Cost of Living in Avignon
Summary: If you're moving to Avignon, understanding the the cost of living in Avignon 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 Category | Estimated 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) | €2,500 - €3,500 per square meter |
Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of Centre) | €2,000 - €2,800 per square meter |
Public Transportation (Monthly Pass) | €30 - €50 |
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | €100 - €150 per month |
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | €20 - €35 per month |
Groceries (Milk, Bread, Eggs, Fruits, Chicken, Beef, etc.) | €200 - €300 per month |
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | €10 - €15 |
Three-Course Meal for 2 People at a Mid-range Restaurant | €40 - €60 |
Private Preschool Tuition (per year) | €3,000 - €5,000 |
Private Elementary School Tuition (per year) | €4,000 - €6,000 |
Private Middle School Tuition (per year) | €5,000 - €7,000 |
Private High School Tuition (per year) | €6,000 - €8,000 |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Avignon
"The cost of living in Avignon is considered moderate. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while outside the city center, it is relatively cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also moderate. Groceries in Avignon can be pricey, with items such as bread, milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables having a higher cost compared to other cities. Eating out in Avignon can also be expensive, especially in the city center. However, there are cheaper options available outside the city center.Public transportation in Avignon is reasonably priced, with options including buses and trains. Owning a car can be quite expensive, considering the cost of gasoline, maintenance, and parking. Healthcare in Avignon is of high quality, but it can be expensive if you do not have health insurance. Education, especially international schooling, can also be quite costly.Overall, while the cost of living in Avignon can be high compared to other cities in France, it offers a high quality of life, rich history, and beautiful scenery," said one expat living in Avignon.
Can I live in Avignon on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Avignon for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it does require some sacrifices. The cost of living in Avignon is lower than in Paris or Nice, but it's still not cheap. Rent is the biggest expense. If you want to live in the city center, expect to pay around $700-$800 for a small one-bedroom apartment. However, if you're willing to live a bit further out, in neighborhoods like Montfavet or Saint-Chamand, you can find cheaper options, around $500-$600. These areas are still quite nice and have good public transportation connections to the city center. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, will cost you around $150-$200 a month. Groceries will be around $200-$300 a month, depending on your eating habits. If you cook at home and avoid expensive imported products, you can save a lot. Eating out is quite expensive, so that's a luxury you might have to cut back on. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $20-$30. Public transportation is quite affordable, a monthly pass costs around $50. However, if you live close to your work or if you enjoy walking, you can save this expense. Health insurance is mandatory in France and it will cost you around $50 a month. So, if you add up all these expenses, you'll see that living on $1,500 a month is tight but doable. You won't have much left for entertainment, travel, or unexpected expenses though. If you want to have a more comfortable lifestyle, I'd recommend a budget of at least $2,000-$2,500 a month. As for the neighborhoods to avoid, I'd say the city center can be quite expensive, especially the areas around Palais des Papes and Place de l'Horloge. These are the most touristic areas and the prices reflect that. The same goes for the neighborhoods near the university, like La Balance and Les Carmes, where rents are inflated due to the high demand from students," commented an expat living in Avignon.
Can I live in Avignon on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Avignon 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 lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living in Avignon is lower than in larger cities like Paris, but it's still not cheap. Rent is one of the biggest expenses. If you want to live in the city center, expect to pay around $1,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. However, if you're willing to live a bit further out, in neighborhoods like Montfavet or Saint Chamand, you can find cheaper options, around $600-$700 a month. Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, will cost you around $150 a month. Internet and mobile phone services are relatively cheap, around $30 a month. Groceries will cost you about $300 a month if you shop at discount supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi, but could be more if you prefer organic or specialty stores. Eating out is quite expensive, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around $15, and a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $40. Transportation is another significant expense. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $50. If you own a car, gasoline costs around $1.50 per liter. Health insurance is mandatory in France and will cost you around $200 a month, but it covers a large portion of your medical expenses. As for entertainment, a movie ticket costs around $10, a monthly gym membership is around $30, and a ticket to a theater or a concert can cost anywhere from $20 to $100, depending on the event. So, if you're careful with your spending, it's possible to live on $3,000 a month in Avignon, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. You might not be able to eat out as often as you'd like, or you might have to choose a smaller apartment in a less central neighborhood. But in return, you'll get to live in a beautiful, historic city with a rich culture and a high quality of life," said one expat living in Avignon.
Can I live in Avignon on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Avignon 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. However, you'll need to be smart about your spending. For instance, rent can vary greatly depending on the neighborhood. If you're looking for more affordable areas, I'd recommend looking into places like Montfavet or Saint-Chamand. These are a bit further from the city center, but you can find a nice apartment for around $800 to $1,000 a month. On the other hand, if you're considering neighborhoods like La Balance or L'Oratoire, be prepared to pay a premium. These are some of the most expensive areas in Avignon, with rents often exceeding $1,500 a month. When it comes to utilities, you can expect to pay around $200 a month, including internet, electricity, and water. Groceries will likely cost you about $300 to $400 a month, depending on your eating habits. Eating out in Avignon can be quite pricey, especially in the city center. A meal at a mid-range restaurant can easily cost $20 to $30 per person. However, there are also plenty of more affordable options, especially if you're willing to venture out of the touristy areas. Transportation is another factor to consider. If you're living in the city center, you can get by without a car as most places are within walking distance and there's a decent public transportation system. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $50. However, if you're living further out or plan on traveling around the region, you might want to consider getting a car. As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Avignon. The city is rich in history and culture, so you can spend your weekends exploring the local museums, parks, and historic sites. However, if you're into more high-end entertainment like theater or fine dining, this could significantly increase your monthly expenses. In terms of healthcare, France has an excellent healthcare system and as a legal resident, you'll be eligible for public healthcare. However, you might also want to consider getting private health insurance, which can cost around $100 a month, depending on the coverage. Overall, living in Avignon on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to budget carefully and be mindful of your spending. It's all about finding the right balance between comfort and affordability," commented an expat living in Avignon.
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.