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Cost of Living in French Riviera

If you're moving to French Riviera, understanding the the cost of living in French Riviera helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
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Category Details
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: €700 – €1,200 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: €550 – €900 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: €1,200 – €2,500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: €1,000 – €1,800 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: €4,000 – €8,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: €2,500 – €5,000
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: €1.50 – €2.00
  • Monthly transport pass: €40 – €60
  • Taxi starting tariff: €3.00 – €5.00
  • Taxi 1km tariff: €1.00 – €2.00
  • Gasoline (1 liter): €1.40 – €1.60
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): €0.90 – €1.20
  • Bread (500g): €1.00 – €2.00
  • Rice (1kg): €1.50 – €3.00
  • Eggs (12): €2.00 – €4.00
  • Cheese (1kg): €10.00 – €20.00
  • Chicken breast (1kg): €8.00 – €12.00
  • Beef round (1kg): €12.00 – €20.00
  • Apples (1kg): €1.50 – €3.00
  • Bananas (1kg): €1.00 – €2.00
  • Oranges (1kg): €1.00 – €2.50
  • Tomatoes (1kg): €1.50 – €3.00
  • Potatoes (1kg): €1.00 – €2.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): €0.50 – €1.00
  • Bottle of wine (mid-range): €5.00 – €12.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): €1.00 – €2.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €1.50 – €3.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €10.00 – €20.00
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: €40.00 – €80.00
  • McDonald’s combo meal: €8.00 – €10.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): €4.00 – €6.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €4.00 – €6.00
  • Cappuccino: €2.00 – €4.00
  • Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): €1.50 – €3.00
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): €1.00 – €2.00
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: €100 – €200 per month
  • 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): €0.10 – €0.30
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €20.00 – €40.00 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: €3,000 – €10,000 per year
  • Elementary school tuition: €5,000 – €15,000 per year
  • Middle school tuition: €6,000 – €18,000 per year
  • High school tuition: €8,000 – €20,000 per year

Monthly Budget for Retirees in French Riviera

“The cost of living in the French Riviera, is generally considered to be high, as it is a popular tourist destination and a sought-after location for wealthy individuals. Housing and rental prices can be quite expensive, especially in prime locations such as Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez. The cost of groceries, dining out, and transportation is also relatively high compared to other regions in France. However, there are some more affordable areas in the French Riviera, such as Toulon and Hyères, where the cost of living is slightly lower. Overall, the French Riviera is known for its luxury lifestyle, which comes with a higher price tag,” said one expat living in French Riviera.

Can I live in French Riviera on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in the French Riviera for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices and be smart about your choices. The French Riviera is known for its luxurious lifestyle and expensive neighborhoods, so you’ll have to avoid areas like Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Monaco if you want to stick to your budget.Instead, consider more affordable neighborhoods like Nice, Antibes, or Menton. These towns still offer the beautiful scenery and charm of the French Riviera, but at a more reasonable cost. In terms of housing, you’ll likely have to settle for a smaller apartment or a shared living situation to keep your rent costs down. You can expect to pay around $700-$900 for a one-bedroom apartment in these areas.When it comes to transportation, using public transport or biking will be your best bet to save money. A monthly public transport pass in Nice, for example, costs around $40. If you need a car, consider carpooling or renting one occasionally instead of owning one, as parking and fuel can be expensive.For groceries and dining out, you’ll have to be mindful of your spending. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home will help you save money, as eating out can be quite pricey in the French Riviera. If you do want to treat yourself to a meal out, look for more affordable options like local bistros or cafes instead of high-end restaurants.In terms of entertainment and leisure, take advantage of the many free or low-cost activities the French Riviera has to offer. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, go for hikes in the nearby mountains, or explore the charming towns and villages. There are also many free events and festivals throughout the year that you can attend.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in the French Riviera is doable, but you’ll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being smart about transportation, and enjoying the many free activities the region has to offer, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in French Riviera.

Can I live in French Riviera on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in the French Riviera for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you’ll need to make some sacrifices and be smart about your choices. The French Riviera is known for its luxurious lifestyle, so some areas can be quite expensive. However, there are more affordable neighborhoods where you can find decent accommodations without breaking the bank.One of the sacrifices you’ll have to make is living in a smaller apartment or house than you might be used to. Space is at a premium in the French Riviera, so you’ll likely need to downsize. Additionally, you might have to give up some modern amenities like a dishwasher or air conditioning, as not all apartments come equipped with these features.When it comes to choosing a neighborhood, I’d recommend avoiding the most expensive areas like Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Monaco. These places are known for their high-end real estate and luxury lifestyle, so living there on a $3,000 a month budget would be quite challenging. Instead, consider more affordable areas like Nice, Antibes, or Menton. These towns still offer the beautiful scenery and charm of the French Riviera but at a more reasonable cost.In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to high gas prices and parking fees. I’d recommend using public transportation, which is quite efficient and affordable in the French Riviera. Buses and trains can take you to most places you’ll need to go, and you can save a significant amount of money by not owning a car.Eating out can also be quite pricey in the French Riviera, so I’d suggest cooking at home as much as possible. Local markets offer fresh produce, meats, and cheeses at reasonable prices, so you can still enjoy delicious French cuisine without spending a fortune at restaurants.Overall, living in the French Riviera on a $3,000 a month budget is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, downsizing your living space, and being smart about transportation and dining, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and lifestyle of the French Riviera without breaking the bank,” said one expat living in French Riviera.

Can I live in French Riviera on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in the French Riviera for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but you’ll need to make some adjustments and be smart about where you choose to live. The French Riviera is known for its luxurious lifestyle and high cost of living, but there are still some affordable neighborhoods where you can find a nice place to live without breaking the bank.One of the first things you’ll need to do is to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive areas, like Cannes, Nice, and Saint-Tropez, might be out of your budget, but there are other towns and cities along the coast that offer a more affordable cost of living. For example, consider looking into Antibes, Menton, or even some of the smaller villages in the hills like Valbonne or Mougins. These areas still offer the beautiful scenery and charm of the French Riviera, but at a more reasonable price.When it comes to housing, you might need to downsize a bit or be willing to live in an older building. A smaller apartment or a house farther from the beach will be more affordable than a large, modern place right on the water. You can also save money by looking for a place without a pool or other luxury amenities.As for transportation, owning a car can be expensive in France, so you might want to consider using public transportation or even biking to get around. The French Riviera has a great public transportation system, including buses and trains that can take you all along the coast. Plus, biking is a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and stay active.Eating out can also be quite expensive in the French Riviera, so you’ll want to cook at home more often. Shopping at local markets and grocery stores can help you save money on food, and you’ll get to enjoy the delicious fresh produce and seafood that the region is known for.Finally, you’ll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While it’s tempting to spend your days lounging on the beach or sipping cocktails at a fancy beach club, these activities can quickly eat into your budget. Instead, take advantage of the many free or low-cost activities available, like hiking in the nearby hills, exploring the charming villages, or attending local festivals and events.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in the French Riviera is possible, but you’ll need to be smart about your choices and be willing to make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your housing and transportation costs, and enjoying the many low-cost activities the region has to offer, you can make the most of your time in this beautiful part of France,” commented an expat living in French Riviera.

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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