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Cost of Living in Villeurbanne, France: A Comprehensive Guide

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Written by Kittenproperties

15.08.2023

Introduction

Villeurbanne is located to the east of Lyon, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. Historically an industrial town, Villeurbanne has evolved over the years into a bustling urban center that's become increasingly popular for those looking to live in the Lyon metropolitan area without the Lyon price tag.Villeurbanne's rich history dates back centuries. It has since transformed from an agricultural suburb to an integral part of the metropolitan region of Lyon. The town has seen increased interest as a desirable place for families, students, and professionals looking to relish in French culture with a slightly gentler price point than its neighboring city, Lyon.

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Everyday Needs

Groceries

The cost of groceries in Villeurbanne is relatively moderate when compared to other parts of France. Here's an estimate: Bread: €1.10 Milk (1L): €1.00 Eggs (dozen): €2.50 Chicken breast (1kg): €9.00 Rice (1kg): €2.00 Fruits & Vegetables: Around €2-€3 per kg depending on the type.

Utilities

For a 85m2 apartment: Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water: €150 - €200/month Internet: €25-€40/month

Health and Fitness

Basic health insurance: Starting at €50/month. Gym membership: €25-€50/month.

Housing

Renting

Renting prices can vary based on the location within Villeurbanne and the type of accommodation: 1-bedroom apartment in city center: €700 - €900/month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: €550 - €750/month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: €1,200 - €1,500/month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: €900 - €1,200/month

Buying Property

Price per square meter in city center: €3,500 - €4,500 Price per square meter outside city center: €2,500 - €3,500

Transportation

Public Transport

Single ticket (bus, tram): €1.90 Monthly transport pass: €60

Private Vehicles

Gasoline (1L): €1.50 Volkswagen Golf 1.4 or equivalent: €20,000 - €25,000

Other Means

Taxi (start tariff): €2.50 Taxi (1km): €1.50

Miscellaneous Expenses

Dining out

€50 - €70 for a mid-range restaurant, three-course for 2.

Cappuccino

€2.50

Cinema ticket

€10

Everyday Needs part 2

Groceries

Beyond basic food items, here are some specifics: Cheese: €8-€20 per kg, depending on type and quality. Wine: A decent bottle can range from €5-€25. Coffee: €3-€4 for a pack of ground coffee (250g).

Utilities

For an 85m2 apartment: Mobile phone plans: €10-€30/month, depending on data and call allowances.

Health and Fitness

Doctor's visit: A standard consultation can cost around €25, with some of this potentially reimbursed by French social security. Pharmaceuticals: Basic over-the-counter medicines like painkillers might range from €2-€10.

Leisure Activities

Books: A new paperback usually costs around €8-€15. Magazines: €3-€5 each.

Housing part 2

Renting

For larger spaces: 4-bedroom apartment in city center: €1,600 - €2,000/month. 4-bedroom apartment outside city center: €1,300 - €1,700/month.

Buying Property

Older properties: These can sometimes be cheaper, ranging from €2,000 - €3,000 per square meter depending on their condition.

Transportation part 2

Cycling & Walking

Bike purchase: A basic new bicycle can be around €200-€500. Bike rental services: Villeurbanne, like many cities in France, has a bike-sharing system. You might spend €1-€2 per hour or around €20 for a monthly subscription.

Education and Childcare

Public schools

Public schooling is largely free, but families may need to pay for things like school supplies, lunches, and certain extracurriculars.

Private schools

Tuition can range from €3,000 to €10,000 annually, depending on the institution's prestige.

Childcare

Depending on the service, parents can expect to pay around €500-€1,000 per month.

Entertainment and Culture

Museums

Entry fees can range from €5-€15.

Theater tickets

Depending on the performance, tickets can be between €10 and €50.

Local festivals

Many are free, but some specialized events might have entry fees or costs associated with them.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Clothing

A pair of branded jeans can be around €60-€100, while a summer dress from a high street brand might be €30-€60.

Personal care

Services like haircuts range from €20-€50, depending on the salon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Villeurbanne offers a dynamic living experience, balancing the vibrancy of urban life with the charm of local French culture. The cost of living, while more affordable than larger cities like Paris or even Lyon, still requires thoughtful budgeting to make the most of what this delightful town has to offer.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Villeurbanne more affordable than Lyon?

Generally, yes. While Villeurbanne is adjacent to Lyon and offers many of the same amenities, the cost of living tends to be slightly lower, especially in terms of rent and property prices.

2. Is public transport reliable in Villeurbanne?

Absolutely. Villeurbanne is well-serviced by buses, trams, and it's connected to the Lyon Metro system.

3. How safe is Villeurbanne?

Villeurbanne, like many urban areas, has neighborhoods that are safer than others. It's always wise to research specific areas and to exercise standard safety precautions.

4. What's the job market like in Villeurbanne?

Villeurbanne has a diverse economy with opportunities in sectors such as education, healthcare, IT, and more. Its proximity to Lyon also offers residents access to an even broader job market.

5. Are there good educational institutions in Villeurbanne?

Yes, Villeurbanne hosts a number of reputable schools, colleges, and is in close proximity to renowned institutions in Lyon, such as the University of Lyon.

6. How does Villeurbanne's cost of living compare to Paris?

Villeurbanne is generally more affordable than Paris, particularly in terms of housing.

7. Is English widely spoken in Villeurbanne?

While French is the primary language, many residents, especially younger generations, can communicate in basic English.

8. Are there parks and green spaces in Villeurbanne?

Yes, Villeurbanne offers several parks and recreational areas for residents, providing a nice balance between urban and green spaces.

9. What's the healthcare system like?

France boasts a high-quality healthcare system. Residents in Villeurbanne have access to both general practitioners and specialists, as well as well-equipped hospitals.

10. Is it easy to integrate into the community?

With its diverse population and a range of community events, newcomers often find it relatively easy to integrate into Villeurbanne's social fabric.

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