Geneva - Post Report Question and Answers
How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can find almost everything here. There are all types and levels of grocery stores, Coop, Migros, luxury Globus and the food is delicious and Fresh. There are also farmers markets that are delicious but not cheap. I have four children and live 5 minutes from several great grocery stores in France including Grand Fraise, and Carrfour. I spend literally half the cost by shopping in France. Be sure to check if there are rules about purchasing some types of products (e.g., meat) and taking them across the border. - Jun 2022
More expensive. However, we have a second flat in the South of France where things are much cheaper. A recent tooth cap would have been around 2000 Euros in Switzerland and was 600 in France. Two countries allow us to do some savings. It is possible to cross the border from Geneva. - Jul 2018
You can find most of what you need. Prices in Switzerland are very high but quality is good. Mexican and Asian cooking supplies and traditional American baking supplies (brown sugar, vanilla, confectioner powder) are minimal though with a lot of shopping/asking around you can usually find it somewhere. Shopping across the border in France can save a lot of money. In general, the French grocery stores have more selection and are cheaper but they are not as pretty and organized as the Swiss grocery stores. In-season produce, milk and dairy products are reasonable in Switzerland. Outdoor markets across Switzerland and France are a fun way to pick up very fresh produce, cheeses, pastas, and meats. - Mar 2014
Very good. Very expensive - it's cheaper 10 minutes away, in France. - Mar 2014
Ditto. More expensive than in the US. Food is of high quality, and there are farmers' markets in every neighborhood and village. Even the produce in local grocery stores is of very high quality. Many people cross the border into France and shop in the large grocery stores there where the prices are much lower and quality is very high. - Mar 2013
Expensive in Switzerland. At least double your US bill. Seriously. At least double. But in France it's reasonable. I go there most of the time. Maybe in France it's just 25% more than your US bill would be. But if you are USG, you get a very good COLA. You just have to keep reminding yourself of that! - Feb 2012
For groceries, most any local store has a very good selection of items. MIGROS is the cheapest grocery store, COOP is probably next, with MANOR being the most costly. Dairy items and fresh bread are all cheaper here than in the States. Produce is pretty expensive (5CHF for 5 apples, 1 head of broccoli for 1.50CFH, 2 nectarines for 2CHF). The meat is expensive, but if you buy cuts that are not as common in CH (for example: brisket, ox tail) the price is better. Also, join the grocery stores so you get the ACTION (sale) prices. I was able to get .32kg of steak for 11.50CHF recently. The real price for non-members is not listed, and you can be shocked at the register. I recommend shopping at the local version of SAMs CLUB or COSTCO called ALIGRO. ALIGRO is great on the common bulk items, TP, paper towels, dry goods, laundry soap, etc. You need a free membership to go; however, all that is required is filling out a form with your address, name and that you want a private card. They mail it to you. - Jul 2009
