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Saint-Etienne, France
Capital City

Follows France Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,800
Retiree Score
91.0
Safety Index
54.1
Healthcare
47 facilities

Saint-Étienne is a former industrial hub in eastern-central France that is now undergoing a transition, with a population of 406,868 in its metropolitan area as of 2020. Once known for its weapons, cycles, and ribbons, the city is now positioning itself as a "design capital" while grappling with the legacy of its coal mining past.

The climate is a persistent headache, with Saint-Étienne being one of the snowiest cities in France, receiving an average of 85 cm of snow accumulation per year. The city also has a complex bureaucracy, as it absorbed several neighboring communes over the years. However, it remains a hub for sports, culture, and education, with universities, museums, and a storied football club.

Overall, Saint-Étienne is a city in transition, catering to those drawn to its industrial heritage, design scene, and outdoor recreation opportunities, despite the challenging weather and administrative complexities.

Can I afford Saint-Etienne?

$

Saint-Etienne

You could save

1,200/mo

Savings Rate40%

Monthly Costs

Rent $820
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$980

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
40/100
Retiree Score
(i)
91/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets France Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
54
Safety
47
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
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) *$18
Meal (Mid-range) $124
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $138
Mobile Plan (mo) $9
Gym (mo) *$31
Cinema Ticket $9

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $656
1BR Outside (mo) *$556
3BR Center (mo) $1,240
3BR Outside (mo) *$1,000

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Very Few
Top Neighborhoods
Fauriel
Best For
designers

Expat Life Notes

Safe industrial town focused on design. strictly local sociais circle.

Pros

  • ✓ Design careers hub
  • ✓ Cheap living

Cons

  • ✗ No English spoken

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
763 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Saint-Etienne

Click any question to expand the answer.

Saint-Etienne has a population of approximately 173,136 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $2,050 per month in Saint-Etienne, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $820/month.

The nearest airport to Saint-Etienne is LFLL, approximately 63km away.

Saint-Etienne is considered moderate in terms of safety, with a safety index of 54.1. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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