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Bordeaux, a city in France is one of the best places to study abroad. It boasts prestigious universities and cultural monuments. The city offers beautiful surroundings, friendly people, and a high standard of living, making it an ideal destination for international students. Before moving here for higher studies it is important to estimate the cost of living in Bordeaux.
However, Bordeaux has a high living expense compared to the rest of France. If you are planning to move to this vibrant city, you must understand whether you can afford the cost of living in Bordeaux for a comfortable lifestyle and can save some money for the future. To help you with this, we will analyse the cost of living in Bordeaux and give you a complete breakdown of essential categories of expenses in this article. So, let’s begin our discussion without any further delay.
This Blog Includes:
- Cost of Living in Bordeaux: Overview
- Cost of Accommodation in Bordeaux
- Cost of Utilities in Bordeaux
- Costs of Dining in Bordeaux
- Cost of Grocery in Bordeaux
- Cost of Transportation in Bordeaux
- Miscellaneous Costs in Bordeaux
- Cost of Living Comparison: Bordeaux vs Other Cities
- Why Study in Bordeaux?
- Average Tuition Fees in Bordeaux
- Things To Consider While Moving To Bordeaux
- FAQs on Cost of Living in Bordeaux
Cost of Living in Bordeaux: Overview
The average cost of living in Bordeaux is around EUR 1384 for a single person including rent according to LivingCost data. This amount of living expense is higher than in other areas of France and is in the top 37% of the world’s most expensive cities.
The typical cost of living in Bordeaux for international expatriates encompasses several categories, such as housing rent, utility bills, travel expenses, personal expenditures, and food and grocery costs. Below is a detailed overview of the cost of living in Bordeaux that an international student can incur. Let’s understand them one by one:
Also Read: Cost of Living in France: Rent, Food, Expenses and More
Cost of Accommodation in Bordeaux
Renting a single-person apartment in Bordeaux city typically costs around EUR 766 per month. There are various accommodation options available for students according to their budget. For a student, before moving to Bordeaux, it’s essential to conduct comprehensive research and compare rental prices across France or nearby areas to find options that fit your needs and financial situation.
To assist you, we’ve compiled the average rental housing cost for apartments both in the city centre and outside of Bordeaux, France. Reviewing this data will help you make an informed decision about your accommodation in Bordeaux.
| Apartment Location | Approx Monthly Rent |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | EUR 766 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | EUR 596 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | EUR 1443 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | EUR 1,106 |
Cost of Utilities in Bordeaux
For an individual living in Bordeaux, basic utility costs are approximately EUR 206 per month. This amount for utility is relatively affordable, considering the overall cost of living in Bordeaux City. The utility bills typically include heating, electricity, gas, a mobile phone plan, and internet service. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the typical utility costs for international students residing in Bordeaux:
| Utility Type | Approx. Monthly Cost |
| Basic Utility for an Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | EUR 206 |
| Internet (60+ Mbps, Unlimited Data) | EUR 29.50 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | EUR 21.62 |
Costs of Dining in Bordeaux
The average monthly food expenses for a person in Bordeaux are around EUR 515, according to LivingCost data. Students have the opportunity to explore Bordeaux’s diverse restaurant scene. Dining out in Bordeaux can be both affordable and delightful. However, food costs can vary significantly based on factors such as the restaurant’s location, type of cuisine, and the number of diners.
Eating out regularly can affect the cost of living in Bordeaux for students because dining can be more expensive than cooking at your residence. So cooking at home can be a good idea to save lots of money while studying here. Here’s an approx cost of a meal at restaurants in Bordeaux:
| Type of Restaurant | Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant |
| Food Expenses (monthly) | EUR 515 |
| Lunch Menu | EUR 13.7 |
| Dinner in a Restaurant, for 2 person | EUR 56.6 |
| Fast food meal, equiv. McDonald’s | EUR 9.94 |
| Cappuccino | EUR 3.72 |
Cost of Grocery in Bordeaux
The cost of living in Bordeaux includes grocery expenses as well. Grocery expenses are essential for students who opt to cook at home, and these costs significantly impact the overall cost of living in Bordeaux. It’s advisable to compare prices across different stores or vendors to get the best value when shopping for groceries in Bordeaux.
Do you know Bordeaux is known for its vineyard too. To assist you with the cost of groceries in Bordeaux, we have provided a list of grocery items along with their respective costs below. This will help you understand the amount you need for groceries in Bordeaux and plan your budget accordingly.
| Grocery Items | Approx Costs |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | EUR 1.09 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | EUR 1.88 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | EUR 2.65 |
| Tomato (1kg) | EUR 3.87 |
| Potato (1kg) | EUR 2.17 |
| Onion (1kg) | EUR 2.23 |
| Apples (1kg) | EUR 2.9 |
| Banana (1kg) | EUR 2 |
| Oranges (1kg) | EUR 3.6 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | EUR 1.67 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | EUR 0.69 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | EUR 4.34 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | EUR 13.6 |
Cost of Transportation in Bordeaux
The cost of transportation comes under the cost of living in Bordeaux. A student generally has to pay for transportation passes. In Bordeaux, the transportation expenses in terms of public transport are more affordable than travelling by car. Discover Bordeaux easily with its efficient public transport system.
By using trams, buses and river shuttles wisely, ensuring you have the right tickets or passes, and getting familiar with routes and schedules, you can fully enjoy all that the city has to offer. Here’s an overview of the different modes of transportation available and their associated monthly costs:
| Transportation Type | Approc Costs |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | EUR 1.8 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | EUR 42.85 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | EUR 2 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | EUR 1.66 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | EUR 39 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | EUR 1.79 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in London for Students
Miscellaneous Costs in Bordeaux
In addition to the primary categories of the cost of living in Bordeaux, there are several other essential expenses to consider. These include costs for items and activities that you’ll likely need or want after spending some time in Bordeaux, such as clothing, entertainment, and minor healthcare services. Below is a breakdown of some miscellaneous expenses:
Personal Care Expenses in Bordeaux
The personal care expenses of a student can include medical expenses and other essentials. The health expenses are relatively less on the side. It is less expensive than cities like Paris. To calculate the total cost of living in Bordeaux, the personal care expenses need to be added. The exact personal care expenses are listed below.
| Particulars | Expenses |
| Cold medicine for 6 days | EUR 7.5 |
| 1 box of antibiotics | EUR 8 |
| Private doctor visit (15 min) | EUR 25 |
| Hair shampoo 2 | EUR 3.63 |
| toilet paper | EUR 1.88 |
| Tube of toothpaste | EUR 1.89 |
| Standard men’s haircut | EUR 13.9 |
Cost of Entertainment in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a city known for sports and leisure activities. For example, golf is a popular sport in the area. For a more relaxed experience, students can check out the movie theatres, beautiful parks, and more. The cost of living in Bordeaux consists of entertainment expenses as well. The average entertainment expenses in the city of Bordeaux are listed below:
| Miscellaneous | Approx Cost |
| Movie Ticket | EUR 12 |
| Brand Jeans | EUR 85 |
| Fitness Club | EUR 32.58 |
| Summer Dress | EUR 35.38 |
| Pair of Sports shoes | EUR 82.50 |
Cost of Living Comparison: Bordeaux vs Other Cities
When comparing the cost of living in Bordeaux to other major cities in France, it’s important to consider several factors. Bordeaux is renowned for its affordable housing, lower utility bills, affordable food and transportation costs, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. To make informed decisions about moving or long-term stays in Bordeaux, it’s essential to understand how the cost of living in Bordeaux compares to other cities.
To provide an accurate comparison, we have gathered data on the cost of living in France, Paris and Burundi. This comparison will offer a detailed insight into living expenses across different urban centres, aiding in better clarity and decision-making.
| Cost of Living City Wise | Average Cost of living (including rent) | Comparison with Cost of Living in Bordeaux |
| Cost of Living in Paris | EUR 2054 | Higher than Bordeaux |
| Cost of Living in France | EUR 1420 | Higher than Bordeaux |
| Cost of Living in Burundi | EUR 443 | Lower than Bordeaux |
Why Study in Bordeaux?
Apart from understanding the cost of living in Bordeaux, it’s important to explore why this city is an excellent choice for higher studies. Here are several compelling reasons to consider studying in Bordeaux:
- Bordeaux offers plenty of courses to international students. In fact, French language students can benefit the most as the city offers immersive opportunities to test their language skills.
- Students pursuing degrees in art, history, literature, and music can learn the subjects in French.
- Students can opt for courses such as the International Wine Ambassador Diploma, Fashion Design Intensive Program, Creative Writing in the Workplace, and DU European Business Administration, among others
- The city is home to some of the best universities in France. For example, the University of Bordeaux, and Montesquieu University.
- As you know Bordeaux is situated a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean. The city is blessed with an Atlantic climate of mild winters and warm summers. Although there are rainy days, the weather is perfect for relaxing according to the expats.
Average Tuition Fees in Bordeaux
It is important to calculate the tuition fees while calculating the cost of living in Bordeaux. The tuition fees in Bordeaux for international students vary compared to the local students. Below we have listed the estimated tuition fees for studying in Bordeaux.
| Annual Tuition Fees for International Students | ||
| Course Level | Bachelor’s | Master’s |
| Approx Tuition fees | EUR 2770 | EUR 3770 |
| Annual Tuition Fees for International Students (Low or Middle-Income countries) | ||
| Course Level | Bachelor’s | Master’s |
| Approx Tuition fees | EUR 170 | EUR 243 |
Also Read: Study in France for Indian Students 2023
Things To Consider While Moving To Bordeaux
As an international student moving to Bordeaux, the cost of living in Bordeaux needs to be estimated, However, other than this, several things need to be considered along with the expenses. Here we have provided a few tips that will help a student who is planning to move to Bordeaux.
- Ge to know the living conditions in Bordeaux. It includes weather conditions, whether it is a suitable retirement destination, and more.
- Calculate the housing budget and secure a home before moving to Bordeaux
- Estimate the average cost of living as an international student
- Learn about the industries where you can be employed
- Familiarise yourself with the public transport system and learn about the culture
- Learn about the France visa, and apply for one.
Relevant Reads:
FAQs on Cost of Living in Bordeaux
Answer: The average monthly cost of living in Bordeaux is approximately EUR 1,384. This amount is fairly reasonable for students, especially when compared to other nearby cities. However, the living expenses may vary according to the location and preferences of a person.
Ans: Yes, living in Bordeaux can be expensive. A single person can expect to spend around EUR 1,384 on the monthly cost of living in Bordeaux. This amount of living expenses places Bordeaux among the top 37% of the most expensive cities globally.
Ans: Yes, Bordeaux is cheaper than Paris. For a single person, the cost of living in Bordeaux is around EUR 1,384, while in Paris it is approximately EUR 2,054. This makes Bordeaux a more affordable option compared to Paris.
Ans: The average cost of living in Bordeaux is around EUR 1,384, which makes the cost of living in Bordeaux come under the list of the world’s 35% most expensive cities in the world. The city ranks 52nd out of 151 expensive cities in France, and 3255th out of 9294 cities in the global list. However, the city is still cheaper than Paris.
The Cost of Living in Bordeaux can be a bit expensive. However, there are ways to save money and live comfortably in the city. The transportation, accommodation, and food costs can be affordable with some research. The best part about living in Bordeaux is the high quality of life that the city offers. That is, the city has excellent education, healthcare, and entertainment options. To discover more articles like this one consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
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