When thinking of the most glamorous and most luxurious cities in the world, Cannes is probably up there. Though most people only remember it for its famous film festival, it's actually another lap of luxury in France that can almost rival Paris. So it makes sense to think that Cannes is also one of the most expensive cities in the world, right? While it's true that wealth bears much significance in this coastal city, whether it's actually costly to live here is another story. Here are the basics of Canne's living costs and some helpful info that you might want to know.
Costs of Renting in Cannes
First thing's first, the rent! More often than not, looking at a city's common rental fees is a great way to gauge just how expensive it is to live there. Whether it's a standard house or a
luxury apartment, rent is often the most common and the highest living expense you'll regularly face. For now, according to
Numbeo.com, the common rental fees in Cannes range from €500.00 to 1,500.00 a month. These figures are a far cry from
those in Paris, where the common rental fees range from €650.00 to €4,000.00 a month. These differences alone should tell you how expensive it is in Cannes.
Costs of Buying Property in Cannes
Though the common rental fees in Cannes may seem affordable enough, actually buying your own property here is a different matter entirely. Of course, owning your own land or house would be expensive no matter where you are, but here in Cannes, it's slightly different. To own a home in any of the
central districts of the city, you'll need to pay around €5,000.00 to €10,465.00 per square meter. A home along the outskirts of the city will cost you €3,500.00 to €6,500.00 instead. In any case, when you add all that app, it will cost you around hundreds of thousands or even millions in Euros.
Utilities Costs
Fortunately, despite the glossy reputation of Cannes, your utilities costs here aren't that high. Though it still depends on the type of lifestyle you lead here. For those who just want a comfortable, middle-class life in Cannes, all your basic bills will only total to around €40.00 to €212.50 per month tops! These will already include your electricity, water, heating, garbage disposal, and the like. But what about your wifi? How much will that cost you per month? If you connect with a
local telecommunications company and get a good deal with them, it'll only cost you around €20.00 to €41.00 per month!
Food Costs
You might be surprised to know that food isn't that expensive in Cannes. Again, it depends on where you shop, of course. If you prefer to get your food from the more upscale markets and stores, you will have to pay more than the standard. However, if you stay within the mid-range groceries or even the public markets, you'll only really have to pay around €83.46. This is the total common median price for a one-to-two weeks' worth of groceries. This includes 1.5 liters of water, a dozen eggs, a loaf of bread, fruits, vegetables, different types of meat, snacks, and even some alcohol too.
Dining Costs
Cannes is known for its excellent restaurants, some Michelin-starred, many headed by prominent gourmet chefs and the like. Because of this, it's easy to believe that eating out will cost you a lot more than cooking for yourself here in this coastal city. For the most part, this is true. However, if you simply don't have the budget to go to
the famous foodie hotspots in Cannes, you can always go to more affordable places. A meal in a cheap restaurant will only cost you about €7.00 to €20.00. And what about a three-course meal for two in a mid-range place? €40.00 to €80.00.
Transportation Costs
Truth be told, you're better off driving your own vehicle in Cannes. This isn't to say that
public transport here lacks efficiency, but rather it's more common to drive your own luxury car here. It's part of what makes Cannes the famously glamorous city that it is. However, if you do choose to buy your own car here, prepare to shell out around €19,750.00 to €28,000.00, or possibly even more, for it regardless of its model and brand. As for your commuters out there. A single-ride ticket to any of the public transport systems costs only €1.50.
Clothing Costs
With so many
French designer stores and luxury shopping districts around, it's easy to believe that shopping for clothes in Cannes would cost a fortune. And for the most part, yes, it will. However, that doesn't mean those who can't afford such luxuries have no other option. On the contrary, the city still has its fair share of high street brands, boutiques, and more that offer affordable clothing. And a piece from said shops commonly costs around €15.00 to €50.00 each. Meanwhile, a new pair of sneakers, even from a world-famous sportswear brand, will only cost you around €50.00 to €100.00.
Leisure Costs
Let's talk about leisure for a second. At least, everyday leisure such as working out and going to the movies. The common membership fee for most standard gyms in the city is €30.00 a month. With just that, you'll get access to all their equipment, amenities, and the like. Joining a fitness program, however, can cost extra and the prices often vary. And, of course, if you go for a more upscale fitness club, the costs will also be higher. As for going to the movies, tickets here range from €7.50 to €12.00. Popcorn and other refreshments will cost extra.
Childcare & Education Costs
Although there aren't a lot of schools in Cannes, there are some, both in the city and in towns nearby, that your kid can still go to. And his/her safety and education in such places will be your most important investment yet. When they're young and you can't look after him/her yourself, you can enroll your kid in a private daycare center that will only cost around €200.00 to €850.00 per month. When they grow older and need to go to primary school, enrolling them in some of the
finest international schools nearby will cost you €7,080.00 to €18,000.00 per school year.
Despite its glossy and glamorous reputation, living in Cannes isn't actually that expensive. It will still cost you a lot to live here, yes, but it won't leave you at risk of emptying your bank account. You just have to be smart in terms of where you spend your money here.
