Cost of living in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is the seventh most expensive region in France, meaning that the cost of living is around 1.01 times more the average cost of living in the country. In Lyon, meal for two in a mid-range restaurant costs an average of €60. While consumer prices are around 5.43 percent lower than in London, groceries actually cost €26.63 percent higher than the English capital. Most other expenses such as local transport and a coffee in a café are cheaper, so your weekly shop will be your biggest expense. Away from the big cities and the touristy areas such as the Alps, as well as Drome and Ardèche, the cost of living will be much more affordable and house prices will be less too.
Geography of the region
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes sits in the south-eastern part of France, bordering both Switzerland and Italy, meaning it’s great for those who want to be able to travel more easily. Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes geography is characterised by the River Rhône that runs through it, as well as the Alps soaring mountain range that surround its eastern border. It’s also particularly known for its Alpine ski areas in winter and fantastic hiking in summer.
Main attractions and destinations
Living in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes means that there’s a whole range of destinations to choose from and attractions to enjoy. What cities are in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes? The capital Lyon is known as France’s foodie hub, but other big cities in the region include Grenoble, Chambery and Valance. One of the best places to live in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is the gorgeous lake-side town of Annecy. As well as its cultural capitals, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is home to an array of natural and national parks, ideal for lovers of nature and the outdoors. One of the most well-known and the oldest of France’s national parks is the Vanoise National Park. Another famous national park, Écrins, lies to the south, while the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park is situated to the west of Lyon. Home to the famed Mont Blanc, it’s also where you’ll find some of France’s best ski resorts including Chamonix and Morzine.
What it is like to live in
Living in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes offers many different types of lifestyles, whether you want to live in a big buzzing cultural capital or a small village in the mountains. Because of its high quality of life, its good economy (it has the largest GDP after Paris) and plenty of jobs, the region attracts many foreigners looking to come and invest, retire or settle here. You can choose to live in towns and villages popular with other expats, many of whom choose to settle around the Alps, or other towns and villages further to the west of the region, where you’ll be the only foreigner, able to immerse yourself totally in the French language and lifestyle.
