The cost of living well in Geneva.

Our verdict. Geneva suits a family that wants the International School of Geneva and a lake view, and accepts Swiss costs. Ecolint charges CHF 36,540 for the IB years, and household staff are paid under a mandatory cantonal minimum, CHF 4,845.75 a month for an experienced employee. The drawback is tax: residents are taxed on worldwide income and on wealth, with a 41.63% top rate on income. There is no sea berth and no published golf fee. Prime flats in Cologny average CHF 19,188 per square metre. Against Monaco, that square metre costs well under half as much, though Monaco charges no income tax.

1. A prime family home, rented2026£86k

   CHF 94,320 a year · Raiffeisen modelled net rent, Cologny, new-build flat: CHF 39.30 per m² a month x 200 m² x 12

   Raiffeisen Suisse, Informations sur les communes: Cologny (Loyer net modélisé en CHF, 2026); data Swiss Real Estate Datapool, Raiffeisen, Meta-Sys, 2026

2. Senior school fees, two children2026-27£66k

   CHF 36,540 a year a child · International School of Geneva (Ecolint), Classes 12-13 (IB Diploma) annual tuition

   Ecolint, Tuition fees, 2026-27 academic year

3. Membership at a leading golf club—

   Geneva’s leading clubs publish no membership fees.

4. A berth for a 20 m yacht—

   Geneva is on a lake; moorings are allocated by the canton, with no published rate for a 20 m yacht.

5. A full-time housekeeper or nanny2026£53k

   CHF 58,149 a year · Geneva CTT-EDom mandatory minimum, domestic staff with AFP or 4 years' experience: CHF 4,845.75 x 12 (CHF 24.85/h, 45 h week)

   République et canton de Genève, OCIRT, Conditions en vigueur à Genève au 1er janvier 2026 (document for diplomatic missions), 1 Jan 2026

6. Tasting menu for two, twice a month2026£15k

   CHF 680 a dinner · Domaine de Châteauvieux (Philippe Chevrier, Satigny), "Menu Surprise" CHF 340 x 2, food only

   Domaine de Châteauvieux, Restaurant menus, Autumn 2026 menus

Figures are published prices, fees and surveys as dated, converted to pounds at the stated rates. They change, vary by home, school year and membership, and are a guide, not a quote. Nothing here is financial, tax or legal advice.

• London£322k+112%
• Monaco£313k+105%
• Dubai£307k+102%
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Pounds at ECB reference rates (Gulf currencies at their dollar pegs) rates of 2026-10-20.