Toulouse skyline - France
France

Living in Toulouse

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

NomadIQ

6.6/10

Monthly

$1,551

Safety

5/10

Country

France

Monthly Cost

$1,551

Internet

160 Mbps

Safety

5/10

Rent (1BR)

$901

Living in Toulouse — Quick Take

Best for: Expats seeking balance

Cost level: Budget-Friendly ($1,551/mo)

Main downside: Safety concerns in some areas

Quick Facts

Monthly Budget

$1,551/mo

Moderate
Security

5/10

Variable
WiFi Speed

160 Mbps

Fast
1BR Rent

$901

Mid-range
Local Wages

$2,864/mo

Residents

1.5M

Major City
Updated for 2026Based on real cost data

Monthly Living Cost Breakdown

Rent (1 Bedroom)
$901
Rent (Family)
$1,508
Groceries
$429
Transport
$66
Healthcare
$120
Internet
$36
Estimated Total (Single)$1,551/mo

Who Is Toulouse For?

Remote workersGood fit

Most remote workers find the setup here manageable.

Budget-ConsciousManageable

Not the cheapest, but still reasonable compared to Western cities.

RetireesCould work

Reasonable living costs and safety make it viable for retirement.

Similar vibe? Check out Kyoto.

Best Neighborhoods in Toulouse

4 neighborhoods rated for expats and digital nomads — Saint-Cyprien tops the list at /10

Saint-Cyprien is a vibrant and trendy district in Toulouse located along the Garonne River, known for its lively markets, bars, art spaces, and multicultural atmosphere, making it popular among young professionals and creatives.

Neighborhood ratings based on expat livability, cost, and lifestyle fit. Data reflects current conditions in Toulouse, France.

Pros and Cons of Living in Toulouse

Pros

  • Reasonable cost of living compared to major Western cities
  • Fast internet (160 Mbps) - great for remote work

Cons

  • Safety concerns exist - research specific neighborhoods

Job & Income Overview

Avg Local Salary

$2,864/mo

Salary-to-Rent Ratio

3.2x

Local salaries cover rent comfortably—about 3.2x the average 1BR cost.

A local salary can provide a comfortable lifestyle with room for extras.

Cost Insight

Costs in Toulouse are moderate—not dirt cheap, but manageable for most remote workers.

For comparison, Kyoto runs about $1,070/month—45% less.

Common Questions About Toulouse

How much does it cost to live in Toulouse?

Around $1,551/month for a single person, covering rent, food, and basics. Lifestyle choices affect the final number.

Is Toulouse safe for expats?

Toulouse is variable by neighborhood with a 5/10 safety score. Standard precautions apply.

Is Toulouse good for remote workers?

With 160 Mbps average speeds, Toulouse is excellent for remote work. Coworking options exist.

How much is rent in Toulouse?

A 1-bedroom averages $901/month. Prices vary by neighborhood and proximity to center.

Calculate Your Cost in Toulouse

Get personalized estimates based on your lifestyle

Explore More About Toulouse

NomadIQ Score

6.6

out of 10

Good

Quick Stats

Safety Score

5/10

Internet Speed

160 Mbps

Monthly Cost

$1,551

Explore Similar Cities

Also in France

Final Thoughts

Toulouse is a solid choice for those seeking a change of scenery looking to relocate abroad. With a monthly cost of living around $1,551, a safety score of 5/10, and internet speeds of 160 Mbps, the city offers a balanced package for international residents. Whether you're drawn by the culture, the cost savings, or the lifestyle opportunities, Toulouse deserves a spot on your shortlist. We recommend visiting for a few weeks before making a long-term commitment to ensure it aligns with your personal and professional needs.

Data sources include public cost-of-living datasets, user-reported data, and internal analysis. Last updated: August 2026.