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Moving to Montpellier, France | Expat Exchange
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Moving to Montpellier, France

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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Dec 14, 2023

Summary: Expats move to Montpellier, France for its Mediterranean climate, vibrant culture, and excellent quality of life. With its stunning beaches, picturesque old town, and vibrant nightlife, Montpellier is an attractive destination for those looking to experience the best of French culture. The city also offers a wide range of job opportunities, making it an ideal place for expats to start a new life. Additionally, Montpellier is known for its excellent public transportation system, making it easy to get around the city and explore its many attractions.

What do I need to know before moving to Montpellier?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Montpellier, they said:

"Rent first until you know the area. Furnished rentals are the best for short-term, otherwise you are expected to take a 3-year lease. Check out my information site on moving to France,at www.moving-to-france-made-easy.com," replied a member in Montpellier.

"Montpellier is an increasingly popular city to move to, offering many attractions and an exciting lifestyle. Expats should do their research and prepare themselves for the change in culture and customs. Winters tend to be mild in Montpellier, but summers are long, hot and humid. It is important for expats to be aware of the possible health issues associated with the heat. Additionally, making sure you have the correct paperwork and visas sorted is essential. Finally, Montpellier has a reputation for being a very welcoming city, and making sure to learn some basic French can help create relationships with locals quickly," commented one expat who made the move to Montpellier, France.

How do I find a place to live in Montpellier?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"To find a place to live in Montpellier, a good place to start would be expat forums or local Facebook groups. Searching for "Montpellier, France housing" should turn up plenty of results. Another helpful resource could be online classified ads like Craigslist and Le Bon Coin, as well as apps like Nestpick and Spotahome. Additionally, there are many real estate agents and property management companies that specialize in expat rentals in Montpellier. Visiting Montpellier and talking to locals who already live there might also provide useful advice and potentially point you to some great deals," commented one expat who made the move to Montpellier, France.

French Riviera House Hunting - FRH

We are the best possible negotiator to help our expatriate clients to safely, efficiently and effectively find the right property in the right place in the French Riviera. Whether buying or renting, French Riviera House Hunting's objective is to find the best place for you, making sure that there are no hidden problems in the acquisition or renting process!

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

French Riviera House Hunting - FRH

We are the best possible negotiator to help our expatriate clients to safely, efficiently and effectively find the right property in the right place in the French Riviera. Whether buying or renting, French Riviera House Hunting's objective is to find the best place for you, making sure that there are no hidden problems in the acquisition or renting process!

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Montpellier?

"Expat homes and apartments in Montpellier are usually spacious and airy, with many homes and apartments facing open patios and courtyards, allowing for plenty of natural light and fresh air. The apartments often have high ceilings, open floor plans and spacious kitchens, making it ideal for entertaining guests. The city is also known for its abundance of public parks, allowing for plenty of outdoor activities. Expat homes and apartments generally have modern décor, with some homes incorporating more traditional French style elements for a truly unique look," explained one expat living in Montpellier, France, France.

What is the average cost of housing in Montpellier?

If you are thinking about moving to Montpellier, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The cost of housing in Montpellier varies depending on the area, type of housing and amenities. Generally, renting an apartment costs between €500-800 per month, while purchasing an apartment can cost from €2,000 to €2,500 per square meter. Additionally, the cost of living for a small family per month is about €1,200," commented one expat who made the move to Montpellier, France.

"They are somewhat cheaper than San Antonio, Texas, where we moved from. They have, however, gone up by at least 25% since we bought in the summer of 2000," remarked one expat in Montpellier, France.

Should I buy or rent a home in Montpellier?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Montpellier, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"Whether to buy or rent a home in Montpellier is a personal decision that depends on many factors. As with any property purchase or rental agreement, it is important to consider the cost, location, size and condition of the property. Additionally, individuals should consider their own lifestyle and financial goals before making a decision. It could be that renting is a better option for those who may move frequently or would prefer to keep the cost of living down. On the other hand, buying may be a better option for those that plan to stay in Montpellier for a longer period or prefer to own their property. Ultimately, the decision should be based on each individual's circumstance," remarked one expat who made the move to Montpellier, France.

What should I pack when moving to Montpellier?

We asked people living in Montpellier to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:

"I wish I had brought ALL of my sewing things, ALL of our books, and my basket collection. I wish I had left some of our furniture behind because the houses here are much smaller than in the states. I wish I had left a lot of our clothes at home because the closets are much smaller here, and people wear the same clothes more often here. I also wish I had left some of my jewelry at home. I just don't wear it here," remarked one expat who made the move to Montpellier.

"When moving to Montpellier, be sure to pack comfortable and lightweight clothing appropriate for the Mediterranean climate. Items like t-shirts, shorts, sandals, and sunglasses are all essential for beating the heat. If you plan on exploring the nearby mountains, be sure to bring some warmer items such as jeans, a jacket, and a hat. Additionally, bring sun protection such as SPF lotion, lip balm, and a wide-brimmed hat. Finally, don’t forget to bring your passport and any important documents related to your move, as well as a dictionary or language book to get around," explained one expat living in Montpellier, France, France.

French Riviera House Hunting - FRHFrench Riviera House Hunting - FRH
Connect

We are the best possible negotiator to help our expatriate clients to safely, efficiently and effectively find the right property in the right place in the French Riviera. Whether buying or renting, French Riviera House Hunting's objective is to find the best place for you, making sure that there are no hidden problems in the acquisition or renting process!

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

French Riviera House Hunting - FRHFrench Riviera House Hunting - FRH

We are the best possible negotiator to help our expatriate clients to safely, efficiently and effectively find the right property in the right place in the French Riviera. Whether buying or renting, French Riviera House Hunting's objective is to find the best place for you, making sure that there are no hidden problems in the acquisition or renting process!
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Montpellier?

We asked people in Montpellier if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:

"When in Montpellier, it is considered impolite to talk loudly or chew gum in public places. It is important to take your shoes off before entering someone's home, and you may be expected to kiss both cheeks as a greeting when meeting someone for the first time. Additionally, directions should be asked of someone in a polite manner, as it is considered rude to simply point at a person for directions. Furthermore, it is inappropriate to wear revealing clothing or to drink alcohol in public places," commented one expat who made the move to Montpellier, France.

Why do people move to Montpellier?

When we asked people why foreigners move to Montpellier, they responded:

"Montpellier is an attractive destination for expats due to its rich culture dating back to the 10th century, its numerous attractions, affordable cost of living, mild weather, and its excellent educational opportunities. The city has a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, with a wide range of museums, galleries, theatres, and festivals. The city's location on the Mediterranean Sea means that it has a mild climate year-round and is also known for its great beaches. Montpellier also has a large student population, which makes it a very attractive place for expats looking to study. The city offers a wide range of employment opportunities, and the cost of living is relatively low compared to other major cities in France. Furthermore, Montpellier is well-connected, with an extensive public transport system making it easy to explore the rest of France. Altogether, these features make Montpellier an ideal location for many expats," offered one expat living in Montpellier.

French Riviera House Hunting - FRHFrench Riviera House Hunting - FRH
Connect

We are the best possible negotiator to help our expatriate clients to safely, efficiently and effectively find the right property in the right place in the French Riviera. Whether buying or renting, French Riviera House Hunting's objective is to find the best place for you, making sure that there are no hidden problems in the acquisition or renting process!

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

French Riviera House Hunting - FRHFrench Riviera House Hunting - FRH

We are the best possible negotiator to help our expatriate clients to safely, efficiently and effectively find the right property in the right place in the French Riviera. Whether buying or renting, French Riviera House Hunting's objective is to find the best place for you, making sure that there are no hidden problems in the acquisition or renting process!
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

How are healthcare services Montpellier?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Montpellier, they replied:

"Montpellier offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens. The city is home to several public and private hospitals, as well as numerous clinics and medical centers. The public hospitals provide general medical care, as well as specialized services such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology. Private hospitals offer a range of services, including cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, and orthopedic care. Montpellier also has a number of pharmacies, which provide prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. Additionally, the city has a number of medical laboratories, which offer diagnostic tests and screenings. Finally, Montpellier has a number of mental health services, including counseling and psychotherapy," stated one expat who made the move to Montpellier.

What are medical services in Montpellier like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Montpellier, they replied:

"Montpellier offers a wide range of medical services for its residents. The city has a number of public and private hospitals, as well as a variety of specialized clinics and medical centers. The city also has a number of pharmacies, providing access to medications and other health-related products. Additionally, Montpellier has a number of medical professionals, including general practitioners, specialists, and nurses, who are available to provide medical care. The city also has a number of medical research centers, which are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and treatments," replied one expat when asked about moving to 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 helps you find the perfect home in the French Riviera.
Learn More

French Riviera House Hunting - FRHFrench Riviera House Hunting - FRH

French Riviera House Hunting helps you find the perfect home in the French Riviera.
Learn More

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

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