Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 71)
Perigueux sits in southwestern France, roughly two hours east of Bordeaux, in the Dordogne department. The town is built around the Isle River, and its historic center, Puy-Saint-Front, is a maze of narrow, cobbled streets and medieval half-timbered houses. The climate is temperate, with mild winters and warm summers, making it pleasant for year-round walks along the river. Expats tend to cluster in Puy-Saint-Front, where the cafes and markets are, and in the Isle neighborhood, which offers a more residential feel and easier access to local amenities.
Living in Perigueux is notably affordable. A single adult can manage on a budget of $679/mo, including rent, while a mid-range lifestyle runs about $1,066/mo, and a comfortable one comes to $1,346/mo. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages $728/mo, dropping to $620/mo outside the center. A three-bedroom in the center goes for $1,400/mo, or $1,100/mo further out. Monthly utilities are around $105, internet is $38, and a mobile plan is just $13. Eating out is inexpensive: a meal at a casual restaurant costs about $14, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range spot is $50, and a cappuccino runs $3. The overall cost of living index is 62 out of 100, relative to New York City.
Perigueux is a safe and healthy place to settle. The safety index stands at 82 out of 100, with a crime index of just 18, indicating low levels of crime. The air quality index is 35, which is considered good, and healthcare quality is rated as good. The town has a small expat community, and English proficiency is limited, so learning some French will go a long way in daily interactions.
For those considering a move, France offers specific visa pathways. The France Long-Stay Visitor Visa requires a minimum monthly income of $1,500/mo, making it a viable option for retirees or those with passive income. The France Digital Nomad Visa, on the other hand, requires a minimum monthly income of $5,000/mo, catering to remote workers. Perigueux is served by the nearby airport with the IATA code PGX, just 7 km from the center. This town suits those seeking a slower pace, a low cost of living, and a strong sense of community, particularly retirees and remote workers who meet the visa income thresholds.
Get a free moving cost estimate for moving to Perigueux, France. Takes 10 seconds.
How much are you shipping?
When are you moving?
Powered by Sirelo. Free quotes from international movers.
Perigueux at the budget tier comes to about $978 a month for one adult, with $620 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $113 on groceries, $56.00 on dining out, $33.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $156 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$620/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$113/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$56.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$33.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$156/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Perigueux at the mid-range tier comes to about $1,121 a month for one adult, with $620 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $150 on groceries, $140 on dining out, $55.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $156 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$620/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$150/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$140/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$55.00/mo
2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$156/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Perigueux at the comfortable tier comes to about $1,427 a month for one adult, with $728 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $210 on groceries, $235 on dining out, $98.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $156 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$728/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$210/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$235/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$98.00/mo
4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$156/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 $727.83/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
See low-fee transfersWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
See how Perigueux's cost of living compares with Royan
(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
Périgueux is genuinely safe for expats, with low violent crime and a relaxed provincial atmosphere typical of rural Dordogne. Petty theft and pickpocketing are minimal concerns; standard precautions suffice. The main risks are opportunistic car break-ins in poorly lit areas and occasional scams targeting tourists (overcharging at restaurants), though these rarely affect residents. The historic center and residential neighborhoods are secure day and night. No significant geopolitical concerns. This is an excellent choice for remote workers or retirees seeking a quiet, secure French lifestyle without urban crime pressures.
See how Perigueux's healthcare compares with Royan
Perigueux has a temperate oceanic climate with mild winters and warm summers, featuring significant rainfall year-round and particularly wet autumns.
A peaceful city with rich cultural heritage but scarce coworking options.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Regus Périgueux | Located in the heart of Périgueux, this Regus offers a professional environment with flexible coworking options. It's a reliable choice for expats seeking a familiar and well-equipped workspace. |
| La Fabrique Collective | A local coworking space fostering a collaborative community in Périgueux. It provides a more intimate and community-focused atmosphere, ideal for those seeking local connections. |
| Centre d'Affaires Agora | Offers coworking options along with other business services. It's a practical choice for remote workers needing a functional workspace with administrative support. |
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).
Planning to live in Perigueux long-term? France Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live legally.
View full requirements →Working remotely from Perigueux? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.
See nomad insuranceWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
See how Perigueux's digital nomad life compares with Royan
Perigueux is the capital of the Dordogne department, a region historically popular with British expats who call it the 'Dordogne' or 'Perigord'. The city has a small but established Anglo-French expat scene, though French remains essential for daily life.
Areas of Perigueux 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 heart of Périgueux, with medieval architecture, shops, restaurants, and the Cathédrale Saint-Front. It's walkable and convenient, but can be noisy and crowded, especially during market days. Many tourist-oriented businesses cater to English speakers, making it relatively easy for newcomers.
Roman history, quiet residential
Named after the Roman city that preceded Périgueux, this area features the Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum. It's a quieter residential area with a mix of apartments and houses. While not specifically expat-focused, it offers a glimpse into the region's history and is within walking distance of the city center.
Residential, family-friendly, green spaces
A residential neighborhood with parks and schools, ideal for families or those seeking a quieter environment. It's a bit further from the city center, so having a car or relying on public transport is recommended. Less expat presence, so French language skills are beneficial.
Budget-friendly, up-and-coming, diverse
Located further from the city center, Le Toulon offers more affordable housing options. It's a diverse neighborhood with a mix of cultures. While not particularly known for expat communities, it could be a good option for those on a budget willing to integrate more deeply into local life. Public transport is available.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $728/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
Many long-stay visas require proof of health insurance. Compare international health plans before you apply.
Compare health insuranceWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Earning over $1,653.22/mo? You may qualify for a France visa.
Answer 11 questions and get a personalized match in under 2 minutes.
Click any question to expand the answer.
Cost-of-living and visa updates for Perigueux and the rest of France. Free with RA Postcards.
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to RA Postcards and special offers from Rewire Abroad and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.