Villeurbanne, France

Villeurbanne sits just east of Lyon, at an elevation of 173 meters above sea level in the Europe/Paris timezone. Its subtropical climate brings mild winters and warm summers. The city of 164,000 people has a medium-sized expat community, and English is common in tourist areas. The most popular expat neighborhood is Gratte-Ciel, known for its striking early 20th-century architecture and convenient access to central Lyon.

Living costs in Villeurbanne are reasonable. A single adult's monthly expenses excluding rent come to $1,050, while a family of four spends about $3,500 per month excluding rent. Rent for a one-bedroom in the city center averages $1,009 per month; outside the center it drops to $654. A three-bedroom in the center runs $1,159, and outside the center it is $878. Utilities run $230 per month, internet is $35, and a mobile phone plan costs $18. A monthly public transport pass is $81. An inexpensive restaurant meal is $17, a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is $67, and a cappuccino costs $4. The average monthly net salary locally is $4,261. The cost of living index is 69 out of 100 (New York City = 100). Budget-tier total living costs for a single adult including rent are $975 per month, mid-range is $1,405, and comfortable is $1,957.

Safety is strong: the safety index is 82 out of 100, and the crime index is 18 (lower is safer). Healthcare quality is rated excellent. Air quality is moderate, with an index of 58 (lower is better). Average internet speed is 90 Mbps.

For those looking to stay long-term, France offers the Long-Stay Visitor Visa, which requires a minimum monthly income of $1,500, and the Digital Nomad Visa, which requires a minimum monthly income of $5,000. The nearest airport is LYN, just 9 kilometers away. Villeurbanne suits digital nomads (score 76/100), expats overall (score 74/100), FIRE seekers (score 73/100), and retirees (score 72/100).