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Caen, France
Capital City

Follows France Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,880
Retiree Score
91.0
Safety Index
76.4
Healthcare
52 facilities

With a population of just 109,400, Caen is a mid-sized Norman city that offers an affordable alternative to the glitz of the nearby Riviera. However, the city's history as a strategic military target has left it battered - much of the old town was destroyed during World War II, and reconstruction efforts continued until 1962. The heavy bureaucracy and damp, cool maritime climate are persistent headaches for residents. Overall, Caen is a pragmatic choice for budget-conscious expats seeking a quieter slice of provincial France, but it lacks the historic charm of other Norman towns.

Can I afford Caen?

$

Caen

You could save

1,120/mo

Savings Rate37%

Monthly Costs

Rent $880
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$1,000

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
37/100
Retiree Score
(i)
91/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets France Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
76
Safety
52
Healthcare
100
Walkability
20
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$2
Eggs (12) $4
Rice (1kg) *$3
Chicken (1kg) *$14

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$17
Meal (Mid-range) $96
Cappuccino $3
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $170
Mobile Plan (mo) $15
Gym (mo) *$33
Cinema Ticket $15

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $528
1BR Outside (mo) *$417
3BR Center (mo) $990
3BR Outside (mo) *$750

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Venoix, Hastings, Centre-Ville
Best For
academics, students

Expat Life Notes

A safe university city in Normandy with a rich history. Expats are usually tied to academia or research centers.

Pros

  • ✓ Safe and clean
  • ✓ Rich WWII history nearby
  • ✓ Affordable living

Cons

  • ✗ Rainy climate
  • ✗ Limited English outside university
  • ✗ Isolated from southern hubs

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
3°C°C - 22°C°C
Annual Rainfall
869 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Caen

Click any question to expand the answer.

Caen has a population of approximately 109,400 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $2,200 per month in Caen, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $880/month.

The nearest airport to Caen is BVA, approximately 182km away.

Caen is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 76.4. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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