Cost of Living in Saint-Malo
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Saint-Malo helps a newcomer 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 Saint-Malo 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 Saint-Malo is around €2,000-€2,500 per square meter. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is around €150,000-€200,000. |
Transportation | The cost of public transportation in Saint-Malo is €1.50 for a single ticket and €7.50 for a day pass. The cost of a monthly pass is €30. The cost of a taxi ride is around €10-€15. |
Groceries | The average cost of groceries in Saint-Malo is around €50-€60 per week for a family of four. The cost of a liter of milk is around €1.50, a loaf of bread is around €1.50, and a dozen eggs is around €2.50. |
Restaurants | The average cost of a meal at a restaurant in Saint-Malo is around €15-€20 per person. The cost of a beer is around €5-€6, and the cost of a bottle of wine is around €15-€20. |
Utilities | The average cost of utilities in Saint-Malo 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 Saint-Malo is around €2,000-€3,000 per year for preschool, €3,000-€4,000 per year for elementary school, €4,000-€5,000 per year for middle school, and €5,000-€6,000 per year for high school. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Saint-Malo
"The cost of living in Saint-Malo, is considered moderate compared to other French cities. Rent is relatively affordable, especially when compared to larger cities like Paris. The cost of groceries and dining out is also reasonable, with a wide range of options to suit different budgets. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and internet are also moderately priced. Public transportation in Saint-Malo is efficient and affordable, but owning a car can be quite expensive due to high fuel costs. Health care is of high quality and is generally affordable due to France's comprehensive health care system. Overall, while Saint-Malo is not the cheapest place to live in France, it offers a good quality of life for a moderate cost," said one expat living in Saint-Malo.
Can I live in Saint-Malo on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Saint-Malo 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 recommend looking for apartments in neighborhoods like Paramé or La Découverte, where you can find cheaper rents compared to the more expensive areas like Intra-Muros or Saint-Servan. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or one that's a bit further from the city center, but it's worth it to save on rent.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out can be quite expensive in Saint-Malo, so I suggest cooking at home as much as possible and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. When you do go out, try to find more affordable restaurants or take advantage of lunch specials. For entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in the city, like visiting the beach, going for walks along the ramparts, or attending local festivals and events.Transportation can also be a significant expense, so I recommend using public transportation or walking whenever possible. If you need a car, consider getting a small, fuel-efficient vehicle to save on gas and insurance costs.Finally, be prepared to cut back on some of the modern amenities you might be used to. For example, you might need to give up having a gym membership or a subscription to a streaming service. It's all about prioritizing your expenses and finding ways to save money while still enjoying your life in Saint-Malo.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Saint-Malo is doable, but it requires some sacrifices and careful budgeting. By finding an affordable apartment, being mindful of your spending, and cutting back on some luxuries, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Saint-Malo.
Can I live in Saint-Malo on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Saint-Malo for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices and be smart about your choices. For example, you might need to choose a smaller apartment or live a bit further from the city center to save on rent. When it comes to neighborhoods, I'd recommend looking into areas like Paramé or Saint-Servan. These neighborhoods are more affordable than the more touristy Intra-Muros, which is the walled city center. Paramé and Saint-Servan still have plenty of shops, restaurants, and other amenities, so you won't feel like you're missing out on anything. Plus, they're just a short walk or bike ride away from the beach and the city center.As for sacrifices, you might need to cut back on eating out at fancy restaurants or going out for drinks every weekend. But there are still plenty of affordable options for dining and entertainment in Saint-Malo. You can find delicious crêpes and galettes at local crêperies for a reasonable price, and there are often free events and festivals happening around the city.Another thing to consider is transportation. If you're used to having a car, you might want to think about using public transportation or biking instead. Parking can be expensive and difficult to find in Saint-Malo, especially during the busy tourist season. Plus, the city is quite walkable and bike-friendly, so you might find that you don't miss having a car as much as you thought you would.Overall, living in Saint-Malo on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. But in my experience, the beautiful surroundings, rich history, and friendly locals make it well worth it," said one expat living in Saint-Malo.
Can I live in Saint-Malo on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Saint-Malo 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, it's a great place to live.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to save some money, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in the neighborhoods of Paramé or Saint-Servan. These areas are a bit more affordable, but still offer a good quality of life. You can find a nice 2-bedroom apartment for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to check out the neighborhoods of Intra-Muros or La Madeleine. These areas are more expensive, with rents for a 2-bedroom apartment going up to $2,500 a month or more.As for transportation, Saint-Malo has a decent public transportation system, with buses connecting most parts of the city. A monthly bus pass costs around $50, which is quite affordable. If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas prices in France are higher than in the US, so that might be an additional expense to consider.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll find that prices are generally reasonable. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries, depending on your preferences. Dining out can be more expensive, especially in touristy areas like Intra-Muros, but there are plenty of affordable options in other parts of the city.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there's a lot to do in Saint-Malo and the surrounding area. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, visit historical sites, or take day trips to nearby cities like Rennes or Mont Saint-Michel. Most of these activities are quite affordable, but if you're into more expensive hobbies like golf or sailing, you might need to adjust your budget accordingly.In terms of healthcare, France has an excellent public healthcare system, and as an expat, you'll be eligible for coverage after living here for three months. However, you might want to consider getting private health insurance to cover any additional costs, such as dental care or specialist visits.Overall, I think you can live comfortably in Saint-Malo on $5,000 a month, as long as you're willing to make some adjustments and be mindful of your spending. It's a beautiful city with a lot to offer, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here," commented an expat living in Saint-Malo.
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.