Saint-Étienne, 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
- State Income Tax: 30.0%
- Sales Tax: 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
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
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 | |
| Heating & Cooling | €84 | 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 | €259 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CRE, EDF, Veolia, ARCEP 2025
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" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Saint-Étienne 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 11.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Saint-Étienne 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.
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, 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: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.