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Dijon, France

Data updated Oct 9, 2026

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📊 Scores

71
FIRE
66
Retiree
67
Digital Nomad

Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 69)

Dijon sits in eastern France, the capital of the Burgundy region, at an elevation of 245 meters above sea level. Its climate is oceanic with continental influences, bringing warm summers and cold, damp winters. Most expats gravitate toward the Center-Ville neighborhood, which offers the most convenient access to the city's historic core, shops, and restaurants. The expat community here is small, but English is common in tourist areas, making it easier for newcomers to get oriented before their French improves.

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🏚️ Cost of Living

💰 Budgets and Costs

$1,393/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: mid-range lifestyle

Dijon on a mid-range budget comes to about $1,393 a month for one adult, with $552 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $236 on groceries, $179 on dining out, $86.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $293 on utilities and connectivity and $47.00 on transport.

Rent

$552/mo

1BR outside the centre

Groceries

$236/mo

Staples basket scaled to a full month

Dining out

$179/mo

10 inexpensive meals

Entertainment & lifestyle

$86.00/mo

gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos

Utilities & connectivity

$293/mo

utilities, mobile, internet

Transport

$47.00/mo

Monthly pass

Budgets (excl. rent)

Single person$841/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 $622.39/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

84
Safety Index

(Higher is safer)

16
Crime Index

(Lower is safer)

Dijon is genuinely safe for expats, with low violent crime and a relaxed provincial atmosphere. Petty theft and pickpocketing occur occasionally in the city center and train station, but serious crime is rare. The main practical concerns are standard European urban precautions: avoid displaying valuables, stay aware late at night in the Gare area, and use common sense. For Americans accustomed to major U.S. cities, Dijon feels noticeably safer. No significant geopolitical risks. A solid choice for remote workers or retirees seeking a quiet, secure French base.

🏥 Healthcare

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

See how Dijon's healthcare compares with Guipry

🌤️ Climate

Summer Temp
25°C
Winter Temp
0°C
Humidity
74%
Air Quality Index
40
Annual Rainfall
773 mm

Best Months

MayJunJulSep

Climate Notes

Oceanic climate with continental influences; warm summers and cold, damp winters.

💻 Digital Nomad

Avg Internet Speed
75 Mbps
Internet (monthly)
$30/mo
Coworking Availability
Moderate
Coworking Spaces Nearby
4
Digital Nomad Score
67/100

Community Notes

A thriving city for gastronomes with excellent infrastructure.

Coworking Spaces

NameNotes
LBA Centre d'AffairesHours: Mo-Fr 08:30-18:00.
Les Docks NumériquesLocated at 14 Rue Jean Giono, Dijon.
Mitwit Office Dijon Centre GrangierLocated at 15 boulevard de Brosses, Dijon.
Startway

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
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Centre-Ville
Banks Nearby
97
ATMs Nearby
42

Expat Life Notes

Gastro-capital of the region. safe and high end.

Pros

  • ✓ Food scene
  • ✓ Safe center

Cons

  • ✗ Expensive real estate

🏘️ Neighborhoods in Dijon

Areas of Dijon 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

Historic heart, vibrant, touristy

The city center is packed with historical landmarks, shops, and restaurants. It's very walkable and well-connected by public transport, making it ideal for those who want to be in the middle of everything. However, it can be noisy and touristy, especially during peak season, and rents tend to be higher.

Les Halles

Bustling market, foodie paradise

Centered around the famous covered market designed by Gustave Eiffel, Les Halles is a lively area with excellent food options. It's popular with both locals and tourists, and offers a good mix of residential and commercial properties. Expect higher prices and some noise, but the convenience and atmosphere are a major draw.

Quartier des Antiquaires

Charming, antique shops, quiet

Known for its antique shops and art galleries, this area offers a more refined and quieter atmosphere than the city center. It's still very walkable and close to amenities, attracting a mix of residents, including retirees and those seeking a more peaceful environment. The architecture is beautiful, but housing options can be limited and pricier.

Faubourg Raines

Residential, family-friendly, green spaces

Located just east of the city center, Faubourg Raines is a more residential area with parks and green spaces. It's popular with families and offers a quieter lifestyle than the more central neighborhoods. While less touristy, it's still well-connected by public transport, but knowing some French will be helpful here.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Dijon

Click any question to expand the answer.

Dijon has a population of approximately 161,830 people.
A single person can expect to spend around $1,556 per month in Dijon, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $622/month.
The nearest airport to Dijon is DIJ, approximately 7.6km away.
Dijon is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 84.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.
Dijon has an average internet speed of 75 Mbps. It is considered a well-established digital nomad destination.
You need conversational French minimum. Unlike Paris, English speakers are rare in daily services, government offices, and healthcare. Basic French gets you started, but you'll struggle with bureaucracy and making local friends without intermediate level proficiency.
Limited but present in pharmaceuticals, university positions, and some international companies. Most opportunities require French fluency. The biotech sector offers the best prospects for skilled professionals, while teaching English provides entry-level options.
About 30-40% cheaper overall. Groceries cost roughly the same, but rent, dining out, and entertainment are significantly less. A decent dinner costs €25-35 vs €40-50 in Paris, and monthly transport passes run €30 compared to Paris's €75.
The most common route is a long-stay visitor visa (visa de long séjour), requiring proof of sufficient income (typically from pensions or investments) to support yourself without working in France. You'll need to apply at the French consulate in the US and demonstrate healthcare coverage.
Dijon is generally considered a very safe city with low crime rates compared to larger metropolitan areas. Like any city, petty theft can occur, especially in touristy areas or on public transport, but violent crime is rare. The Fontaine d'Ouche neighborhood has a slightly higher crime rate than others, but it's not generally dangerous.
Rent varies depending on the neighborhood and size, but expect to pay around €600-€900 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in a decent area like near Place de la République or in the city center. Outside the center, like near the university, you might find cheaper options.
Dijon has excellent internet infrastructure, with widespread access to fiber optic connections. You can expect download speeds of 50-100 Mbps or even higher in most areas, making it ideal for video conferencing and other remote work tasks. Check with your landlord or internet provider for specific speeds at your address.
While French is essential, you can find English-speaking doctors and dentists, especially in the city center. Online directories like Doctolib often indicate which practitioners speak English. The American Hospital of Paris, though not in Dijon, is an option for more complex medical needs.
Dijon has a temperate climate with warm summers and cool, sometimes damp, winters. Expect temperatures ranging from 0-5°C (32-41°F) in winter to 20-25°C (68-77°F) in summer. Pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, as rain is common throughout the year.
Dijon has an excellent public transportation system, including trams and buses, making it easy to get around without a car. The city center is also very walkable and bike-friendly. Consider purchasing a Divia Mobilités pass for unlimited travel.
Yes, Dijon has several coworking spaces, such as La Cordée Dijon and Now Coworking, offering flexible workspace options for digital nomads and remote workers. These spaces provide a professional environment, networking opportunities, and reliable internet access.
Dijon's expat community is smaller than in Paris or Lyon, but it's still active and welcoming. Online groups like InterNations and Facebook groups for expats in Burgundy are good places to connect with other English speakers. The Alliance Française also offers language classes and cultural events.
Groceries are generally cheaper than in the US, especially if you shop at local markets like Les Halles. Eating out can range from affordable (€15-€20 for a casual meal) to expensive (€50+ for a fine dining experience). Look for 'formule' lunch specials for good value.
As a US citizen, you're still required to file US taxes even when living abroad. You may be able to exclude a significant portion of your income using the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or claim the Foreign Tax Credit. Consult with a tax professional specializing in expat taxes.
Several options exist for transferring money, including bank transfers, Wise (formerly TransferWise), and Remitly. Wise generally offers the best exchange rates and lower fees compared to traditional bank transfers. Be aware of ATM fees when withdrawing cash.
Dijon could be viable for early retirement on $2,500 per month, but it requires careful budgeting. Renting a smaller apartment outside the city center, cooking at home frequently, and utilizing public transport are essential. Healthcare costs should also be factored in.
Dijon offers a much slower and more relaxed pace of life compared to major US cities. People take their time, enjoy meals, and prioritize work-life balance. Be prepared for shops and businesses to close for lunch or on Sundays.

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