Where to stay in Geneva: the 4 cheapest options for the first weeks

Where to stay in Geneva: the 4 cheapest options for the first weeks

  April 03, 2017    Destination Leman - sejour tourisme, affaires

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Coming to a new -expensive-country without a place to stay can be stressful. Here I offer the 4 cheapest housing options for students, UN interns or young professionals: short term yet affordable accommodation in Geneva for the first weeks and months.


The best deals on housing include: cheaper short rental christian hospitality residency, affordable housing through Cagi sublet listing and discounted AirBnB accommodation;  these 3 types of apartments will allow you to be grounded while looking for a regie-managed rental. But remember one thing: you have to book well in advance.

Christian hospitality residency: bedroom for a couple of months under 800 CHF

There isn't currently a best deal on reduced cost rental in Geneva. You may find a sublet under this price, but the service / quality is not guaranteed as it is with the church related facilities. There are actually a couple of them in Geneva.
The pros are that you get to stay in Genève and won't have to commute from France on a daily basis, you get to make friends with the other residents / students, the rent is definitely cheaper. The cons include the fact that you often have to share the bathroom and kitchen with the whole floor, and the length of stay is limited. Last but not least, you don't have to be an practicing Christian to apply.
List of these residencies:

• Cheap apartment to rent in Home St Pierre
• Bedroom under 700 CHF in Union Chrétienne de Genève
• Rent a room in Centre Saint Boniface
• Monthly rental in Centre John Knox Réformé

But don't fool yourself: these places are to be booked about 6 to 8 months in advance

Cagi listing for cheaper sublets around 600 CHF a month

The Centre d'Accueil Genève Internationale (CAGI) is an organization that helps newcomers to Geneva settle down. In addition to advising on administrative formalities, they provide a listing of affordable accommodation broken down in price ranges. Meaning you may subscribe only to ads for bedroom in shared apartment under 700 CHF. The list is updated real time as landlords see tenants come and go. This is a win-win situation: you get a lower rent and the landlord or tenant is able to reduce their housing budget.

Choose AirBnB accommodation and claim a discount

AirBnB is one of the easiest option for housing during the first months or weeks, while people are searching for a longer term rental. The good thing is that AirBnB hosts often offer discounted rates for a longer rental. Most people rent for only a couple of days, but if you stay for a couple of weeks, you may save on your rent. When I first arrived, I actually book 4 AirBnBs in 4 different areas of the city to figure out which one I liked best. Renting through AirBnB is also a very good way to get to know people. This option will be the preferred one if you are  late in your booking.

Last resort for reduced rent: try neighboring French towns

As the last resort, be informed that many landlords in neighboring towns in France offer accommodation: Ferney-Voltaire, Prevessin-Moens, Gaillard, Ambilly, Annemasse or Saint-Julien-en-Genevois are home to many Geneva workers. The prices for may be cheaper, or the same, but for 800€, you will get a brand new studio with balcony and private parking. However, the price to pay is long commuting times unless you come early or cycle to work. Ferney-Voltaire is actually the favored option for most staff of international or students interning at the UN.