These Are the 12 Most Expensive Cities To Live in France That Will Make Paris Look Like a Bargain

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With over 100 million visitors a year, France is the world’s most visited country. Renowned for its breathtaking architecture, top-notch cuisine, and iconic landmarks, it’s easy to see why so many tourists want to visit the ‘L’hexagone.’ However, France is also known for having a relatively high cost of living.

Therefore, if you visit France on vacation or want to move permanently, it’s good to know how big a budget you might need. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 12 of the most expensive cities to live in France. These entries were selected because of their high cost of living.

Lyon

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Lyon, the capital of France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in Central France, is a picturesque city with lush scenery, vibrant architecture, and a rich history. Its center reveals 2,000 years of history, offering visitors Roman, medieval, and Renaissance architecture. Meanwhile, the Saône and Rhône rivers pass through the city, providing plenty of places for a picturesque stroll.

Noteworthy points of interest in Lyon include the Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, Vieux (Old Town), Parc de la Tête d’Or, and Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière. Regarding the cost of living, it costs a single person approximately $2,041 monthly to live in the city, including rent, utilities, food, and entertainment.

Nice

In Southern France, along the French Riviera, you’ll find the gorgeous city of Nice. Offering the perfect balance of big-city lifestyle and seaside charm, Nice is a fantastic city with much to see and do. However, the city’s crowning glory has to be its mind-blowing coastline, which features glorious beaches with turquoise waters.

The city’s location also allows visitors to experience beautiful Mediterranean weather. However, Nice was once a vacation destination for the world’s elite, so you can expect a high cost of living. The average cost of living in Nice is $2,331 monthly. For access to 35 pristine beaches, we’d have to say the high costs are worth it.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux, a port city on the Garonne River in southwest France, is famed for its world-class wineries, lush vineyards, and impressive architecture. As such, it’s one of the most expensive cities. The average cost of living in the city, excluding rent, is reported to be $1,053 monthly.

With the average rent for a studio apartment in a good area coming in at over $950, you can expect to spend $2,000 to live in the city. That is expensive, but at least you’ll have easy access to some of France’s best wines. Besides wine drinking, spend your time in Bordeaux visiting the main attractions. Don’t miss Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux, Place de la Bourse, and La Ciudad del Vino.

Marseille

Marseille seems more affordable compared to the other cities on our list so far. However, with the cost of living above $1,600 monthly, it’s still one of France’s most expensive cities. Found along France’s south coast, Marseille is a stunning port city best known for its rich history, picturesque coastline, and big-city amenities.

In Marseille, you’ll fill your days off with fabulous historic landmarks, beautiful beaches, authentic French food, and relaxed coastal walks. Notable points of interest in the city include Fort Saint-Jean, Prado Beach, Plage du Prophète, and Saint-Laurent Church. Sports lovers can also watch Olympique de Marseille at the Marseille Stadium. What’s not to like?

Strasbourg

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Considering it’s a relatively lesser-traveled French city, Strasbourg has a high cost of living. It costs approximately $2,000 monthly for a single person to live in the city. This figure includes housing, utilities, transportation, food, and entertainment. However, once again, it can be argued the high cost of living is worth it.

Strasbourg is a beautiful city on the French-German border. Thanks to its location, the city offers a fascinating mixture of French and German culture, evident throughout its architecture and cuisine. You’ll never tire of romantic strolls along the river, dining in quaint cafes, and exploring the local sights. Must-see attractions include the Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame, the Petite France Quarter, and Barrage Vauban.

Lille

Lille, the capital of France’s Hauts-de-France region in Northern France, is another beautiful city that offers French charm, traditional architecture, authentic cuisine, and many historic landmarks. In the city’s historic center, Vieux Lille, you’ll find many interesting buildings and landmarks dating back to the 17th century.

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Therefore, be sure to get lost exploring the narrow cobblestone streets and luxurious squares. Some of the best attractions in Lille include Place du Général-de-Gaulle, Palais des Beaux-Arts, and La Vieille Bourse. Regarding living costs, a single person’s cost of living without rent is approximately $1,019 monthly. Meanwhile, the average rent is roughly $957 monthly.

Boulogne-Billancourt

Sometimes referred to as Paris’ 21st arrondissement, Boulogne-Billancourt is a small but wealthy city on the outskirts of the French capital. The city was once an important industrial site but has become a significant business hub for large companies. This and its ideal location make it a highly sought-after destination.

As such, you can expect a high cost of living. Including rent, utilities, food, and transport, a single person can live in the city for approximately $2,256 monthly. Regarding things to do in Boulogne-Billancourt, you don’t want to miss La Seine Musicale, Parc Edmond de Rothschild, and Albert-Kahn Museum and Garden. Of course, you’ll also have easy access to Paris.

Annecy

If we could choose one place on this list to live, we would select Annecy every time. France has many beautiful places to live, but they aren’t as attractive as this charming town in the French Alps. Offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of big-city life, Annecy is a picture-perfect city on the Thious River alongside Lake Annecy.

As a result, your days will be filled with breathtaking scenery, adventure, and good vibes. When not exploring Vieille Ville (Annecy Old Town) and its vibrant architecture, stroll along the canal, kayak on the lake, and hike in the French Alps. It will cost you approximately $2,243 monthly to live in Annecy.

Nantes

The next city on our list is Nantes, a lively city on the Loire River in Western France. This scenic city is best known for its history, having long been an important port and industrial center. The highlight of any visit to Nantes is Château des Ducs de Bretagne, a 13th-century castle where the Dukes of Brittany once lived.

The castle is now a museum, so visit when you can. Other notable attractions in the city include Les Machines de l’Île, Nantes Botanical Garden, Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Nantes, and Passage Pommeraye. Regarding living costs, the average cost of living in Nantes is $1,758 monthly.

Toulouse

Toulouse is perhaps one of Southern France’s most underrated cities. Dubbed the “Pink City” because much of the city’s architecture is bright pink, Toulouse is one of France’s largest cities, but it’s not usually at the top of most bucket lists. However, the city has much to offer.

In Toulouse, the picturesque Old Quarter is a vibrant area featuring 15th-century architecture. You’ll also discover Saint Sernin, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meanwhile, the Garonne River offers lovely walking routes, and the Théâtre du Capitole hosts regular Opera performances. Unfortunately, though, living in Toulouse isn’t cheap. The average cost of living for a single person is $1,916 monthly.

Grenoble

Grenoble is a vibrant city in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. Best known for its impressive scenery, the city is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and scenic rivers. It’s also recognized as one of France’s best winter sports destinations. Alpine and cross-country skiing, ice skating, and sledding are popular pastimes in Grenoble.

When you’re not tackling the slopes, visit Fort de La Bastille, an 18th-century fortress above the city. Other points of interest you don’t want to miss include Musée de Grenoble, Musée dauphinois, and Jardin de Ville. When it comes to the cost of living, you can expect high living costs. A single person has to spend approximately $1,821 monthly to live in Grenoble.

Paris

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The most obvious place is Paris, France’s spectacular capital. Paris is a beautiful city famed for its impressive architecture, romantic atmosphere, high-end shopping, and delicious traditional cuisine. Unfortunately, all of these things come with a price. The average cost of living for one person in Paris, including rent, is $2,231.

While living in Paris may be expensive, you’re in for a fantastic time. When you’re not discovering world-famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral, you’ll find yourself exploring museums like the Louvre Museum, tucking into upscale cuisine in Michelin-starred restaurants, shopping in designer stores, or relaxing in one of the many parks.