Brest, France
A major Atlantic port city in Brittany with a dramatic coastline, a world-class oceanography institute, and a strong maritime culture.
Below Average vs France Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Brest vs France Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 30.0%
- Sales Tax: 20.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: €29,000
- Unemployment: 9.0%
- Population: 140,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 160/year
- Summer High: 72°F
- Winter Low: 39°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: €180,000
- 1BR Rent: €550/mo
Cost of Living
Brest's cost of living index is 85 (France average = 100).
| Category | Brest | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85 | 100 | -15.0% |
| Housing | 85 | 100 | -15.0% |
Data source: INSEE / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | €180,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | €550/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | €688/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | €120 |
Data source: SeLoger / MeilleursAgents, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Brest:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €100 | |
| Heating & Cooling | €75 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | €40 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | €35 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | €250 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CRE, EDF, Veolia, ARCEP 2025
Remote Work Score
Brest scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Brest has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 59°F | 39°F | 2.5" |
| April | 57°F | 54°F | 2.8" |
| July | 72°F | 47°F | 1.5" |
| October | 52°F | 57°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Brest faces the following natural hazards:
Alpine region with frequent avalanches.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Mediterranean coast with tsunami risk.
River flooding and coastal storm surges.
Mediterranean region (Corsica, Provence) with wildfires.
Alpine and mountainous regions with landslides.
France experiences occasional tornadoes.
France experiences winter storms.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 30%
- Sales Tax: 20%
- Property Tax: ~0.8% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 9.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Brest per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Eurostat
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
France has 3 academic zones that stagger holiday schedules. No school on Wednesdays in many areas.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Brest, France?
The cost of living index in Brest is 85, which is Lower the France national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Brest?
The median home price in Brest is €180,000. The housing index is 85.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Brest is approximately €550/mo.
Does Brest, BRE have income tax?
Brest is in BRE, which has an income tax rate of 30%.
What is the climate like in Brest?
Brest enjoys approximately 160 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 72°F, while winter lows can drop to around 39°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: INSEE / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: SeLoger / MeilleursAgents, 2026
- Income & Employment: INSEE Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities CRE, EDF, Veolia, ARCEP 2025
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.