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Cost of Living in Nantes

Understanding the the cost of living in Nantes helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
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Category Cost
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom in City Centre) €600 – €800 per month
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) €450 – €600 per month
Apartment Purchase Price (City Centre) €3,000 – €4,500 per square meter
Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of Centre) €2,500 – €3,500 per square meter
Public Transportation (Monthly Pass) €56.50
Taxi (Normal Tariff, 1km) €1.29
Groceries (Milk, Bread, Eggs, Fruits, Vegetables, etc.) €300 – €400 per month
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant €10 – €15
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course €40 – €60
Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) €100 – €150 per month
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) €25 – €35 per month
Private Preschool Tuition (per year) €3,000 – €6,000
Private Elementary School Tuition (per year) €4,000 – €8,000
Private Middle School Tuition (per year) €5,000 – €10,000
Private High School Tuition (per year) €6,000 – €12,000
Please note that these are average costs and actual costs may vary depending on various factors. The cost of living in Nantes is relatively moderate compared to other major cities in France. The cost of housing, whether renting or buying, is significantly lower than in cities like Paris or Lyon. Public transportation in Nantes is efficient and affordable, with a monthly pass costing €56.50. Taxis are also available, with a normal tariff of €1.29 per kilometer. Grocery costs are reasonable, with a monthly budget of €300 – €400 being sufficient for basic items like milk, bread, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. Dining out is also relatively affordable, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing between €10 – €15, and a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costing between €40 – €60.Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, typically cost between €100 – €150 per month. Internet service, with a speed of 60 Mbps or more and unlimited data, typically costs between €25 – €35 per month.Private school tuition varies depending on the level of education. Preschool tuition ranges from €3,000 – €6,000 per year, elementary school tuition ranges from €4,000 – €8,000 per year, middle school tuition ranges from €5,000 – €10,000 per year, and high school tuition ranges from €6,000 – €12,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Nantes

“The cost of living in Nantes is considered moderate compared to other major cities in France. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable, while it is significantly cheaper in the outskirts of the city. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also reasonable. Groceries in Nantes are priced moderately, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower prices. Eating out at a mid-range restaurant can be a bit pricey, but there are also cheaper dining options available. Public transportation in Nantes is efficient and affordable, with options including trams, buses, and bicycles. Owning a car can be quite expensive due to the costs of petrol, maintenance, and parking. Healthcare in Nantes is of high quality and is accessible, but the cost can be high for those without health insurance. Overall, the cost of living in Nantes is balanced by the high quality of life and the city’s cultural and recreational offerings,” said one expat living in Nantes.

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

“I’ve been living in Nantes for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it does require some careful budgeting and sacrifices. The cost of living in Nantes is lower than in Paris, but it’s still a bit higher than in some other parts of France. Rent is going to be your biggest expense. If you want to live in the city center or in popular neighborhoods like Ile de Nantes or Hauts Pavés – Saint Félix, you’re looking at paying around $800 to $1,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. However, if you’re willing to live a bit further out, in neighborhoods like Doulon – Bottière or Bellevue – Chantenay, you can find cheaper rents, around $500 to $700 a month. Groceries will cost you about $200 to $300 a month, depending on how much you eat out. Eating out at restaurants can be expensive, so you might have to cut back on that. Public transportation is pretty affordable, with a monthly pass costing around $50. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet will cost you around $100 to $150 a month. So, if you add it all up, you’re looking at around $1,200 to $1,300 a month for basic living expenses. That leaves you with about $200 to $300 for other expenses like entertainment, personal care, and savings. It’s definitely doable, but you’ll have to be careful with your spending. You might have to give up some of the luxuries you’re used to, like eating out often or living in a trendy neighborhood. But on the bright side, Nantes is a beautiful city with a lot to offer, so even on a tight budget, you can still enjoy a good quality of life,” commented an expat living in Nantes.

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

“I’ve been living in Nantes for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but it does require some careful budgeting and planning. The cost of living in Nantes is lower than in Paris, but it’s still a bit higher than in some other parts of France. The biggest expense is likely to be housing. If you want to live in the city center, you can expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. However, there are more affordable options if you’re willing to live a bit further out. Neighborhoods like Doulon, Bottière, and Chênaie are a bit more affordable and still have good access to public transportation. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Île de Nantes and Centre-Ville are more expensive, so you might want to avoid those if you’re trying to stick to a budget. Food is another significant expense, but it’s possible to eat well on a budget in Nantes. There are plenty of markets where you can buy fresh, local produce at a reasonable price. Eating out can be expensive, but there are also plenty of affordable bistros and cafes where you can get a good meal for less than $20. Transportation is relatively affordable in Nantes. A monthly pass for the public transportation system costs around $60. If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas prices in France are quite high compared to the US. Healthcare in France is excellent and relatively affordable, but you’ll need to make sure you have good health insurance. If you’re working in France, you’ll be covered by the French healthcare system, but if you’re not, you’ll need to get private health insurance, which can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 a month, depending on your age and health condition. As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to do in Nantes. The city has many beautiful parks, museums, and historical sites that you can visit for free or for a small fee. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you’re used to, like eating out frequently or living in a large, centrally-located apartment. But in return, you’ll get to experience life in a beautiful, vibrant French city with a rich history and culture,” said one expat living in Nantes.

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

“I’ve been living in Nantes for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely possible, even with a taste for modern amenities. Nantes is a beautiful city with a high quality of life, but it’s not as expensive as Paris or Nice. The cost of living here is quite reasonable compared to other major cities in France. For housing, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Hauts Pavés – Saint Félix or Doulon – Bottière. These areas are quite affordable and still offer a good quality of life. A one-bedroom apartment in these areas can cost around $700 to $900 per month. If you prefer a more upscale neighborhood, consider Centre-ville or Ile de Nantes, but be prepared to pay a bit more, around $1,000 to $1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. When it comes to utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, you’re looking at around $150 per month. Internet and mobile phone services are quite affordable here, around $30 to $50 per month. Groceries can cost around $300 to $400 per month, depending on your eating habits. Eating out at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $20 to $30 per meal. Public transportation in Nantes is excellent and affordable. A monthly pass costs around $50. If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gasoline costs around $1.50 per liter. Health insurance is mandatory in France. As an expat, you can expect to pay around $200 to $300 per month for coverage. So, if you add up all these costs, you’ll find that you can live quite comfortably in Nantes on $5,000 per month. You won’t have to make any major sacrifices, but of course, you’ll need to manage your budget wisely. Avoid the more expensive neighborhoods if you want to save on rent, cook at home more often to save on food costs, and use public transportation to save on transportation costs,” commented an expat living in Nantes.

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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