Cost of Living in Toulouse

Category	Cost
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom in City Centre)	Approximately €600 - €800 per month
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom Outside of Centre)	Approximately €450 - €600 per month
Apartment Purchase Price (City Centre)	Approximately €3,000 - €4,500 per square meter
Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of Centre)	Approximately €2,000 - €3,000 per square meter
Public Transportation (Monthly Pass)	Approximately €50
Gasoline (1 liter)	Approximately €1.40 - €1.60
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage for 85m2 Apartment)	Approximately €100 - €150 per month
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	Approximately €25 - €35 per month
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant	Approximately €10 - €15
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	Approximately €40 - €60
Basic (Milk, Bread, Eggs, Fruits, Cheese, Chicken, Beef, etc.) Monthly Groceries for 1 person	Approximately €200 - €300
Private Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Monthly for 1 Child	Approximately €400 - €600
Private Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	Approximately €4,000 - €6,000
Private Middle School, Yearly for 1 Child	Approximately €6,000 - €8,000
Private High School, Yearly for 1 Child	Approximately €8,000 - €12,000

Please note that these are average costs and can vary based on specific location, personal consumption habits, and other factors. The cost of living in Toulouse is generally lower than in Paris, but higher than in many smaller French cities. The cost of housing is a significant factor in the overall cost of living, with both rental and purchase prices for apartments being relatively high, especially in the city centre. The cost of utilities and internet is relatively standard, while the cost of groceries can vary based on personal preferences and dietary needs. The cost of dining out can also vary widely, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant being quite affordable, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant can be significantly more expensive. The cost of private school tuition can be quite high, especially for middle and high school.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Toulouse

"The cost of living in Toulouse, is considered moderate compared to other major cities in France. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while those located outside the city center are relatively cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also moderate and can vary based on usage and the size of the apartment.Groceries in Toulouse are reasonably priced, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower prices. Eating out at restaurants can range from affordable at smaller establishments to quite expensive at high-end restaurants. The cost of a regular cappuccino or a pint of domestic beer in Toulouse is also moderate.Public transportation in Toulouse is efficient and reasonably priced, with options including buses, trams, and a metro system. Taxis and fuel costs are more expensive. Healthcare in Toulouse is of a high standard, but it can be costly if you are not covered by French social security or private health insurance. Overall, while Toulouse can be more affordable than cities like Paris or Lyon, it is still important to budget carefully, especially for accommodation and healthcare costs," said one expat living in Toulouse.

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

"I've been living in Toulouse for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it will require some budgeting and sacrifices. The cost of living in Toulouse is lower than in Paris, but it's still a city with its own expenses. Rent will be your biggest expense. If you want to live in the city center, in neighborhoods like Saint-Etienne or Carmes, you'll have to pay at least $800 for a small studio. These areas are beautiful and lively, but they're also the most expensive. If you're looking to save money, consider living in a more affordable neighborhood like Minimes or Bagatelle. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $500-$600. Groceries will cost you about $200-$300 a month, depending on your eating habits. Eating out is quite expensive, so you might want to limit that. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $20-$30. Public transportation is quite good in Toulouse and a monthly pass costs around $50. If you have a car, keep in mind that gas and parking can add up. Health insurance is mandatory in France and it can cost you around $50 a month, depending on your age and health condition. Then there are utilities like electricity, water, internet, and mobile phone which can add up to $100-$200 a month. So, if you add up all these expenses, you'll see that $1,500 is just enough to cover the basics. You won't have much left for entertainment, travel, or savings. You'll have to live a modest lifestyle and be careful with your spending. But it's definitely possible to live in Toulouse on this budget. You just have to be smart about your choices," commented an expat living in Toulouse.

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

"I've been living in Toulouse 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 budgeting and planning. The cost of living in Toulouse is lower than in Paris, but it's still a city with its own expenses. Rent is probably going to be your biggest expense. If you want to live in the city center, in neighborhoods like Saint-Étienne or Carmes, you're looking at paying around $1,000 to $1,500 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. These areas are beautiful, with lots of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, but they're also the most expensive. If you're looking to save money, consider neighborhoods like Minimes or Roseraie. They're a bit further out but still have good access to the city center. You can find a one-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $600 to $800 a month. Food is another big expense, but it's also an area where you can save. Eating out in Toulouse can be pricey, especially in the city center. But if you cook at home and shop at local markets, you can eat very well on a budget. Toulouse has fantastic fresh produce, cheese, and meat at its local markets. I spend around $300 a month on groceries. Then there's transportation. Toulouse has a good public transportation system, with a metro, trams, and buses. A monthly pass costs around $50. If you live in the city center, you can get by without a car, which saves a lot on expenses. Other expenses to consider are utilities (around $100 a month), health insurance (around $50 a month if you're under the French healthcare system), and entertainment. Toulouse has lots of free or low-cost activities, like parks, museums, and festivals. But if you like going out to bars or concerts, that can add up. So, to sum up, yes, you can live in Toulouse on $3,000 a month. But you'll need to budget carefully, especially for rent and food. And you might need to make some sacrifices, like living further out from the city center or eating out less. But in my experience, the quality of life in Toulouse is worth it. It's a beautiful city with a lot to offer," said one expat living in Toulouse.

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

"I've been living in Toulouse for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, even with a taste for modern amenities. Toulouse is a beautiful city with a high quality of life, but it's not as expensive as Paris or Nice. The cost of living is quite reasonable, especially when compared to other major cities in France. For housing, you can find a nice one-bedroom apartment in the city center for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. If you're looking for something cheaper, consider neighborhoods like Minimes or Bonnefoy. They're a bit further from the city center, but still very accessible and offer a good quality of life. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Saint-Etienne or Les Carmes are quite expensive, so you might want to avoid them if you're on a budget.When it comes to food, you can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month if you cook at home. Eating out can be a bit pricey, but there are plenty of affordable options if you know where to look. For instance, the Marché Victor Hugo is a great place to buy fresh produce at a reasonable price.Transportation is also quite affordable. A monthly pass for the city's public transportation system costs around $50. If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas prices are quite high in France, and parking in the city center can be expensive.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Toulouse. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, and there are numerous museums, galleries, and theaters to explore. A ticket to the cinema costs around $10, and a night out at a bar or restaurant can range from $20 to $50, depending on where you go.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to cut back on eating out or going out for drinks regularly. You might also have to choose a smaller apartment or live a bit further from the city center. But overall, I think you'll find that Toulouse offers a great quality of life for a reasonable cost," commented an expat living in Toulouse.