Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 69)
Aurillac sits in the Massif Central highlands of southern France, a compact city of 26,000 people at an elevation of 640 meters. Its cool temperate climate brings mild summers around 19°C and cold winters around 3°C, with significant rainfall year-round and frequent cloud cover. Expats tend to settle in the Center-ville, where daily life unfolds around the historic core, or in the quieter residential area of Le Buis. The city's small expat community means newcomers will find a genuinely local atmosphere rather than an international bubble, and English proficiency is limited, so some French goes a long way.
Living here is notably affordable. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for $616/mo, while the same outside the center costs $522/mo. A three-bedroom in the center runs $1,097/mo, and outside the center it drops to $985/mo. Utilities run about $266/mo, internet $30/mo, and a mobile plan just $14/mo. A single person's monthly costs excluding rent come to $950/mo, while a family of four spends around $3,200/mo excluding rent. The overall cost of living index sits at 62/100 relative to New York City. Local wages are solid, with an average monthly net salary of $3,919/mo, which comfortably covers the budget tier of $1,730/mo, the mid-range tier of $2,320/mo, or even the comfortable tier of $3,150/mo for a single adult.
Safety and healthcare are strong points. The safety index is 80/100, and the crime index is a low 20/100, making it a secure place to live. Healthcare quality is rated as good, and the air quality index is 35, which is better than many urban centers. For those considering a move, the practicalities are straightforward. The nearest airport is AUR, just 4 km away, offering easy regional connections. For longer stays, the France Long-Stay Visitor Visa requires a minimum monthly income of $1,500/mo, while the France Digital Nomad Visa requires $5,000/mo.
Aurillac suits travelers and remote workers who prize affordability, safety, and a slower pace over big-city amenities. The digital nomad score of 63/100 and the FIRE score of 71/100 reflect its appeal to those looking to stretch their savings, though the retiree score of 58/100 suggests it may not be the first choice for every retiree. The overall expat score of 69/100 points to a generally positive experience for those who adapt to the local rhythm. With its low costs, good healthcare, and secure environment, Aurillac offers a grounded, practical base in the French highlands.
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Aurillac at the budget tier comes to about $1,124 a month for one adult, with $522 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $177 on groceries, $67.00 on dining out, $49.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $309 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$522/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$177/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$67.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$49.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$309/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Aurillac at the mid-range tier comes to about $1,316 a month for one adult, with $522 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $236 on groceries, $168 on dining out, $81.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $309 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$522/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$236/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$168/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$81.00/mo
2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$309/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Aurillac at the comfortable tier comes to about $1,703 a month for one adult, with $616 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $330 on groceries, $302 on dining out, $146 on entertainment and lifestyle and $309 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$616/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$330/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$302/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$146/mo
4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$309/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $615.85/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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See how Aurillac's cost of living compares with Vichy
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Aurillac is a genuinely safe small French city with minimal violent crime and low property theft rates typical of rural Auvergne. Petty pickpocketing and car break-ins occur occasionally but are uncommon. The main practical concerns are standard European precautions: avoid displaying valuables, secure vehicles, and exercise normal vigilance in the town center at night. No neighborhoods are genuinely dangerous. For Americans accustomed to major U.S. cities, Aurillac will feel notably safer with a relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere. The verdict: an excellent choice for those prioritizing security and tranquility over urban amenities.
Aurillac has a safety index of 54.75/100. Petty theft and lost belongings are the most common problems for newcomers. Compare travel insurance before you go.
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See how Aurillac's healthcare compares with Vichy
Aurillac has a cool temperate climate with mild summers (around 19°C) and cold winters (around 3°C), featuring significant rainfall year-round and frequent cloud cover typical of the Massif Central highlands.
A charming town in the Massif Central with beautiful scenery and quiet atmosphere.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| La Marge | Located in the heart of Aurillac, La Marge offers a friendly and collaborative atmosphere. It's a good option for those seeking a local, community-focused coworking experience with flexible options. |
| CCI Cantal - Espace de Coworking | The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of Cantal provides a coworking space with a professional environment. It's centrally located and offers access to business resources, making it suitable for those needing a more formal setting. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
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See how Aurillac's digital nomad life compares with Vichy
Aurillac is the prefecture of the Cantal department in the Massif Central, known for its international street theater festival. A small expat community of lifestyle and nature seekers exists but the area is remote and services are limited.
Areas of Aurillac that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Historic heart, lively, central
The city center offers convenient access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It's generally walkable, but parking can be challenging. Expect some noise from pedestrian traffic and events, but it's a good choice for those wanting to be in the thick of things.
Residential, quiet, family-friendly
Located slightly outside the immediate city center, Marmiers is a quieter residential area. It's popular with families and offers a more relaxed pace of life. While less walkable to the main attractions, public transport is available, and it's a good option for those seeking peace and quiet.
Affordable, up-and-coming, diverse
Belbex offers more affordable housing options compared to the city center. It's a diverse neighborhood with a mix of residents. While it may lack some of the charm of the historic center, it provides a more budget-friendly option and is gradually improving.
Green space, peaceful, convenient
Around the Square Vermenouze park offers a blend of green space and proximity to the city center. It's a desirable area with slightly higher rents. The area is generally quiet and well-maintained, making it attractive to retirees and those seeking a peaceful environment close to amenities.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $616/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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