Moving to Marseille
Marseille is the oldest city in France and dates to around 600 BC when it was thought to have been founded by the Ancient Greeks. This long and storied history makes it the place to live when you want to immerse yourself in centuries of culture.
Cost of in Marseille
The average square footage price of £2,500 to buy a home may sound expensive when you put it like that, but it’s actually 70% of the price of a similar sized home in Paris. When you remove rent from the equation, life in Marseille will cost £3,000 per month for a typical 4-person family, but of course this is just a guide. If you want to spend more on luxury accommodation then there’s plenty available with the waterfront being a popular choice for those who want to spend a little more.
Extra charges for living in Marseille
The tax system in France is evenly distributed across the country except for some small variations in terms of local rates for utilities. This is standard practice in any European country and nothing to worry about in terms of your final decision on where to base yourself. Changes to charges are done to adjust for different levels of service provision, law and order and everything else needed to keep the city running smoothly right throughout the year.
Marseille Safety
As a largely historical and tourist-driven city, Marseille has a reputation for having a slightly sleepy, restful character which is reflected in its below average crime rates. As with any large city a degree of awareness is necessary, but you will be safe and secure day and night. Local law enforcement is well funded and able to respond quickly, and healthcare is widely available at all times of the day.
Marseille Weather
As a southern city Marseille will regularly top 30-35 degrees during the summer months with unbroken skies and a gentle ocean breeze. In the winter it typically avoids any of the snow storms which can hit Paris in the North, leaving you with a gentle winter climate that’s hospitable and cosy. This also helps keep the cost of heating down, allowing you to offset any spend on air conditioning during the summer.
Marseille Job Opportunities
As well as tourism and the ubiquitous professions of healthcare and education, Marseille is known for its shipping industry. A thriving port and easy access to major shipping lanes provide a range of job opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. This allows you to readily retrain and progress up the ladder if you decide you want to change professions not long after relocating. Rates of pay are competitive and the cost of living affordable for many on a modest household income.