10 Most Expensive Cities To Live in France

Living in France is the dream! But when you are in the most expensive cities to live in France, the dream can prove to be a tad difficult on the pockets. Well, France has its affordable choices available as well, but if you are thinking Paris, be prepared to shell out a mini fortune.

Of course, Paris is known to be one of the most beautiful and costliest cities in the World. And, it does have its charm too. But, some other cities in the country don’t fall too far behind. The real estate and rent costs are particularly high in some of these cities, and some are even catching up to Paris.

We often talk about how some countries are more expensive than others. Like moving to certain Asian countries can, in fact, prove to be a profitable venture for American or European nationals. However, sometimes we tend to ignore the fact that prices prevailing in a country can also vastly vary between different cities. For instance, in the 10 Most Expensive Cities to live in Canada, we find prices and costs of living are skyrocketing compared to elsewhere in the country.

To determine the most expensive cities to live in France we used Numbeo’s report on Cost of Living in French cities to find the cities with the highest prevailing prices. We also checked the cities where real estate prices are the highest according to Global Property Guide and The Paris Property Group. By adding extra points for high real estate and property prices to the initial Numbeo list we reached upon the rankings for our comprehensive list which looks at all components of costs in a particular city.

So is all this making you super curious about your French dream? Regardless the fact that it can get super-expensive, France will make you fall in love with it. And, the city of lovers, Paris will make you say “Je Suis Sous Le Charme!” Even though, Paris is a no-brainer on this list. But which are the other contenders? Keep reading to find out!

10. Marseille

The city that is the largest in the country, right after Paris, is a beautiful port city in France. Even though purchasing power index in the city is favorable, the overall indexes are quite high. Real estate is lower comparatively but is gradually rising.

9. Nantes

Nantes is known for its innovativeness. And, it was also ranked as the “most livable city in Europe” by Time. However, costs tend to be on the higher side and one can end up paying more rent in the city than they would in cities like Rennes.

8. Lille

It’s the fourth largest urban area in France and average rent and consumer prices tend to be higher in the city than other similarly situated cities. Expect to pay higher at restaurants here.

7. Rennes

Located in the east of Brittany, Rennes is also the capital of Brittany. The rent costs are considerably lower in the area. However, one can expect to end up paying more for groceries and consumer goods in the city. This, in turn, makes it one of the most expensive cities to live in France.

6. Toulouse

The center for European aerospace industry, the city houses the largest space center in Europe.  That does have a bearing on the rent costs in the city which are on the higher side and start from 522.22 €. Real estate prices are yet to rise but are expected to escalate soon.

5. Nice

Hailed as “Nice la belle” or “Nice the beautiful”, the city is full of beautiful sights and natural allure. The city is a favorite haunt for tourists. And, in case you are here, you should keep a hefty amount aside for eating out, as the restaurant prices are a bomb.

4. Bordeaux

One might find the rent rates in the city easier than quite some other cities on this list, but Bordeaux has a reputation of being very pricey. The wine capital of the world has high real estate prices.

3. Grenoble

The city in southwestern France is notably developed in industries and has had a buoyant economic growth. Along with high consumer prices and rents, groceries also tend to be costlier in the city.

2. Lyon

Lyon is significant for its historical connect as well as for being a major economic hub. Even though the city did experience a recent slump in the real estate area, the prices remain high in the city-center. Other costs are also quite high in Lyon.

1. Paris

Buying property in Paris can cost up to an astounding €7,880 (US$ 8,868) per sq.m and rent costs for similar apartments can be as high as €30- €36 per sq.m per month on an average. It features among the most expensive cities in the world and is definitely the most expensive city to live in France.