Brest, Brittany, 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
- Income Tax: 30.0%
- VAT: 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
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 | Based on ~3,500 kWh/year typical French household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | €75 | Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating |
| 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
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Brest
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: €660/mo.
Brest Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: €605/mo.
East Brest
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: €495/mo.
West Brest
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: €523/mo.
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" |
Taxes
- Income Tax: 30%
- VAT: 20%
- Property Tax: ~0.3% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 9.0%.
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, Brittany, 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: July 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.