Aix-en-Provence sits 110 meters above sea level in southern France, 7 kilometers from Marseille Provence Airport (MRS). Its Mediterranean climate brings hot summers and mild, sunny winters. Expats tend to settle in the Mazarin and Saint-Mitre neighborhoods, drawn by the city's large and active expat community. English proficiency is limited here, so some French goes a long way.
Living costs are manageable compared to many French cities. A one-bedroom in the city center rents for $1,150 per month, while outside the center it drops to $850. For a three-bedroom, expect $2,100 in the center and $1,550 outside. A single adult's monthly budget excluding rent is $1,080, while a family of four spends $3,650 on the same. The total monthly cost for a single adult in the budget tier is $2,030; mid-range is $2,800; and comfortable is $3,900. The cost of living index stands at 69 out of 100 (New York City = 100).
Safety is solid, with a safety index of 75 and a crime index of 25 (lower is safer). Healthcare quality is excellent, and the air quality index is 42 (lower is better). Average internet speed is 100 Mbps.
For long-term stays, the France Long-Stay Visitor Visa requires a minimum monthly income of $1,500, making it a viable option for retirees. The France Digital Nomad Visa demands $5,000 per month in income. Aix-en-Provence suits retirees (score 65), digital nomads (score 73), and those pursuing FIRE (score 68), with an overall expat score of 71.