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Agen, France

Data updated Oct 9, 2026

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📊 Scores

76
FIRE
72
Retiree
74
Digital Nomad

Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 74)

Agen sits in southwestern France at just 54 m above sea level, in the Europe/Paris timezone, and it holds a population of 33 thousand. The climate is temperate oceanic, with mild winters and warm summers, moderate rainfall throughout the year, and the wettest months falling in autumn and spring. Expats who settle here tend to cluster in Center-ville and Passage d'Agen, two central choices that keep daily errands, cafes, and the market within easy reach. The city's small expat community means newcomers often know one another quickly, and English is widely spoken, which softens the first months of settling in.

Rents are modest by French city standards. A one-bedroom in the city center runs $606/mo, while the same outside the center drops to $561/mo. Three-bedroom apartments go for $981/mo in the center and $897/mo outside it. Beyond rent, a single adult spends about $940/mo, and a family of four about $3,150/mo. Utilities average $259/mo, internet $31/mo, and a mobile phone plan $16/mo. A gym membership costs $17/mo, an inexpensive restaurant meal $11 per person, a mid-range three-course meal for two $56, and a cappuccino $4. The average monthly net salary locally is $3,218/mo, and the cost of living index sits at 60/100 against New York City at 100. Budget, mid-range, and comfortable tiers for a single adult come to $883/mo, $1,256/mo, and $1,422/mo respectively, all rent included.

Safety is a strong point, with a safety index of 85/100 and a crime index of 15/100, where lower is safer. Air quality registers 35 on the index, where lower is better, and healthcare quality is rated excellent. Average internet speed reaches 95 Mbps, fast enough for remote work, streaming, and video calls without strain. The overall expat score is 74/100, with a FIRE score of 76/100, a retiree score of 72/100, and a digital nomad score of 74/100, numbers that suggest the city performs consistently well across very different lifestyles rather than excelling at just one.

For longer stays, France Long-Stay Visitor Visa requires a minimum monthly income of $1,500/mo, and the France Digital Nomad Visa requires $5,000/mo. The nearest airport is AGF, only 4 km away, which keeps arrivals and departures simple. Agen suits retirees and remote workers who want a calm, walkable southwestern base with low rents, excellent healthcare, and easy rail and road connections onward. It rewards those who prefer a smaller city where the cost of living index of 60/100 and a local salary averaging $3,218/mo still leave room to save, travel, and live well.

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🏚️ Cost of Living

💰 Budgets and Costs

$1,298/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: mid-range lifestyle

Agen on a mid-range budget comes to about $1,298 a month for one adult, with $561 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $232 on groceries, $112 on dining out, $88.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $305 on utilities and connectivity.

Rent

$561/mo

1BR outside the centre

Groceries

$232/mo

Staples basket scaled to a full month

Dining out

$112/mo

10 inexpensive meals

Entertainment & lifestyle

$88.00/mo

gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos

Utilities & connectivity

$305/mo

utilities, mobile, internet

Budgets (excl. rent)

Single person$737/mo

Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.

Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.

A 1BR in the center runs about $605.57/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.

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🛡️ Safety & Crime

85
Safety Index

(Higher is safer)

15
Crime Index

(Lower is safer)

Agen is a genuinely safe provincial French city with minimal violent crime and a relaxed atmosphere well-suited to expat retirees. Petty theft and pickpocketing are the primary concerns, particularly in the town center and near the train station—standard precautions suffice. The city lacks the gang activity, drug-related violence, or organized crime found in larger French metros. Neighborhoods are walkable and well-lit. For an American accustomed to major U.S. cities, Agen will feel notably secure. No significant geopolitical risks. A solid choice for those prioritizing safety and quiet living.

🏥 Healthcare

Excellent
Public Hospitals
Yes
Private Clinics
Yes
English-Speaking Doctors
Available

See how Agen's healthcare compares with Soustons

🌤️ Climate

Summer Temp
22°C
Winter Temp
6°C
Humidity
72%
Air Quality Index
35
Annual Rainfall
976 mm

Best Months

AprMaySepOct

Climate Notes

Agen has a temperate oceanic climate with mild winters and warm summers; expect moderate rainfall year-round with the wettest months in autumn and spring.

💻 Digital Nomad

Avg Internet Speed
95 Mbps
Internet (monthly)
$31/mo
Coworking Availability
Moderate
Coworking Spaces Nearby
6
Digital Nomad Score
74/100

Community Notes

Agen offers a quintessentially French experience with modern conveniences.

Coworking Spaces

NameNotes
Co-clic-coLocated at 2356 Avenue des Landes, Sérignac-sur-Garonne.
Fablab 47Located at 52 Cours Gambetta, Agen.
Héméra RépubliqueLocated at 35 Boulevard de la République.
La Fabrique
La FontaineLocated at 21 Rue Duranton, Agen.
La Fontaine Coworking

Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).

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🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Centre-ville, Passage d'Agen
Banks Nearby
32
ATMs Nearby
18

Expat Life Notes

Agen is the prune capital of France in Lot-et-Garonne. A small British and Dutch expat community attracted by affordable SW France property.

Pros

  • ✓ Affordable Aquitaine property
  • ✓ Good climate
  • ✓ TGV access to Bordeaux and Paris

Cons

  • ✗ French required
  • ✗ Limited English
  • ✗ Quiet city

🏘️ Neighborhoods in Agen

Areas of Agen that expats often consider.

Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.

Centre Ville (Hyper Centre)

Historic heart, lively, central

The heart of Agen, with shops, restaurants, and historical buildings. Very walkable, but can be noisy, especially on market days. Good for those who want to be in the middle of everything, but parking can be a challenge.

Passage

Residential, family-friendly, quiet

Located just outside Agen, Passage offers a more relaxed, residential feel. It's popular with families and retirees. While less walkable than the city center, it has good bus connections and is generally more affordable.

Montanou

Up-and-coming, diverse, vibrant

A more diverse and affordable area, Montanou is experiencing revitalization. It's further from the city center but has its own local shops and markets. May require some French language skills to navigate effectively.

Cours Victor Hugo

Elegant boulevard, central, upscale

A prestigious address along a grand boulevard, Cours Victor Hugo offers a mix of apartments and townhouses. Close to shops and restaurants, it's a desirable location, but rents are higher. Very walkable and well-connected by public transport.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Agen

Click any question to expand the answer.

Agen has a population of approximately 32,801 people.
A single person can expect to spend around $1,514 per month in Agen, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $606/month.
The nearest airport to Agen is AGF, approximately 4.1km away.
Agen is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 85.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.
Agen has an average internet speed of 95 Mbps. It is considered a well-established digital nomad destination.
Limited. UPSA pharmaceutical factory is the major employer, but hiring foreigners is uncommon. Most expats here work remotely or are retired. Unemployment is above the French average. Bordeaux and Toulouse, 90–135 km away, offer better job prospects if you need local work.
Yes, practically. English is rare outside tourism. Landlords, doctors, government offices, and daily services operate in French only. You'll struggle significantly without at least intermediate French. Plan 3–6 months to reach functional level, or arrive with solid skills.
Safety index is 85—reasonably safe for a French city. One-bedroom rent is €640/month in the center. Groceries, utilities, and dining are standard French prices. Overall cost is 20–30% lower than Paris or Bordeaux, making it attractive for budget-conscious expats with remote income.
For long-term stays exceeding 90 days, Americans typically pursue a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour). The 'visitor' visa is common for retirees, requiring proof of sufficient income (pension, investments) to support yourself without working in France. You'll need to apply at the French consulate in the US before you move.
Agen generally has good internet connectivity, especially in the city center. Expect speeds suitable for video conferencing and most remote work tasks. Check with your landlord or internet provider (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom) about specific speeds at your address before committing to a lease.
While French is essential, you can find some English-speaking healthcare professionals in Agen. Online directories and expat networks are good resources. The Centre Hospitalier Agen-Nérac is the main hospital; inquire there or through your insurance provider for English-speaking staff.
Agen has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. Expect hot, sunny days in July and August, and cooler, wetter weather from November to March. Pack layers, including a light jacket for evenings, and rain gear for the wetter months.
Agen is a walkable city, especially the historic center. The Tempo bus network provides good coverage throughout the city and surrounding areas. Consider a bicycle for getting around, as Agen has some bike lanes and relatively flat terrain.
As a US citizen, you're still required to file US taxes even when living abroad. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) can help you exclude a certain amount of your foreign-earned income from US taxes. Consult a tax professional specializing in expat taxes to ensure compliance and optimize your tax situation.
Opening a bank account in France requires some paperwork, including proof of address, passport, and visa (if applicable). Major banks like Crédit Agricole, BNP Paribas, and Société Générale have branches in Agen. Be prepared for potential language barriers and bring a translator if needed.
While Agen is not a major hub for coworking, you can find some options. Check online for updated listings of coworking spaces. Many cafes offer free Wi-Fi, but be mindful of noise levels and seating availability during peak hours.
Agen has a smaller expat community compared to larger cities like Paris or Lyon. However, you can connect with other expats through online forums and social media groups. Look for groups focused on the Lot-et-Garonne region to find local events and meetups.
Agen has several excellent markets for fresh produce and local products. The Marché Couvert (covered market) is a popular choice, offering a wide variety of food stalls. The Saturday market on Boulevard de la République is also worth a visit.
Agen offers a lower cost of living than many other places in France, making it attractive for retirees on a fixed income. Eating at home using fresh, local ingredients from the markets, taking advantage of free activities like walking and cycling, and utilizing public transportation can help you save money.
Agen offers a slower, more relaxed pace of life than many cities in the US. Expect shops and businesses to close for lunch, and people to prioritize leisure and socializing. Embrace the French concept of 'prendre le temps' (taking the time) to enjoy life.
Agen can be a viable option for early retirement, depending on your budget and lifestyle. The lower cost of living compared to the US or other parts of Europe can help your savings last longer. However, factor in healthcare costs, visa requirements, and the need to adapt to a new culture and language.
The city center of Agen is popular for its proximity to amenities and historical charm. Passeligne is a quieter residential area, while Le Passage d'Agen offers a mix of housing options. Consider your budget and lifestyle preferences when choosing a neighborhood.

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