Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 67)
Auxerre sits in north-central France, about 8 kilometers from its small airport (AUF), at an elevation of 132 meters above sea level. The city has a temperate oceanic climate with mild summers around 20°C and cool winters around 3°C, with moderate rainfall year-round and four distinct seasons typical of northern France. Expats tend to settle in the Center-ville and Sainte-Geneviève neighborhoods, though the overall expat community remains small and English proficiency is limited.
Living costs in Auxerre are modest. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for $449/mo, while outside the center it drops to $393/mo; a three-bedroom in the center is $785/mo and outside it is $673/mo. Utilities run $247/mo, internet is $30/mo, and a mobile phone plan costs $16/mo. A single adult on a budget tier needs about $800/mo total (rent included), with mid-range at $1,124/mo and comfortable at $1,377/mo. Excluding rent, a single person spends roughly $950/mo and a family of four about $3,200/mo. The average monthly net salary locally is $2,131/mo, and the cost of living index is 62 out of 100 (New York City = 100).
Safety is strong: the safety index is 78 out of 100 and the crime index is 22 out of 100 (lower is safer). Air quality is good, with an index of 35 (lower is better). Healthcare quality is rated as good, and the city scores 67 out of 100 overall for expats, with a retiree score of 58 and a digital nomad score of 61.
For those looking to stay long-term, 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. The nearest airport is AUF, 8 km away. Auxerre suits budget-conscious retirees and digital nomads who meet the visa income thresholds and appreciate a quiet, safe, affordable French town with good healthcare and clean air.
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Auxerre at the budget tier comes to about $968 a month for one adult, with $393 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $182 on groceries, $67.00 on dining out, $33.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $293 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$393/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$182/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$67.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$33.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$293/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Auxerre at the mid-range tier comes to about $1,153 a month for one adult, with $393 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $243 on groceries, $168 on dining out, $56.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $293 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$393/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$243/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$168/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$56.00/mo
2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$293/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Auxerre at the comfortable tier comes to about $1,446 a month for one adult, with $449 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $340 on groceries, $261 on dining out, $103 on entertainment and lifestyle and $293 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$449/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$340/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$261/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$103/mo
4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$293/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 $448.57/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 Auxerre's cost of living compares with Lozay
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Auxerre is a genuinely safe provincial French city with low violent crime and a relaxed, walkable atmosphere ideal for expats. Petty theft and pickpocketing occur occasionally in the town center and near the train station, but serious crime is rare. Avoid isolated areas after dark and use standard urban precautions. The main concern is typical French bureaucracy rather than safety. For Americans seeking a quiet, secure European base with authentic charm and manageable costs, Auxerre is an excellent choice with minimal security risks.
See how Auxerre's healthcare compares with Lozay
Auxerre has a temperate oceanic climate with mild summers (around 20°C) and cool winters (around 3°C), featuring moderate rainfall year-round and four distinct seasons typical of northern France.
Auxerre offers historic sightseeing and a quiet work environment with some coworking spaces.
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 Auxerre's digital nomad life compares with Lozay
Auxerre is a Burgundy city on the Yonne river with a beautiful Gothic cathedral. A small number of expats, mostly retirees attracted by Burgundy wine culture and affordable property.
Areas of Auxerre 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, vibrant, central
The heart of Auxerre, with medieval architecture, shops, restaurants, and the iconic Saint-Étienne Cathedral. Very walkable, but parking can be challenging. Expect some tourist activity and associated noise, especially during peak season.
Quiet residential, family-friendly, green
Located north of the city center, Saint-Gervais is a more residential area with parks and schools. It's quieter than the Centre Ville, making it suitable for families or retirees. Requires a bit more reliance on public transport or a car to reach the main attractions.
Budget-friendly, diverse, up-and-coming
A more affordable option on the outskirts of Auxerre. Les Rosoirs has a diverse population and is undergoing some revitalization efforts. While it offers lower rents, it's further from the city center and may have fewer amenities within walking distance; language skills are essential.
Riverside, scenic, relaxed living
Situated along the Yonne River, La Marine offers picturesque views and a more relaxed atmosphere. It's close to the city center but feels more removed from the hustle and bustle. Popular for its walking paths and proximity to water activities; some English is spoken due to tourism.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $449/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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