaking.

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The Schools Are Good

When living in Geneva, you don’t have to send your children to a private school. The public schools are excellent, and there are programmes to help foreign students integrate more easily. Additionally, the rate of students achieving the ‘maturité gymnasiale’, the degree that allows them to study at university, is high. This means that the direct path to university is more common in Geneva than in other Swiss cantons.

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In addition to high-quality public schools, private options are available. Geneva has an International School, an English School, a German School, and several others.

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Cons of Living in Geneva

The Cost of Living

According to the Mercer cost of living city ranking, Geneva is the fourth most expensive city. Both luxury items and essentials like rent and food can cost a lot. However, there are various ways of keeping your outgoings down, such as using public transport instead of buying a car or getting Assiette Genevoise, a card that allows two people to eat for the price of one in hundreds of local restaurants.

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There Is a Housing Supply Shortage

Residential property is in short supply in Geneva, which is why house prices have increased by 10% in the last five years. It may take you some time to find the ideal property, so you may have to stay in furnished accommodation while you search. To find a home to rent:

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• Look in various places, such as online property portals, in-person real estate agencies, and your social network.

• Make sure all your paperwork (proof of ID, proof of income, etc.) is translated into French and ready to be submitted to landlords.

• Register your interest as soon as a new place comes up. After viewing the property, fill out the application form ASAP. The first few applications typically have the highest chance of acceptance.

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Geneva Is a Smaller City

Although there is a lot to do in and around Geneva, some people feel that the city’s cultural life is limited due to its small size. Fortunately, Geneva is located just 35-45 minutes away from Lausanne, often considered Switzerland’s trendiest city. Despite this, Zurich might be a better fit if you’re looking for an exciting place to live with many events every weekend.

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Further Reading:

Pros and Cons of Living in Zurich

Pros and Cons of Living in Bern

Pros and Cons of Living in Basel

Pros and Cons of Living in Zug

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Should I Move to Geneva?

Living in Geneva can be a great experience. The city has a lot to offer, especially for those who value history and an active lifestyle. However, the decision about which Swiss city to move to depends on your personal preferences and job opportunities. If you’re looking for a new position in Switzerland, fill out the Rigby AG application form. We’ll get in touch with you whenever a new opportunity matches your profile.  

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