Best Cities to Live and Work in France in 2025 🇫🇷

France is more than just Paris! Whether you’re an expat looking for job opportunities or a high quality of life, France offers a range of cities with strong economies, good infrastructure, and vibrant communities.  

Here are the top five cities in France for expats to live and work in 2025.  

1. Lyon – The Business & Cultural Hub  

Why choose Lyon?  

✔️ Thriving economy with jobs in finance, pharmaceuticals, and tech  

✔️ Lower cost of living than Paris (rent is about 40% cheaper)  

✔️ Excellent public transport system (metro, trams, buses)  

✔️ Renowned gastronomy and rich cultural scene  

Lyon is a great alternative to Paris for professionals. It offers a dynamic job market, especially in banking, biotech, and digital industries. The city has a vibrant expat community and a fantastic work-life balance.  

👉 Best for: Professionals in finance, IT, and healthcare  

2. Nantes – France’s Greenest City  

Why choose Nantes?  

✔️ Affordable housing compared to major cities  

✔️ Strong job market in tech, renewable energy, and shipping  

✔️ High quality of life with green spaces and cultural events  

✔️ Close to the Atlantic coast for weekend getaways  

Nantes is a fast-growing tech hub, attracting startups and international businesses. With a lower cost of living, great transport links, and a focus on sustainability, it’s an ideal city for young professionals and families.  

👉 Best for: Tech specialists, engineers, and creatives  

3. Toulouse – The Aerospace Capital  

Why choose Toulouse?  

✔️ Home to Airbus and a booming aerospace industry  

✔️ One of France’s sunniest cities with a warm climate  

✔️ Vibrant student city with affordable rent  

✔️ Excellent work-life balance and strong expat network  

Toulouse is perfect for engineers and aviation professionals. It’s a city with a strong economy, a low unemployment rate, and a Mediterranean vibe. Living here is much cheaper than in Paris, while offering great career opportunities.  

👉 Best for: Engineers, aerospace professionals, and students  

4. Bordeaux – Wine, Business, and Culture  

Why choose Bordeaux?  

✔️ Strong economy with jobs in tourism, trade, and digital industries  

✔️ Beautiful UNESCO-listed city center and great food scene  

✔️ Fast-growing expat community  

✔️ Close to the ocean and vineyards for a relaxed lifestyle  

Bordeaux is not just about wine – it’s a major business center with a growing tech scene. The cost of living is reasonable, and the city offers a great mix of work opportunities and quality of life.  

👉 Best for: Entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and hospitality professionals  

5. Rennes – The Rising Tech City  

Why choose Rennes?  

✔️ One of France’s top cities for startups and innovation  

✔️ High demand for IT and digital professionals  

✔️ Lower cost of living than most major cities  

✔️ Rich history and great cultural scene  

Rennes is quickly becoming one of the best cities in France for young professionals. With a booming tech industry and government incentives for startups, it’s attracting expats looking for career growth in a dynamic environment.  

👉 Best for: IT professionals, entrepreneurs, and students  

France offers expats a variety of cities, each with strong career prospects, affordable living, and a great lifestyle. Whether you’re in tech, engineering, finance, or the creative industries, there’s a perfect city for you in France in 2025.  

Thinking of moving? Make sure to research job markets, visa requirements, and cost of living before making your decision! And don’t forget about cheapest money transfer — Spoko.app 💸