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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Cannes 2024
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Cost of Living in Cannes

By Betsy Burlingame

French Riviera House Hunting - FRH
French Riviera House Hunting - FRH

Summary: If you're moving to Cannes, understanding the the cost of living in Cannes helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Cannes - Cost of Living in Cannes

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Cannes is €1,500 to €2,500 per month, depending on the size and location of the apartment. Utilities are usually not included in the rent.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Cannes is €4,000 to €6,000 per square meter. The cost of purchasing an apartment in Cannes is higher than in other parts of France due to its popularity as a tourist destination.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Cannes is €1.50 per ticket. A monthly pass costs €30. Taxis are also available and the cost is €2.50 per kilometer.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Cannes is similar to the cost of groceries in other parts of France. A loaf of bread costs €1.50, a liter of milk costs €1.20, and a dozen eggs costs €2.50.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Cannes varies depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs €10, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs €25. A meal at a high-end restaurant can cost up to €100.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Cannes is similar to the cost of utilities in other parts of France. The average cost of electricity is €0.20 per kilowatt-hour, and the average cost of water is €2.50 per cubic meter.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Cannes varies depending on the school. Preschool tuition costs €1,000 to €2,000 per year, elementary school tuition costs €2,000 to €3,000 per year, middle school tuition costs €3,000 to €4,000 per year, and high school tuition costs €4,000 to €5,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Cannes

"Cannes is known to have an above average cost of living. Prices for basic necessities such as food, public transportation, and housing can be higher than those in some other French cities. Eating out can be especially expensive in Cannes, although groceries are generally quite affordable. Rent can also be quite high, though it is slightly lower than in Paris. Along with rent and food, leisure activities and entertainment can be costly, but lower in cost than in some nearby resort towns. In general, the cost of living in Cannes is higher than the national average but it still can be an affordable destination for visitors," said one expat living in Cannes, France.

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

"I've been living in Cannes 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. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. The most expensive neighborhoods in Cannes are La Californie, Le Suquet, and La Croisette, so you'll want to avoid those areas. Instead, consider looking for an apartment in more affordable neighborhoods like La Bocca, Petit Juas, or Carnot. You can find a small studio or one-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $700 to $900 a month.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out in Cannes can be quite expensive, especially in the touristy areas. To save money, try cooking at home more often and shopping at local markets like Marché Forville or Marché Gambetta for fresh produce. When you do eat out, look for more affordable options like kebab shops, pizza places, or small local bistros.Transportation costs can also add up, so consider using public transportation or walking instead of driving. Cannes has a decent bus system, and a monthly pass costs around $40. If you need to travel outside of Cannes, consider using the train, which is relatively affordable and connects you to other cities along the French Riviera.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Cannes. You can spend time at the beach, go for hikes in the nearby Esterel Mountains, or explore the many parks and gardens in the city. There are also free events and festivals throughout the year, like the International Fireworks Festival and the Festival of Plaisance.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Cannes is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, using public transportation, and enjoying free or low-cost activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Cannes.

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

"I've been living in Cannes 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 have to make some sacrifices. The first thing you'll want to do is find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like La Bocca or Le Cannet, which are a bit further from the city center but still have good access to public transportation and amenities. You'll find that rents are more reasonable there compared to the more expensive neighborhoods like La Croisette or Le Suquet.One of the sacrifices you'll have to make is probably living in a smaller apartment than you're used to. Space is at a premium in Cannes, so you'll likely have to settle for a one-bedroom or even a studio apartment. However, you can still find some nice places if you're willing to search and be patient.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in Cannes can be expensive, so I'd recommend relying on public transportation or even getting a bike to get around. The bus system is pretty good, and there are also plenty of bike lanes throughout the city.Eating out can also be quite pricey in Cannes, especially in the more touristy areas. To save money, I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. There are also some more affordable restaurants and cafes if you're willing to venture away from the main tourist areas.Finally, you'll have to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. Going to the movies, attending events, or enjoying a night out can add up quickly. To save money, I'd recommend taking advantage of the many free or low-cost activities in the area, such as hiking in the nearby hills, going to the beach, or attending local festivals.Overall, it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Cannes on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to be smart about your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices," said one expat living in Cannes.

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

"I've been living in Cannes 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 mindful of your spending. The first thing you'll want to consider is housing. Cannes is known for its luxurious lifestyle, so some neighborhoods can be quite expensive. I'd recommend avoiding areas like La Californie and Le Suquet, as they tend to be pricier. Instead, look for apartments in more affordable neighborhoods like La Bocca or Le Cannet. You can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $1,500 to $2,000 a month.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to fuel costs, insurance, and parking fees. I'd recommend using public transportation, which is quite reliable and affordable. A monthly bus pass costs around $40, and you can also rent a bike or use the local bike-sharing system for short trips.Eating out can also be pricey, especially in the touristy areas near the beach and the Palais des Festivals. I'd suggest cooking at home most of the time and shopping at local markets and supermarkets for groceries. When you do eat out, try to find local spots away from the tourist areas, as they tend to be more affordable and offer better value for your money.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up quickly, so it's essential to prioritize and budget accordingly. There are plenty of free or low-cost events and activities in Cannes, like outdoor concerts, art exhibitions, and festivals. You can also enjoy the beautiful beaches and parks without spending a fortune.In conclusion, living comfortably in Cannes on $5,000 a month is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, cooking at home, and prioritizing your leisure activities, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful city without breaking the bank," commented an expat living in Cannes.

About the Author

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.


French Riviera House Hunting - FRH
French Riviera House Hunting - FRH

French Riviera House Hunting - FRH
French Riviera House Hunting - FRH

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SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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French Riviera House Hunting - FRH
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