Saint-Étienne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
A former industrial powerhouse transformed into a UNESCO City of Design, with a rich mining heritage and creative revival.
Below Average vs France avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Saint-Étienne vs France Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: 30.0%
- VAT: 20.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: €28,000
- Unemployment: 11.0%
- Population: 172,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 195/year
- Summer High: 81°F
- Winter Low: 30°F
Housing
- Median Home: €160,000
- 1BR Rent: €550/mo
Cost of Living
Saint-Étienne's cost of living index is 84 (France average = 100).
| Category | Saint-Étienne | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 84 | 100 | -16.0% |
| Housing | 82 | 100 | -18.0% |
Data source: INSEE / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | €160,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | €550/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | €688/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | €106 |
Data source: SeLoger / MeilleursAgents, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Saint-Étienne:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €100 | Based on ~3,500 kWh/year typical French household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | €84 | 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 | €259 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CRE, EDF, Veolia, ARCEP 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Saint-Étienne
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: €660/mo.
Saint-Étienne Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: €605/mo.
East Saint-Étienne
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: €495/mo.
West Saint-Étienne
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: €523/mo.
Remote Work Score
Saint-Étienne scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Saint-Étienne has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 50°F | 30°F | 2.5" |
| April | 66°F | 45°F | 2.8" |
| July | 81°F | 56°F | 1.5" |
| October | 61°F | 48°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 11.0%.
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 Saint-Étienne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France?
The cost of living index in Saint-Étienne is 84, which is Lower the France national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Saint-Étienne?
The median home price in Saint-Étienne is €160,000. The housing index is 82.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Saint-Étienne is approximately €550/mo.
Does Saint-Étienne, ARA have income tax?
Saint-Étienne is in ARA, which has an income tax rate of 30%.
What is the climate like in Saint-Étienne?
Saint-Étienne enjoys approximately 195 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 81°F, while winter lows can drop to around 30°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.