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Nice is a beautiful city on the French Riviera, known for its sunny climate, stunning beaches, and rich culture. It is also a popular destination for international students who want to experience the French lifestyle and learn the language. But how much does it cost to live in Nice? In this guide, we will explore the average monthly cost of living in Nice for different aspects of life, such as accommodation, food, entertainment, utilities, and transportation. We will also give you some tips on how to save money and enjoy your stay in Nice. Let’s get started!
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Also Read: Cost of Living in Paris
Why Choose To Study in Nice?
While the cost of living in Nice is higher than its other Parisian counterparts, it’s also home to several prestigious universities and schools that offer a range of programs in fields like business, engineering, science, and humanities taught in English or French. Apart from quality education, here are some reasons why international students should choose Nice to study abroad:
- Cultural diversity: Nice is a melting pot of different cultures and people, where you can mingle with the locals and other students from around the world, discover their customs and beliefs, and form lasting friendships.
- Natural beauty: A paradise of nature and beauty, you can enjoy the stunning views and landscapes of the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps mountains in Nice. You can unwind on the golden beaches, explore the trails, or visit charming towns and villages (Old Town, Castle Hill) that have their own stories and history.
- Lifestyle: Nice has a pleasant and sunny climate all year round, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sports. You can also savour the mouth-watering cuisine of Nice, which is influenced by the flavours of the Mediterranean and Provence.
- Location: If you need a quick getaway for the weekend, Nice is well-connected to other parts of France and Europe by train, bus, or plane. You can easily travel to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, or other French cities for a weekend trip or a longer vacation.
Also Read: Top Universities in Nice
Cost of Living in Nice
The average monthly cost of living in Nice for a single person without rent is EUR 966.7 ($1,023.6). However, the living cost in Nice depends on various factors, such as your lifestyle, preferences, and needs. The table below shows the breakdown of the average cost of living in Nice by category:
| Category | Average Monthly Cost (€) |
| Food | 307 |
| Transportation | 63 |
| Utilities | 157 |
| Entertainment | 140 |
| Clothing | 66 |
| Personal Care | 34 |
| Internet | 28 |
| Total | 967 |
Living Accommodation
One of the major costs of living in Nice that you will have to consider is rent. The rent varies depending on the type, size, and location of the accommodation you choose. Generally speaking, the closer you are to the city center or the beach, the more expensive it will be. However, you can also find cheaper options in the suburbs or outskirts of Nice.
The average monthly rent for different types of student accommodations in Nice is as follows:
| Type | Average Monthly Rent (€) |
| Furnished studio (45 m2) in an expensive area | 946 |
| Furnished studio (45 m2) in normal area | 697 |
| Furnished apartment (85 m2) in expensive area | 1,721 |
| Furnished apartment (85 m2) in normal area | 1,249 |
| Room in a shared apartment | 500 |
Food
Another important cost of living in Nice that you will have to budget for is food. The cost of food depends on your dietary habits, preferences, and tastes. However, the average monthly cost of food in Nice for a single person is EUR 307 ($325). The table below shows the average prices of some common grocery items in Nice:
| Item | Average Price (€) |
| Milk (1 liter) | 1.41 |
| Bread (500 g) | 1.19 |
| Rice (1 kg) | 1.17 |
| Eggs (12) | 3.42 |
| Cheese (500 g) | 9.24 |
| Chicken (1 kg) | 5.39 |
| Apples (1 kg) | 2.58 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | 1.01 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | 3.03 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | 0.79 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 1.14 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 0.78 |
| Wine (750 ml bottle) | 8 |
| Beer (500 ml bottle) | 2.35 |
To reduce this particular cost of living in Nice, you can always choose to cook your own meals at home, and buy groceries from supermarkets or markets, rather than eat out at restaurants or cafes.
Also Read: Cost of Living in Bordeaux: A Guide
Entertainment
Living in Nice is not only about studying and working but also about having fun and enjoying yourself. The average monthly cost of entertainment in Nice for a single person is EUR 140 ($148). But the cost of entertainment depends on your hobbies, interests, and frequency of going out. The table below shows the average prices of some common entertainment options in Nice:
| Option | Average Price (€) |
| Cinema ticket | 14.10 |
| Museum ticket | 10 |
| Concert ticket | 40 |
| Bar drink | 6 |
| Club entry | 15 |
| Gym membership | 29.88 |
Utilities and Bills
Another cost of living in Nice that you will have to pay is utilities and bills. The average monthly cost of utilities and bills (electricity, water, gas, heating, cooling, garbage disposal, phone, and internet) in Nice for a single person living in a studio apartment is EUR 157 ($166). The cost also depends on the size of your accommodation, the number of people you live with, and your usage habits. The table below shows the average prices of some common utilities and bills in Nice:
| Utility/Bill | Average Price (€) |
| Electricity, water, gas, heating, cooling, garbage (for studio apartment) | 157 |
| Mobile phone plan with calls and data | 27.74 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more) | 28.38 |
Transportation
Another expense that you will have to consider when living in Nice is transportation. The average monthly cost of transportation in Nice for a single person is EUR 63 ($67). The cost of transportation varies with the distance you travel, the mode you use, and the frequency of your trips. However, the table below shows the average prices of some common transportation options in Nice:
| Option | Average Price (€) |
| One-way ticket (bus or tram) | 1.70 |
| Monthly pass (bus or tram) | 42.14 |
| Taxi start | 5.50 |
| Taxi per km | 3.35 |
| Taxi per hour waiting | 25.80 |
| Gasoline per litre | 1.78 |
To save up on this cost of living in Nice, you can choose to use public transportation, such as buses or trams, instead of using private transportation like taxis or cars.
To sum up, living in Nice can be an amazing experience for international students who want to study abroad in a beautiful and diverse city on the French Riviera. However, it can also be quite expensive depending on your lifestyle and needs. So, to save money and enjoy your stay in Nice, here are some tips that you can follow:
- Compare different types of accommodation and find the one that suits your budget and needs.
- Cook your own meals at home using local and seasonal ingredients.
- Take advantage of student discounts
Also Read: Top Hangout Spots Near HEC Paris
FAQs
Ans. Yes, Nice is an expensive place to live compared to other cities in France and Europe. The average monthly cost of living in Nice for a single person without rent is around EUR 967 ($1024).
Ans. No, Nice is not cheap to live in. The rent, food, entertainment, utilities, and transportation are all higher than the national and European averages. However, you can save money by choosing cheaper options and taking advantage of student discounts.
Ans. Yes, it is expensive to stay in Nice, especially if you are a tourist or a visitor. The hotels, restaurants, attractions, and tours are all pricey starting from EUR 50-85/day. However, you can find cheaper alternatives by booking in advance, staying in hostels or Airbnb, and exploring the city by public transportation or walking.
We hope that this blog helped you discover the cost of living in Nice. For more such content on student life abroad, stay tuned to Leverage Edu. Thank you for reading!
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