Le Havre, France

Le Havre sits on the English Channel coast in Normandy, France, at an elevation of 5 meters above sea level. The city has an oceanic climate with mild summers and cool, rainy winters. Its population is 167 thousand. The most popular expat neighborhood is Sainte-Adresse. English proficiency is common in tourist areas, though the expat community size is very few.

Living costs in Le Havre are well below those of New York City, with a cost of living index of 64 out of 100. A single person's monthly cost excluding rent is $1,000, while a family of four spends $3,300 per month excluding rent. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for $505 per month, and outside the center it is $412. A three-bedroom in the center is $953, and outside the center it is $673. Utilities run $158 per month, internet is $30, and a mobile phone plan is $13. A monthly public transport pass costs $34, and a gym membership is $29. An inexpensive restaurant meal is $15 per person, a mid-range three-course meal for two is $56, and a cappuccino is $3. The average monthly net salary locally is $2,355. Budget, mid-range, and comfortable monthly totals for a single adult including rent are $760, $1,112, and $1,384 respectively.

Le Havre has a safety index of 77 out of 100 and a crime index of 23 out of 100 (lower is safer). Healthcare quality is rated as excellent. The air quality index is 38 (lower is better).

For those looking to stay long-term, France offers a Long-Stay Visitor Visa with a minimum monthly income requirement of $1,500, and a Digital Nomad Visa requiring a minimum monthly income of $5,000. The nearest airport is DOL, located 14 km away. Le Havre suits retirees, digital nomads, and FIRE seekers, with respective scores of 65, 68, and 72 out of 100, and an overall expat score of 70.