Marseille isn’t just a city, it’s an attitude. France’s oldest city blends Mediterranean sunshine, a cosmopolitan spirit, and raw coastal beauty in a way no other French destination can match. For expats, Marseille offers an eclectic lifestyle: sea swims before work, buzzing café terraces, street art, culture, and access to the breathtaking Calanques National Park.
If you’re considering living in Marseille as an expat, here’s everything you need to know, from neighbourhoods and housing costs to transport, lifestyle, and community.
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Best neighbourhoods to live in Marseille
Marseille is divided into 16 arrondissements, each with a strong identity. Below are five popular areas for newcomers, offering a mix of lifestyle, access, and community.
Les Cinq Avenues (4th arrondissement)
A lively, central neighbourhood that balances nightlife, culture, and family-friendly amenities.
Expect:
- Trendy restaurants, pubs, and bars
- Quick access to Parc Longchamp and its zoo
- Metro + tram connections
Les Cinq Avenues is ideal for expats who love an urban lifestyle with green spaces moments away.
Notre-Dame du Mont / Cours Julien (6th arrondissement)
The creative heart of Marseille. Think:
- Artists, musicians, young professionals
- Street art, independent boutiques, farmers’ markets
- Lively evenings that often stretch into early morning
This is Marseille’s bohemian village, perfect for expats who love culture, community events, and a relaxed-but-buzzy vibe.
La Joliette (2nd arrondissement)
Once an industrial area, now a major hub of modern Marseille. You’ll find:
- Huge shopping centres and stylish boutiques
- Fast transport links
- A contemporary feel (though some locals say it lacks “old Marseille” charm)
Great for expats who want convenience, modern housing, and an easy commute.
La Pointe Rouge (8th arrondissement)
For sea lovers, this is Marseille’s outdoor playground. Highlights:
- Sailing, paddleboarding, diving, running
- Summer nightlife with bars and clubs on the beach
- Direct access to the Calanques
Families will appreciate the green areas like Campagne Pastré, a favourite picnic spot.
Le Panier (2nd arrondissement)
Marseille’s historic, village-like district, globally recognised thanks to Plus Belle La Vie. Expect:
- Narrow, colourful streets
- Authentic cafés, bars, and traditional restaurants
- Strong community spirit and cultural events in summer
Perfect for expats seeking a neighbourhood with soul and charm.
Cost of living in Marseille
Marseille is significantly more affordable than Paris and remains one of the best-value big cities on the French coast.
Housing and property prices (2025 data)
- Average price: ~3,775 €/m²
- Apartments: ~3,569 €/m²
- Houses: ~4,835 €/m²
- Average rent: ~16 €/m²
➡️ Expect around 801 €/month for a furnished one-bedroom.
Rent prices in Marseille are 49.5% lower than in Paris, making it attractive for remote workers, young families, and retirees.
Everyday living costs
- Cost of living is 6.4% lower than Paris (excluding rent)
- Estimated monthly costs for a single person: ~1,003 €
- Utilities for 85 m²: ~160 €/month
- Meal in a mid-range restaurant: 15–20 €
Marseille offers the rare mix of big-city life + seaside living at prices that remain accessible.
Getting around Marseille
Marseille’s public transport network is operated by RTM (Régie des Transports Métropolitains), under the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropole.
The network includes:
- 3 Tram lines
- 2 Metro lines
- 93 Bus routes
Services run every day except 1 May.
Tramway
Runs: 5:00 – 00:30
- T1: Noailles → Les Caillols
- T2: Blancarde Foch → Arenc Le Silo
- T3: Arenc Le Silo → Castellane
Bus
- Day service: 5:00 – 21:00
- Night (Fluobus): 21:00 – 00:30
Metro
- Runs: 5:00 – 1:00
- Last departures from termini: 00:30
Transport costs
Monthly pass: 40–60 € depending on zones.
Marseille is walkable in many areas, but having access to metro + tram makes daily life easy.
Lifestyle in Marseille
Life in Marseille is shaped by three things: the sea, the sun, and the city’s multicultural identity.
Expect a lifestyle that blends:
- Mediterranean joie de vivre
- Strong cultural roots and global influences
- Endless outdoor activities (Calanques, beaches, hiking, swimming)
- A creative, youthful energy in neighbourhoods like the Panier and Cours Julien
While Marseille faces challenges, notably cleanliness and security in certain districts, it remains one of France’s most vibrant, authentic cities.
Culture in Marseille
Marseille is a historic entry point to the Mediterranean world, shaped by trade, migration, and ancient civilisations. Cultural highlights include:
- Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
- Abbaye Saint-Victor
- 30 museums, including the iconic MuCEM
- A passionate sports culture, led by Olympique de Marseille (OM)
There is a genuine sense of identity here, Marseille feels like its own world.
Expat life in Marseille
Marseille has a fast-growing expat community thanks to its affordability, multicultural vibe, and sunshine.
A useful group to start with: ➡️ Expats and Internationals in Marseille
Most expats highlight:
- A friendly, informal attitude
- Vibrant international food scene
- Strong entrepreneurial and creative communities
- Easy access to nature
If you want a city that feels alive, diverse, and unpolished in the best way, Marseille delivers.
Why Marseille might be the perfect city for you
Marseille could be the right choice if you want:
- Big-city life without Paris prices
- A climate that gives you 300+ days of sun
- Easy access to beaches, hiking, and outdoor sports
- A culturally rich, authentic, unfiltered French experience
- A lively arts and food scene
- A diverse, international population
If you thrive in places with energy, character, and soul, Marseille often becomes more than a home, it becomes part of your identity.
FAQ: Living in Marseille
Is Marseille safe for expats?
Like any major port city, some districts are safer than others. Most expats live in central or southern arrondissements and feel comfortable. Awareness + choosing the right neighbourhood is key.
Is Marseille expensive?
No, it’s an affordable coastal city in France. Housing and daily expenses are significantly lower than in Paris.
Do you need a car in Marseille?
Not necessarily. Public transport is good, especially in the centre. But a car helps if you want regular access to beaches outside the city or the Calanques.
What is the job market like?
Marseille’s economy focuses on logistics, tourism, tech, health, and maritime industries. Remote workers particularly enjoy the city’s affordability.
Is Marseille good for families?
Yes, neighbourhoods like the 8th arrondissement offer parks, beaches, and calmer residential streets.
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