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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

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

Summary: If you're moving to Montpellier, understanding the the cost of living in Montpellier 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 Montpellier - Cost of Living in Montpellier

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Montpellier is around €800-€1,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. For a two-bedroom apartment, the average cost is around €1,200-€1,500 per month.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Montpellier is around €2,500-€3,000 per square meter. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is around €150,000-€200,000. The average cost of a two-bedroom apartment is around €200,000-€250,000.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Montpellier is €1.60 for a single ticket, €4.50 for a day pass, and €30 for a monthly pass. The cost of a taxi ride is around €10-€15.
Groceries The average cost of groceries in Montpellier is around €50-€60 per week for a family of four. The cost of basic items such as bread, milk, and eggs is around €2-€3.
Restaurants The average cost of a meal at a restaurant in Montpellier is around €15-€20 per person. The cost of a beer is around €5-€6.
Utilities The average cost of utilities in Montpellier is around €100-€150 per month for a family of four. This includes electricity, water, gas, and internet.
Private School Tuition The average cost of private school tuition in Montpellier is around €5,000-€7,000 per year for preschool, €7,000-€10,000 per year for elementary school, €10,000-€15,000 per year for middle school, and €15,000-€20,000 per year for high school.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Montpellier

"The cost of living in Montpellier is quite reasonable relative to other French cities. Prices for accommodation, food and utilities are all lower than the national average. Eating out in restaurants and cafes is most likely cheaper than in Paris, and general consumer items are generally not too expensive," said one expat living in Montpellier, France.

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

"I've been living in Montpellier 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. I'd recommend looking for a small apartment or a shared flat in neighborhoods like Les Aubes, La Paillade, or Celleneuve. These areas are more affordable compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Antigone, Port Marianne, or Beaux-Arts.You'll also need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out can be quite expensive, so I'd suggest cooking at home most of the time and taking advantage of the local markets for fresh produce. When you do go out, look for more affordable restaurants or cafes, and avoid the more touristy areas.Transportation can also be a significant expense, so I'd recommend using public transportation, which is quite good in Montpellier. You can get a monthly tram and bus pass for around €50, which will save you money compared to using a car or taking taxis.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Montpellier. You can visit the many parks and gardens, attend free concerts or events, or explore the city's museums, many of which offer free admission on certain days.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Montpellier is doable, 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 low-cost activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Montpellier.

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

"I've been living in Montpellier for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Port Marianne, Les Aubes, or Les Arceaux. These neighborhoods are a bit more affordable than the city center, but they still offer a good quality of life and are well-connected to public transportation.On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Antigone, La Comédie, or Boutonnet. These areas are beautiful and have a lot of amenities, but the cost of living is significantly higher.When it comes to daily expenses, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. Eating out can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible. There are plenty of local markets where you can buy fresh produce at a reasonable price. Also, consider shopping at discount supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi to save on groceries.For transportation, I'd recommend getting a monthly public transportation pass, which costs around €56. This will give you unlimited access to trams and buses, making it easy to get around the city. Owning a car can be quite expensive, so relying on public transportation is a more budget-friendly option.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Montpellier. You can visit the many parks and gardens, attend free concerts and events, or explore the city's museums on their free admission days.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Montpellier is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can make it work," said one expat living in Montpellier.

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

"I've been living in Montpellier for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, you can have a good quality of life here. First, let's talk about housing. Montpellier has a variety of neighborhoods, some more expensive than others. If you want to save on rent, I'd recommend looking into areas like Les Aubes, La Chamberte, or La Mosson. These neighborhoods are more affordable, but they're still well-connected to the city center and have all the necessary amenities. On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more on rent, you could consider living in more upscale neighborhoods like Antigone, Port Marianne, or Beaux-Arts. These areas are more expensive, but they offer a higher quality of life, with beautiful architecture, parks, and a more vibrant atmosphere.When it comes to transportation, Montpellier has an excellent public transport system, including trams and buses. A monthly pass costs around €60, which is quite affordable. If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that parking can be expensive in the city center, so you might want to consider using public transport or cycling instead.As for groceries and dining out, you can find a wide range of options in Montpellier. There are plenty of supermarkets and local markets where you can buy fresh produce at reasonable prices. If you enjoy cooking at home, this will help you save a lot on your monthly expenses. Dining out can be more expensive, especially in the city center, but there are also many affordable restaurants and cafes if you know where to look.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, Montpellier offers a lot of options, from museums and theaters to parks and sports facilities. Many of these activities are either free or reasonably priced, so you can enjoy your time here without breaking the bank.Overall, living in Montpellier on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities. You might have to make some sacrifices, like choosing a more affordable neighborhood or cooking at home more often, but these adjustments are manageable and will allow you to experience the best of what this beautiful city has to offer," commented an expat living in Montpellier.

About the Author

Joshua Wood 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.


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

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

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