Montpellier, France
Montpellier, France
Last updated on Mar 23, 2023
Summary: Montpellier, France is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage. Expats love the city's Mediterranean climate, its beautiful beaches, its lively nightlife, and its proximity to the French Riviera. The weather in Montpellier is mild, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,500 per month. The cost of a one bedroom apartment is around $800 per month, while a two bedroom apartment is around $1,200 per month. The population of Montpellier is 270,000.
What do I need to know about living in Montpellier?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Montpellier, they said:
"Before retiring in Montpellier, expats should make sure to research their visa and taxation requirements. Expats should also familiarize themselves with the local healthcare systems, including how to obtain coverage and the types of health insurance plans available. Additionally, expats should gain an understanding of the city's culture, customs, language and climate to make the transition easier. It is also important to factor in the cost of living in Montpellier to plan for a comfortable retirement," wrote a member in Montpellier, France.
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What do I need to know before moving to Montpellier?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Montpellier, they said:
"Montpellier is an increasingly popular city to move to, offering many attractions and an exciting lifestyle. Expats should do their research and prepare themselves for the change in culture and customs. Winters tend to be mild in Montpellier, but summers are long, hot and humid. It is important for expats to be aware of the possible health issues associated with the heat. Additionally, making sure you have the correct paperwork and visas sorted is essential. Finally, Montpellier has a reputation for being a very welcoming city, and making sure to learn some basic French can help create relationships with locals quickly," said one expat in Montpellier, France.
"Rent first until you know the area. Furnished rentals are the best for short-term, otherwise you are expected to take a 3-year lease. Check out my information site on moving to France,at www.moving-to-france-made-easy.com," said one expat who made the move to Montpellier.
How do I find a place to live in Montpellier?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"To find a place to live in Montpellier, a good place to start would be expat forums or local Facebook groups. Searching for "Montpellier, France housing" should turn up plenty of results. Another helpful resource could be online classified ads like Craigslist and Le Bon Coin, as well as apps like Nestpick and Spotahome. Additionally, there are many real estate agents and property management companies that specialize in expat rentals in Montpellier. Visiting Montpellier and talking to locals who already live there might also provide useful advice and potentially point you to some great deals," wrote a member in Montpellier, France.
What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Montpellier?
"Expat homes and apartments in Montpellier are usually spacious and airy, with many homes and apartments facing open patios and courtyards, allowing for plenty of natural light and fresh air. The apartments often have high ceilings, open floor plans and spacious kitchens, making it ideal for entertaining guests. The city is also known for its abundance of public parks, allowing for plenty of outdoor activities. Expat homes and apartments generally have modern décor, with some homes incorporating more traditional French style elements for a truly unique look," remarked one expat who made the move to Montpellier, France.
What is the average cost of housing in Montpellier?
If you are thinking about moving to Montpellier, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"The cost of housing in Montpellier varies depending on the area, type of housing and amenities. Generally, renting an apartment costs between €500-800 per month, while purchasing an apartment can cost from €2,000 to €2,500 per square meter. Additionally, the cost of living for a small family per month is about €1,200," explained one expat living in Montpellier, France, France.
"They are somewhat cheaper than San Antonio, Texas, where we moved from. They have, however, gone up by at least 25% since we bought in the summer of 2000," said one expat in Montpellier.
How do I meet people in Montpellier?
When we asked people living in Montpellier about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats living in Montpellier have a range of activities and clubs through which they can meet people and explore the area. The Expat Community of Montpellier (CEM) is an association that focuses on connecting expats to one another and developing friendships and bonds. The city is home to a number of international sports and social clubs, such as the Montpellier Rugby Club and Montpellier Table Tennis Club. Additionally, there are organized group hikes, bike rides and other outings that offer expats the chance to meet people, see the sights, and explore the surrounding countryside. For those looking for a more social atmosphere, Montpellier has an abundance of restaurants, bars, and cafes. Whether it is for a casual dinner, an evening out with friends, or a leisurely brunch, these spots offer expats the opportunity to meet fellow locals, as well as other expats," wrote a member in Montpellier, France.
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What should I bring when moving to Montpellier?
People living in Montpellier were asked what three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They wrote:
"When moving to Montpellier, be sure to pack comfortable and lightweight clothing appropriate for the Mediterranean climate. Items like t-shirts, shorts, sandals, and sunglasses are all essential for beating the heat. If you plan on exploring the nearby mountains, be sure to bring some warmer items such as jeans, a jacket, and a hat. Additionally, bring sun protection such as SPF lotion, lip balm, and a wide-brimmed hat. Finally, don’t forget to bring your passport and any important documents related to your move, as well as a dictionary or language book to get around," remarked one expat who made the move to Montpellier, France.
"I wish I had brought ALL of my sewing things, ALL of our books, and my basket collection. I wish I had left some of our furniture behind because the houses here are much smaller than in the states. I wish I had left a lot of our clothes at home because the closets are much smaller here, and people wear the same clothes more often here. I also wish I had left some of my jewelry at home. I just don't wear it here," explained one expat living in Montpellier, France.
Where should I setup a bank account in Montpellier?
We asked expats in Montpellier what banks they use and there advice about banking. They advised:
"1. Montpellier is an attractive city to retire in, offering plenty of cultural attractions and features, making it an ideal destination for retirees. 2. Expats should take time to familiarize themselves with French laws and regulations regarding pensions and property ownership before relocating. 3. Montpellier is known as a university city and has a large student population, so expats who plan to retire there can easily access cultural activities and educational institutions. 4. Average temperatures in Montpellier range from 2-12 degrees Celsius (36-54 Fahrenheit) during winter and 14-30 degrees Celsius (58-86 Fahrenheit) in summer. Pack warm clothes for the cold months and cool clothes for the hot months. 5. Make sure all necessary visas and permits for living and working in Montpellier are in order prior to retiring. 6. Most expats require some form of health insurance in France, so check for the most up-to-date requirements before moving. 7. It is also important to make sure that all important paperwork, such as birth certificates, passports, and other documents, are up to date and in order before traveling," said one expat in Montpellier, France.
Will I be able to find a job in Montpellier?
When we asked people about industries and career opportunities in Montpellier, they reponded:
"Foreigners in Montpellier often find work in the hospitality industry as hotel staff, restaurant servers and tour guides. Many also find employment in the education field, teaching English as a second language. Companies in research and development, IT and engineering also often recruit foreign workers to fill expert roles requiring knowledge and experience that may be hard to find locally. Additionally, there are many jobs in the managerial sector as well, such as business development and finance managers. Finally, the city’s growing start-up sector is offering foreigners the opportunity to fill a variety of roles from marketing to research and development," remarked one expat who made the move to Montpellier, France.
What is life like in Montpellier?
When we asked people living in Montpellier what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Montpellier is a great destination for expats and digital nomads looking for a vibrant and diverse city to call home. The city is known for its sunny climate, stunning beaches, and Mediterranean lifestyle. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the city's many cultural attractions, including its historic old town, lively markets, and numerous festivals. The city also offers a wide range of activities, from outdoor sports to nightlife. With its excellent public transportation system, expats and digital nomads can easily explore the city and its surrounding areas. The city also has a strong international community, making it easy to make friends and find support," remarked one expat who made the move to Montpellier.
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What do expats in Montpellier appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in Montpellier appreciate the city's strong sense of community and joie de vivre. People here are friendly and welcoming and this makes it a great place to build relationships and make lifelong connections. There is an abundance of culture and events in Montpellier, like the Feria de Pentecote music and dance festival, and other events like broadway shows and orchestra performances which draw people in from far and wide. The local markets offer fresh produce and artisanal goods making it easy to find the ingredients for a great home cooked meal, while the streets are always filled with unique music and street performers. Montpellier provides its expats an opportunity to dive deep into the history and culture, as well as to enjoy the sunny French Mediterranean climate," remarked one expat living in Montpellier, France, France.
"More relaxed way of life, much better food and weather, load more cultural things to enjoy than there are in a UK city of similar size, Just prefer French and French people to the UK and British people," wrote one member in Montpellier.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in Montpellier often find the language barrier to be the most difficult aspect of local culture to adjust to as French is widely spoken in the area. Additionally, the warm climate can be a challenge for those who are used to cooler weather and finding cultural activitiesthat are suitable for those coming from a different background can be difficult. The local customs can also be perplexing for those who have only known a different lifestyle, which can take some time to adjust to," said one expat who made the move to Montpellier, France.
Is there a lot of crime in Montpellier?
We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:
"Montpellier is generally considered to be a safe city with low crime rates compared to the rest of France. While there are certainly areas in Montpellier with higher crime levels, particularly parts of the city center, incidents are usually limited to thefts, vandalism and the occasional assault. In general, visitors to Montpellier are unlikely to have any difficulties but should still exercise the same level of caution as when visiting any large French city," remarked one expat living in Montpellier, France, France.
Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Montpellier accepting of differences?
"Montpellier is known for its diversity and a history of accepting differences. Throughout its long history, the city has maintained a respect for many cultures, religions, and ethnicities due to its culture of openness and acceptance. Montpellier also has a large expat and international student population, making it even more diverse. People in Montpellier embrace the cultural differences of everyone around them and strive to promote respect, understanding, and acceptance of those differences," commented one expat who made the move to Montpellier, France.
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What are the schools in Montpellier like?
"International School of Montpellier (ISM) is a great international school in Montpellier. It follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes and offers instruction in English. The school also offers a broad range of cultural and sporting activities to ensure well-rounded student life. The Bilingual International School of Montpellier (BISM) is a private bilingual school offering instruction in both French and English. Its primary school offers an international National Curriculum for England, while secondary school offers French National Curriculum with a focus on preparing students for the French Baccalaureate. The school seeks to emphasize respect for diversity, a love of learning, and an appreciation of other cultures. Institut Montpellier Beau Soleil is a bilingual French-American school offering the American curriculum as well as French National Curriculum with a focus on preparing students for the French Baccalaureate. It offers extracurricular activities such as sports, music, art and drama. The International Financial Management School (IFMS) is an internationally-accredited business school located in Montpellier, France. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in finance and banking. IFMS has a comprehensive educational system that includes lectures, seminars and intensive case studies," said one expat in Montpellier, France with children at .
"If you want an intimate, enriching environment for your children, with small classes and high teacher engagement, this is a good school. If you are looking for an elite school which puts its reputation first, you would be disappointed here," remarked one parent with kids at Ecole Bilingue Eridan in Montpellier.
What are the pros and cons of living in Montpellier?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Montpellier responded:
"Expats and digital nomads in Montpellier enjoy the great quality of life which the city has to offer. Its sunny Mediterranean climate, mixed with its cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife and stunning landscape make this a great destination for those looking to live abroad. It is also a great place to be if you are looking to start a business or pursue a career as the city is home to a rapidly growing start-up and tech scene. On the flip side, expats and digital nomads often find that the cost of living can be quite high and that the language barrier can be quite a challenge as French is the main language in the city," remarked one expat in Montpellier.
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What type of social life can someone expect in Montpellier?
When we asked expats and global nomads about their social experiences in Montpellier, they replied:
"Expatriates, retirees, and digital nomads living in Montpellier typically have vibrant social lives. There are a variety of activities for people to attend, such as international markets, live music performances and art exhibitions. There are also new monthly events, including language and wine tastings, which are great opportunities to connect with locals, as well as other expats, retirees and digital nomads. Additionally, there are plenty of areas to explore, like Paris, Nice, and the Châteaux of the South, as well as beaches and ski resorts in the surrounding area, allowing for weekend trips and outdoor adventures," mentioned one expat inMontpellier.
"The social scene in Montpellier is diverse and lively. The locals are welcoming and friendly, creating an open and vibrant social life. On a night out, there is something for everyone, from the traditional bars and branches of popular cafés to trendy wine bars, intimate jazz clubs and open-air evenings in the city squares. Whether you want to take a walk along the beautiful beaches, explore the waterfront by boat or dive into the atmosphere of local markets and festivals, Montpellier provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy its buzzing social life," wrote one expat living in Montpellier.
What advice to expats in Montpellier have about housing?
"Expats in Montpellier suggest researching the area before committing to a lease to get a feel for the neighborhood. They also recommend considering shared housing or rooms to save on overall cost. They suggest getting in contact with expat groups to see if there are options for furnished rentals. It is important to review apartment listings to check for amenities as well as any additional costs for utilities. For those looking for roommates, expats advise to meet potential roommates in person to make sure there is a good fit. Lastly, it is important to understand the terms of a rental agreement and to understand any associated contractual responsibilities," said an expat in Montpellier.
What are medical services in Montpellier like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Montpellier, they replied:
"Montpellier offers high-quality healthcare services and access to quality health care is not a problem. The city has a selection of hospitals, public and private, offering specialized medical care. The city is well-known for its professional medical staff and has advanced, well-equipped healthcare facilities. The city also offers a number of specialized medical services including oncology, cardiology, pediatrics, neurology, and dermatology. In addition, there are a great number of pharmacies and specialty medical clinics available in Montpellier. All healthcare services are in high quality, and regardless of who is providing care, Montpellier is known for its excellent healthcare," said an expat in Montpellier.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Montpellier?
"In Montpellier, healthcare and health insurance can be quite expensive. Healthcare providers usually charge for medical services, although the amount for each service varies. Health insurance coverage is typically required to receive any healthcare services, and the cost of the insurance varies based on an individual's coverage options and other factors. Generally, basic health insurance coverage can be expensive and may require a significant financial commitment," commented one expat living in Montpellier, France.
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Is the cost of living in Montpellier high?
We asked people about the cost of living in Montpellier, they wrote:
"Montpellier is an affordable city in terms of the cost of living. Rental prices are considerably lower than other cities in Europe, with a nice 1 bedroom apartment costing between $500 to $600 and a nice 2 bedroom apartment costing around $800 to $1000. Eating out is not overly expensive, with dinner at a moderately priced restaurant costing between $15 to $20 per person," said one expat.
What are the visa & residency requirements in Montpellier?
"To enter France for the purpose of residing in Montpellier, individuals must obtain a visa prior to arrival. Visa applicants must submit their application to the French Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of residence. Along with this, applicants must submit a valid passport, valid for at least three months beyond the date of the intended stay in France, as well as supporting documents such as a birth certificate and proof of financial means to support themselves during their stay in France. Once in Montpellier, individuals may need to apply for residency, depending on how long they plan to stay. In order to obtain residency, applicants must submit a request to the local Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration (OFII) and provide supporting documentation such as a passport, a employment or student permit, valid health insurance, and proof of adequate financial means to live in the area. Additionally, they must provide recent photos, a completed application form and a signed OFII form. Applicants may also be asked to provide a birth certificate, marriage or divorce certificate, and a criminal background check, if applicable," said one expat living in Montpellier.
Why do people move to Montpellier?
When we asked people why foreigners move to Montpellier, they responded:
"Montpellier is an attractive destination for expats due to its rich culture dating back to the 10th century, its numerous attractions, affordable cost of living, mild weather, and its excellent educational opportunities. The city has a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, with a wide range of museums, galleries, theatres, and festivals. The city's location on the Mediterranean Sea means that it has a mild climate year-round and is also known for its great beaches. Montpellier also has a large student population, which makes it a very attractive place for expats looking to study. The city offers a wide range of employment opportunities, and the cost of living is relatively low compared to other major cities in France. Furthermore, Montpellier is well-connected, with an extensive public transport system making it easy to explore the rest of France. Altogether, these features make Montpellier an ideal location for many expats," remarked one expat in Montpellier.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Montpellier?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Montpellier?
- What is the average cost of housing in Montpellier?
- How do I meet people in Montpellier?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Montpellier?
- What should I pack when moving to Montpellier?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Montpellier?
- Will I be able to find a job in Montpellier?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Montpellier?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Montpellier?
- What is the social scene like in Montpellier?
- What advice to expats in Montpellier have about housing?
- What are medical services in Montpellier like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Montpellier?
- Is the cost of living in Montpellier high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Montpellier?
- Why do people move to Montpellier?
