France is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, which includes exquisite examples of art, literature, cuisine, and architecture.
French residents have easy access to excellent healthcare systems and public education services and place a high emphasis on work-life balance.
With a population of over 60 million year-round residents, annual visitors of over 77 million per year, and being known for a consistently high quality of life, there is little wonder as to why so many people are considering moving to the home of the world’s most romanticized cities like Paris, Bordeaux, and Nice.
If you’re thinking about relocating to France and wondering where to find the area’s most affordable homes, this is the guide for you!
Our summary of 10 of the cheapest places to live in France is based on the cost of living and average rent costs in each city.
Dive in to learn about how the scenic beauty, culinary delights, and posh culture turn travelers into local renters and homeowners taking up residence in France’s least expensive cities in the guide below!
Contents
The Cost of Living in France
If you’re thinking about moving to France, one of the most important things to know is how much it will cost you and your family to live there.
The largest expenses for most residents include housing expenses for rent or home buying, along with transportation costs, food costs, and miscellaneous costs that can include entertainment, emergency funds, and leisure.
Online cost of living data reports from reputable global reporters like Numbeo and the Better Living Index show that the cost of living in France is as follows.
Numbeo reports that a family of four can expect to spend around $3,700.00 per month to live in the country (without housing costs included).
A single person can expect to expend about one–third of these costs by paying around $1,022.00 per month.
While everyday costs for food, transportation, and other services can vary in France, the average rent costs are almost 50% lower than that of the US.
What Is the Local Currency of France?
Newcomers need to learn about the local currency of France and how that translates into their local currency.
For example, France’s local currency is the Euro €, and the exchange rate from Euro to USD fluctuates.
How to Convert USD to French Euros
1 Euro is equivalent to $1.08 at the current exchange rate.
10 Cheapest Places to Live in France
1. Paris
Known as the “City of Light” and also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world as the home of iconic French landmarks like the world-famous Eiffel Tower and The Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France, has surprisingly affordable housing options for people thinking about moving to France.
While Paris is at the higher end of the list of the area’s cheapest cities, affordable housing options cheaper than renting in NYC can be found for as little as $1,500.00 per month for a one-bedroom.
Average Rent 1-3 Bedroom Apartment: 1,409.76 – 3,023.15 € [USD $1,526.64 – $3,273.78 ]
2. Nice
Parisian home-seekers looking for affordable neighborhoods that have easy access to opulent locations along the French Riveria can find options in Nice, located in southeastern France.
Year-round residents of Nice experience a temperate Mediterranean climate and breathtaking coastal views, among other residential benefits.
Newcomers seeking to live near local landmarks found in nearby Paris can opt for even more affordable options that start at around $900.00 per month by making their home in Nice, where both renting and buying an apartment are affordable.
Average Rent 1-3 Bedroom Apartment: 860.00 -1,700.00 € [USD 931.30 – $1,840.94 ]
3. Dijon
There is no coincidence that the city of Dijon makes one suddenly think of a delicious spicy mustard.
This Parisian city in Eastern France is known for its mustard-colored historic architecture.
Dijon boasts affordable rent and home-buying prices for locals and newcomers who want to settle down near popular cultural attractions like the Dukes of Burgandy.
Dijo represents the very lowest living cost options in France, where monthly rents start at just over $550.00 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and just under $900.00 for a three-bedroom rental.
Average Rent 1-3 Bedroom Apartment: 511.67 – 815.00 € [USD 554.09 – $882.57 ]
4. Toulon
If you have always dreamed of living along the Mediterranean Coast in the South of France, the city of Toulon could be the right location for you.
Toulon offers its residents a calm and relaxed pace of life and highly affordable housing options that rival US rent and home-buying prices for most renters and homeowners.
New arrivals to Toulon can expect to pay between $623.00 and $975.00 for a one—to three-bedroom flat in this historic French city.
Average Rent 1-3 Bedroom Apartment: 575.00 – 900.00 € [USD 622.67 – $974.61]
5. Saint-Etienne
French tourists seeking to settle down and make the country of France their permanent home can find solace in the picturesque town of Saint-Etienne in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region of France.
This small French city offers an eclectic mix of low-cost living and Parisian culture with extremely affordable housing options.
Paying low rent in the town of Saint Etienne means that expats and transplants can offset other costs of daily living here, where renters only pay between $488.00 and $650.00 per month for rent.
Average Rent 1-3 Bedroom Apartment: 450.00-600.00 € [USD 487.31 – $649.74 ]
6. Nimes
Wandering nomads seeking to make their homes in France can find affordable housing in the sun-drenched Occitanie Region, in the city of Nimes.
Locals know Nimes for its exquisite architecture and Roman relics like the awe-inspiring Arena of Nimes.
This city offers hidden historical gems that are sure to surprise and delight newly settled residents who can pay rent costs that range between $750.00 and $1,372.00 per month on the high end of the rent scale.
Average Rent 1-3 Bedroom Apartment: 691.67 – 1.266.67 € [USD 749.01- $1,371.68 ]
7. Grenoble
Globetrotters who have always imagined making their home in or near the French Alps can make their childhood dreams a reality by taking up residence in the urban city of Grenoble.
Grenoble offers a unique blend of urban fervor with natural landscapes and affordable housing options that make it irresistible to locals and home seekers.
The average rents in Grenoble are affordable for most singles and families and fall within the range of $786.00 – $1,139.00 per month.
Average Rent 1-3 Bedroom Apartment: 725.00 – 1,233.33 € [USD 785.11 – $1,138.91 ]
8. Le Havre
Locals know Le Havre as one of the most famous port cities in Normandy, which offers a multitude of lifestyle benefits for locals and newcomers alike.
Its coastal location affords residents and tourists unadulterated views of the sea, opportunities to inhale fresh sea air, and ease of access to water-based activities like surfing, boating, fishing, and beachcombing.
Le Havre homeowners and renters pay cheaper rent than many of their French neighbors, starting at under $500.00 per month.
Average Rent 1-3 Bedroom Apartment:450.00-850.00 € [USD 487.31 – $920.47 ]
9. Montpellier
Montpellier, France, is one of the country’s most famous cities, still known to pay homage to its origins during medieval times.
Local streets in Montpellier maintain their original medieval layout, featuring narrow winding streets, a wealth of hidden courtyards, and a picturesque town square.
The cobblestone streets give locals echos reminiscent of historically bustling markets, the workshops of craftsmen, and the buzzing of medieval citizens.
Montpellier residents can immerse themselves in this uniquely medieval living experience for between $802.00 and $1,764.00 per month as local renters.
Average Rent 1-3 Bedroom Apartment:740.00 – 1,628.57 € [USD $801.35 – $1,763.59 ]
10. Chateauroux
The city of Chateauroux offers a significantly lower cost of living than many US and French towns combined.
Newcomers seeking to relocate to France while stretching their budget can rent an apartment for as little as $488.00 per month in Chateauroux.
Travelers and expats looking for a peaceful, idyllic, and budget-friendly lifestyle can find historic architecture, a tranquil atmosphere, and a tight-knit community when relocating to this French city that acts as a gateway of exploration and transportation hub to the rest of the country.
Average Rent 1-3 Bedroom Apartment: 450.00 – 550.00 [USD 487.31 – $595.60 ]
France Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: France Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Benefits of Living in Some of the Cheapest Cities in France?
France has long been known for its stunning architecture, culinary delights, and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.
Long-time dreamers looking to settle down in France’s cheapest cities pay low rent costs, which can translate into increased savings and increased quality of life as they explore and enjoy all that cities like Paris, Nice, and Dijon offer residents.
What Are Some of the Downsides of Living in Frances's Least Expensive Cities?
While there are tons of upsides to packing up and moving to France, travelers, expats, and eager Americans should do their research on local employment, healthcare, options, and crime in its least expensive cities where the quality of services for healthcare, employment opportunities, and crime rates can vary by region.
Is it Cheaper to Live in France Than in the USA?
Comparing the cost of living in America to the cost of living in France can vary as it depends on critical factors, including location, lifestyle, and personal circumstances.
While rent costs in France’s cheapest cities can be lower than comparable-sized cities in the US, there may be fluctuations in other everyday costs associated with food, transportation, and healthcare.
