City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Switzerland
COL index 99.8
Austria
COL index 66.8
Geneva vs Vienna — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Vienna is 33.1% cheaper than Geneva for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Geneva | Metric | Vienna | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99.8 | Cost of living index | 66.8 | -33.1% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €44,757 | Net at €50,000 gross | €32,660 | -27.0% |
| €2,880 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,480 | -48.6% |
| €3,977 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,165 | -45.6% |
| €44,847 | PPP — net / COL | €48,893 | +9.0% |
| 10.5% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 34.7% | +230.7% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Switzerland = €3,730 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Vienna, you would need roughly €44,497 gross in Austria (≈ €2,496 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- −High cost of living (index 100)
- +Favourable tax rate (10.5%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (77.2%)
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€1,480)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (54.4%)
The verdict
Across the data, Geneva delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Vienna carries a lower cost-of-living index; Geneva has the lighter effective tax burden; Vienna wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Vienna edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Geneva cheaper than Vienna?+
Vienna is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Geneva 99.8, Vienna 66.8 — a 33.1% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Geneva and Vienna?+
Geneva sits at 99.8 on our COL index, Vienna at 66.8. That works out to roughly 33.1% — Vienna being the cheaper of the two.
Is Geneva a good place to live compared to Vienna?+
It depends on priorities. Geneva delivers €44,757 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 10.5% effective tax rate. Vienna delivers €32,660 at 34.7%. Centre 1-bed rent: €2,880 vs €1,480.
How do salaries compare in Geneva vs Vienna?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €44,757/year (€3,730/month) in Geneva and €32,660/year (€2,722/month) in Vienna.
Which city has lower taxes, Geneva or Vienna?+
Switzerland has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Switzerland 10.5%, Austria 34.7%.