Pros and cons of moving to Geneva

Known as the world’s diplomatic centre, Geneva’s breathtaking natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle, and seemingly endless professional opportunities have lured many expats. But like any destination, there are some downsides to life in one of Europe’s cosmopolitan yet tranquil cities.

Below is our list of pros and cons of moving to Geneva.

Lifestyle in Geneva

+ PRO: Spectacular natural scenery

Nestled between the Swiss Alps and Lake Geneva, the lifestyle in Geneva is a wonderland for nature-loving expats. Thanks to the variety in the natural scenery, there is plenty to see and do throughout the seasons. 

Winter is generally reserved for skiing at nearby resorts like Le Grand Bornand and La Clusaz, while the summer belongs to swimming, sailing and wakeboarding at Lake Geneva. Many expat groups organise regular hiking excursions in the surrounding areas, making it easy to connect with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.

+ PRO: An abundance of green spaces

With more than 60 public parks across the city, Geneva offers you and your family boundless space to picnic or simply enjoy some time in the great outdoors. Parc Bertrand stands out as particularly popular with families, dog owners and seniors, while Parc Beaulieu provides excellent sports facilities, including table tennis courts and a swimming pool. These green havens provide a welcome respite from the bustling city centre.

+ PRO: Easy to explore the rest of Western Europe

Owing to Geneva’s central location, the city makes for an excellent base from which to explore Western Europe. France is a mere ten-minute drive away, and Italy and Germany are a train ride away. Day-trippers particularly recommend Lausanne (accessible by boat in summer and train year-round) and the medieval town of Yvoire. For a luxurious break, the Riviera tour, including Montreux and the UNESCO-listed Laveux vineyards, comes highly recommended.

- CON: Eating out is expensive

Gourmands will feel at home in the Swiss cheese and chocolate capital. Geneva boasts more than a thousand restaurants offering diverse cuisine options, from traditional Swiss fare to contemporary fusion dishes, but enjoying the world-class cuisine costs a pretty penny. The trend toward innovative culinary techniques and global flavour combinations means the dining scene is constantly evolving, albeit at premium prices.

Lifestyle, Shopping, Activities and Attractions in Geneva

Cost of living in Geneva

- CON: Exorbitant cost of living

The cost of living in Geneva remains consistently among the highest in the world. Recent rankings place it even higher than New York City (not taking rent into consideration), making it one of Europe’s most expensive locations. Everything from rent, utilities, food, transport, leisure activities, and health insurance comes at a premium.

Healthcare and Medical Insurance in Geneva
Cost of Living in Geneva

Accommodation in Geneva

+ PRO: Excellent standard of accommodation

Accommodation in Geneva is largely well maintained and of a high standard. Some luxury apartment blocks even have sought-after amenities such as pools and gyms for residents to enjoy.

- CON: Housing supply shortage & competitive market

Housing in Geneva is in extremely short supply. This scarcity makes rent expensive and competition for homes notoriously fierce. Required documentation usually includes a copy of your residence permit, an attestation of your current address, and references from previous landlords or employers. Staying on your toes is essential, as good opportunities last only days on the market.

- CON: Most accommodation is unfurnished

Accommodation in Geneva is typically unfurnished, adding to the steep rental costs as you also have to buy furniture and appliances. Utilities and services are frequently not included in the rent, further adding to the cost. The silver lining is that tenant rights are strong – for example, mould is classified as a defect that justifies a rent reduction, and deposits (which cannot exceed three months’ net rent) must be held in a Swiss bank account in your name.

Finding and Renting Accommodation in Geneva

Working in Geneva

+ PRO: Robust job market

Working in Geneva offers plenty of job opportunities for qualified expats. The Swiss city is home to a plethora of multinational corporations and several organisations such as the UN, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. With over 34,000 people employed across hundreds of institutions, International Geneva has recorded significant employment growth. The health, biotechnology, and international development sectors show particularly strong hiring trends.

+ PRO: High salaries

Switzerland introduced the world’s highest government-mandated minimum wage in 2020. Living in Europe’s second most expensive city, highly skilled expats can expect lucrative salaries that outpace the high cost of living, making for an exceptional quality of life. Many international organisations now offer flexible and hybrid work arrangements following the pandemic.

+ PRO: Work-life balance is a priority

Despite a formal and merit-based work culture, Geneva offers an outstanding work-life balance. The Swiss work to live rather than live to work, and you will find there is plenty of time to enjoy the exciting lifestyle options in Geneva. 

This balance is supported by progressive parental leave policies. Geneva currently offers 18 weeks total leave (16 weeks maternity plus an additional two for paternity). Plans are underway to introduce a pioneering 24-week parental leave scheme, with an additional six weeks for the other partner.

- CON: Knowledge of French is useful

Although English is spoken in business circles, the Swiss love working with people they know and building trust first. Although not essential, your ability to speak French will go a long way in the relationship-building process. While many job listings specifically seek English-speaking professionals, particularly in international organisations, adapting your application to meet Swiss recruitment expectations remains important for optimal job prospects.

Job Opportunities in Geneva

Education and schools in Geneva

+ PRO: Fantastic selection of schools

Education and schools in Geneva offer plenty of good quality and multilingual education options thanks to the large expat population. Public schools in Geneva are free and teach in French, German and English at different stages of children’s education. From Early Years onwards, learners build confidence in multiple languages, with many schools recognising that children make remarkable linguistic progress during their early developmental years.

Private schools offer various curricula, though they often have a religious affiliation. Most expats in Geneva on a short-term assignment prefer English-speaking international schools, allowing their children to continue in their home country’s curriculum. The fees for these and private schools are, however, quite hefty.

- CON: Fierce competition for international school placements

Perhaps the only downside to the bustling expat population in Geneva is the fierce competition for space in English-speaking international schools. If you’re an expat parent, apply as early as possible to secure a place for your children. International schools have limited spaces with waiting periods that can stretch up to a year or more for popular institutions. Places are typically offered from February onwards to the end of August, with application deadlines often falling no later than March or April for the following school year.

+ PRO: Strong support systems for non-French speakers

If your children don’t speak French, you’ll find welcoming support systems in Geneva’s education sector. Children can be enrolled in a public school at any time of the year when arriving from abroad. Many institutions offer specialised language support, and several international schools provide English, French, and bilingual sections to accommodate different language backgrounds. For expat parents, there are French courses specifically designed to help foreign-speaking parents whose children are enrolled in public schools, to help you better communicate with teachers and administrators.

+ PRO: Excellent extracurricular opportunities

Geneva schools place a strong emphasis on rounded development through extracurricular activities. Outdoor activities like hiking and sports are particularly popular among expat families, while cultural activities help children integrate into the international community. Activities supporting language development are especially valued, helping children become truly multilingual citizens of the world in this international hub.

Education and Schools in Geneva 
International Schools in Geneva

Getting around in Geneva

+ PRO: Wide-ranging and reliable public transport

Getting around in Geneva provides access to every corner of the city. The buses, trams and mouettes are usually clean, reliable and efficient. Taxis are also available, but they need to be pre-booked. The tram network has been significantly expanded and features five lines, with further expansions planned. The highly efficient transit system operates year-round with consistent reliability, even during winter months, earning praise from both residents and visitors alike.

+ PRO: Cycling and walking are encouraged

Geneva is a compact city with a largely pedestrianised centre that makes walking around a breeze. The city also provides well-equipped cycling infrastructure and a free bike-sharing programme. The official VéloPartage system offers bicycles available seven days a week throughout the city. You simply need to download their app to register, and the system provides complete flexibility, allowing you to keep bikes as long as needed and return them at designated drop-off points around Geneva.

+ PRO: Accessibility for all

Geneva’s public transport is well equipped to meet the needs of commuters with mobility challenges. The city’s Mobilité pour tous (Mobility for All) programme partners with Geneva Public Transport to ensure accessibility. The tram system is completely accessible, with the carriage right behind the driver specifically designed for easier access. Services are available to facilitate parking and transport use for people with reduced mobility.

+ PRO: Easy connections to France and beyond

Geneva’s transport system extends well beyond the city limits. The Léman Express connects you with French towns, including Bellegarde, Annecy, and the Arve Valley. The general city of Geneva belongs to Transport Zone 10, which includes the airport, making travel seamless with a single ticket. You can also purchase monthly passes valid throughout the Geneva canton. For visitors, a free Geneva Transport Card is available when staying in local accommodation.

Public Transport in Geneva