When people imagine moving to France, Paris is often the first place that comes to mind. The cafés, the museums, the romance of the boulevards, it’s everything the French dream promises.
But here’s the truth: Paris is expensive.
With rents averaging 32 € per square metre, a comfortable two-bedroom apartment can easily top 3,500 € per month, and buying often exceeds 10,000 € per square metre. For many expats, that price tag doesn’t just stretch the budget, it can quietly drain the joy from the experience.
The good news? You don’t have to give up the dream of France to live well. There are cities that offer everything people love about Paris, culture, gastronomy, architecture, and accessibility, at a fraction of the cost.
Here are three of the best affordable cities in France that expats should consider.
Table of Contents
Reims (Champagne)
If you want Paris access without Paris stress, Reims might be your perfect fit.
Just 45 minutes from Paris by TGV, Reims gives you the flexibility to commute for meetings or weekend visits while enjoying space, affordability, and calm at home.
Why expats love Reims
- Affordable housing: Average rents hover around 13 €/m², meaning a stylish two-bedroom can cost roughly 1,800 €/month, about half of what you’d pay in Paris.
- Excellent transport links: Direct trains to Paris make commuting or day trips easy.
- Vibrant local life: As the capital of Champagne, Reims is steeped in history, art, and bubbly. You’ll find world-class dining, museums, and local markets, without the crowds.
Lifestyle snapshot
Reims feels elegant but approachable. It’s quieter than Paris, yes, but that’s also its charm. It’s the perfect city for those seeking balance: international connections when needed, calm community life when you want to breathe.
If you’re still working part-time or commuting occasionally to Paris, Reims offers one of the best value-for-access ratios in France.
Dijon (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté)
For those who dream of deep cultural immersion and value authenticity over constant expat buzz, Dijon hits the sweet spot.
Located in the heart of Burgundy, Dijon offers classic French beauty, excellent food, and a more relaxed cost of living, making it one of the best affordable cities in France for people starting fresh.
Why expats choose Dijon
- Real affordability: Rent averages 12–14 €/m², while buying property costs around 3,000 €/m², roughly one-third of Paris prices.
- Easy travel: Just 1 hour 40 minutes by train to Paris and close to Lyon and Switzerland for weekend escapes.
- Rich culture: The city blends small-town friendliness with big-city heritage, think cobblestone streets, art galleries, and some of France’s best cuisine.
Lifestyle snapshot
Dijon feels “deeply French”, walkable, proud of its food and wine, and slightly under the radar. It’s home to international students and professionals drawn to its universities and growing business scene.
If your goal is to truly live like a local, learn the language, and stretch your budget comfortably, Dijon delivers all the essentials for sustainable expat life in France.
Strasbourg (Alsace)
Strasbourg offers the best of both worlds: the cultural depth of Paris at half the cost, and the international energy of a European capital.
As home to the European Parliament, Strasbourg attracts diplomats, professionals, and families from across the world, making it one of the most expat-friendly cities in France.
Why expats love Strasbourg
- Great value for size: Large, character-filled apartments rent for 2,500–3,000 €, while the same space in Paris could easily hit 5,000 €.
- Accessibility: Just 1 hour 50 minutes to Paris by train, with quick links to Germany and Switzerland.
- Community: A mix of French, German, and international influences gives Strasbourg a cosmopolitan yet welcoming atmosphere.
Lifestyle snapshot
Think riverside cafés, canals, and timbered architecture straight out of a storybook. Winters are long and cold, but that’s also when Strasbourg shines, hosting Europe’s most famous Christmas market. Summers bring outdoor dining, bike rides, and nearby adventures in the Vosges Mountains.
Strasbourg is ideal for expats seeking a global community, excellent schools, and the feel of Parisian grandeur, without the price or stress.
Choosing the right city for you
Each of these cities, Reims, Dijon, Strasbourg, offers a different answer to the question, “What version of France do I want to live?”
| City | Best For | Quick Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Reims | Commuters & professionals | 45 min from Paris • Affordable housing • Champagne & culture |
| Dijon | Deep immersion & value | 1h40 to Paris • 3,000 €/m² to buy • Walkable, food-focused |
| Strasbourg | Families & global expats | 1h50 to Paris • International schools • Cultural mix |
Before you decide, ask yourself:
- How close to Paris do I need to be?
- Do I want immersion or an international crowd?
- Am I renting first or ready to buy?
- What matters most: space, lifestyle, or community?
Your answers will guide you toward a city that not only fits your budget but also supports the kind of life you actually want to live.
FAQ: Moving to France without living in Paris
Is it cheaper to live outside Paris?
Yes. Rent and property prices in cities like Reims, Dijon, and Strasbourg are 30–60% lower than Paris, with excellent infrastructure and culture.
Which French cities are best for expats?
Strasbourg for international families, Reims for Paris access, and Dijon for deep cultural immersion, all popular among expats in France seeking affordability and lifestyle balance.
How far are these cities from Paris?
Reims: 45 minutes by TGV; Dijon: 1h40; Strasbourg: 1h50, all easy for weekend trips or part-time commuting.
Can I find English-speaking communities in these cities?
Yes, particularly in Strasbourg, which has strong international schools and expat networks. Reims and Dijon have smaller communities but growing interest among newcomers.
Final notes
Paris will always be Paris, magical, inspiring, iconic. But it’s not the only place where expats can build a fulfilling life in France.
Cities like Reims, Dijon, and Strasbourg prove that you can have:
- French culture and cuisine
- Fast train access to Paris
- Space, calm, and connection
- And a much lower cost of living
If you’re planning your move to France, start by looking beyond Paris. You might just find that the French lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of, the slower mornings, the markets, the balance, feels even more attainable elsewhere.
Because the real magic of France isn’t just in one city, it’s in finding your version of it.
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