×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Nice 2024
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Nice, France


Cost of Living in Nice

By Betsy Burlingame

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

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

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Nice is €1,000 to €1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, and €1,500 to €2,000 per month for a two-bedroom apartment.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Nice is €3,000 to €4,000 per square meter.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Nice is €1.50 for a single ticket, €4.50 for a day pass, and €50 for a monthly pass.
Groceries The average cost of groceries in Nice is €50 to €100 per week for a family of four.
Restaurants The average cost of a meal at a restaurant in Nice is €15 to €30 per person.
Utilities The average cost of utilities in Nice is €100 to €150 per month for a family of four.
Private School Tuition The average cost of private school tuition in Nice is €3,000 to €5,000 per year for preschool, €5,000 to €7,000 per year for elementary school, €7,000 to €10,000 per year for middle school, and €10,000 to €15,000 per year for high school.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Nice

"The cost of living in Nice is relatively high compared to other parts of the country. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is €1150, and can be much higher for larger apartments. Utilities such as electricity and water tend to be expensive, costing around €150. Transportation is also costly, with a single journey on the tram costing €1.50 and a 10-zone pass costing €19. Groceries can be more affordable, depending on one's habits, but prices generally remain high. Eating out can be a large expense, with average restaurant meals costing around €20. All in all, Nice can be quite an expensive place to live," said one expat living in Nice, France.

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

"I've been living in Nice 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 neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Saint Roch, Pasteur, or Saint Maurice. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options. On the other hand, you should avoid neighborhoods like Mont Boron, Cimiez, or the Promenade des Anglais, as they tend to be more expensive.When it comes to transportation, you'll want to rely on public transportation, which is quite affordable and efficient in Nice. A monthly pass for the bus and tram system costs around €30, which is a great deal. Owning a car can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend avoiding that if possible.For groceries, you'll want to shop at discount supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi, which offer lower prices than other grocery stores. You can also visit local markets for fresh produce at reasonable prices. Eating out can be expensive in Nice, so you'll want to limit that as much as possible and cook at home instead.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Nice. You can spend time at the beach, visit parks, or attend free events and festivals throughout the year. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like going to the movies or attending concerts.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Nice is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, relying on public transportation, shopping smartly for groceries, and enjoying low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Nice.

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

"I've been living in Nice for a few years 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 choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Saint Roch, Libération, or Magnan. These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly and still offer a good quality of life. On the other hand, you should avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Mont Boron, Cimiez, or the Promenade des Anglais, as the cost of living there can be quite high.When it comes to housing, you'll probably have to settle for a smaller apartment than you might be used to. Expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in a decent area. Utilities and internet will likely cost you around $200 a month. As for transportation, I'd recommend using public transport or getting a bike, as owning a car can be quite expensive in Nice. A monthly public transport pass costs around $40, and biking is a great way to get around the city and enjoy the beautiful weather.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll need to be mindful of your budget. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can help you save money, as eating out can be quite expensive in Nice. Expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries, and limit eating out to once or twice a week to keep costs down.Finally, you'll need to be careful with your discretionary spending. Going out for drinks, entertainment, and other activities can add up quickly. I'd recommend setting a monthly budget for these expenses and sticking to it. Overall, living in Nice on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on eating out, and being careful with your discretionary spending, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful city," said one expat living in Nice.

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

"I've been living in Nice for a few years 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. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the size of your apartment.For example, if you want to live in a more affordable area, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Saint Roch, Pasteur, or Saint Maurice. These areas are a bit further from the city center and the beach, but they offer more affordable housing options. On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more on rent, you could look into neighborhoods like Carré d'Or, Musiciens, or Mont Boron. These areas are more central and have a higher concentration of luxury apartments, but they can be quite expensive.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or one without a sea view if you want to stick to your budget. Additionally, you might have to cut back on eating out at fancy restaurants or going out for drinks every night, as these expenses can add up quickly. However, there are plenty of affordable grocery stores and local markets where you can buy fresh produce and cook at home, which can help you save money.Another thing to consider is transportation. If you're used to having a car, you might find that parking can be quite expensive in Nice, especially in the more central neighborhoods. However, the public transportation system is quite good, with buses and trams that can take you all around the city. Plus, Nice is a very walkable city, so you might find that you don't need a car as much as you think.Overall, living in Nice on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some compromises in terms of your living situation and lifestyle. But trust me, the beautiful surroundings and amazing weather make it all worth it," commented an expat living in Nice.

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

Nice, France

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Cigna Global HealthCigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Contribute to France Network Contribute
Help others in France by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in France.

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

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides