Last update: Oct 2026 France 63.7K

Cost of Living in Bourges

For one person, living costs in Bourges are estimated at $1,937 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $36 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Bourges

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Bourges actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $1,937 monthly including rent, or $1,085 excluding housing.

$1,937 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,009 with rent, or $1,901 without housing.

$3,009 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,081 including rent, or $2,717 for daily expenses alone.

$4,081 /mo

Bourges sits about 45% above the global median. Within Europe, costs are slightly above average (10%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
Do you live in Bourges? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$16.67 €14.83
$13.34 €11.87
$24.46 €21.76
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$80.1 €71.2
$68.6 €61.1
$103 €91.6
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$13.27 €11.81
$11.06 €9.83
$14.38 €12.79
Cappuccino
$5.09 €4.52
$2.25 €2.00
$6.77 €6.02
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.60 €4.09
$2.83 €2.52
$6.79 €6.04
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.82 €2.51
$2.29 €2.04
$5.16 €4.59
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$7.88 €7.01
$6.75 €6.00
$9.00 €8.01
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.90 €6.13
$5.75 €5.11
$9.20 €8.19
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.14 €1.01
$1.14 €1.01
$2.26 €2.01
White Bread (500g)
$2.47 €2.20
$1.23 €1.10
$4.18 €3.72
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.20 €1.95
$2.13 €1.89
$3.31 €2.94
Eggs
$4.39 €3.91
$2.67 €2.38
$6.69 €5.95
Local Cheese (1kg)
$22.00 €19.57
$8.89 €7.91
$33.33 €29.65
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$13.69 €12.17
$8.91 €7.92
$16.69 €14.85
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$22.35 €19.88
$12.46 €11.08
$32.84 €29.22
Apples (1kg)
$3.32 €2.95
$1.72 €1.53
$4.60 €4.09
Banana (1kg)
$2.22 €1.98
$1.11 €0.99
$3.34 €2.98
Oranges (1kg)
$2.89 €2.57
$1.67 €1.48
$4.46 €3.97
Tomato (1kg)
$4.31 €3.83
$1.14 €1.01
$5.69 €5.06
Potato (1kg)
$1.99 €1.77
$1.14 €1.01
$2.85 €2.53
Onion (1kg)
$2.48 €2.21
$1.11 €0.99
$3.35 €2.98
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.91 €1.69
$1.15 €1.03
$2.31 €2.05
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.88 €0.79
$0.33 €0.29
$1.84 €1.63
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$14.52 €12.92
$13.41 €11.92
$15.63 €13.91
Wine (Bottle)
$8.83 €7.85
$5.52 €4.91
$11.03 €9.81
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.67 €2.38
$1.51 €1.34
$3.32 €2.96
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.50 €3.11
$1.97 €1.75
$6.56 €5.84
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.87 €1.66
$1.65 €1.46
$2.19 €1.95
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$48.81 €43.41
$38.02 €33.82
$53.7 €47.73
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$9.23 €8.21
$3.46 €3.08
$13.84 €12.31
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.50 €1.33
$1.49 €1.32
$1.96 €1.74
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$45.30 €40.30
$43.63 €38.81
$47.60 €42.34
Gasoline (1 liter)
$2.25 €2.01
$1.93 €1.72
$2.43 €2.16
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$34.1K €30.4K
$34.1K €30.4K
$34.2K €30.5K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$34.5K €30.7K
$31.9K €28.4K
$37.5K €33.4K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$243 €216
$176 €157
$351 €312
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$7.81 €6.95
$7.81 €6.95
$22.31 €19.84
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$30.20 €26.86
$24.89 €22.14
$45.25 €40.25
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$35.97 €32.00
$27.08 €24.09
$44.02 €39.16
Cinema Ticket
$14.57 €12.96
$11.20 €9.97
$16.81 €14.95
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,795 €1,597
$1,117 €993
$2,307 €2,052
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$10.1K €9,018
$8,247 €7,336
$18.2K €16.2K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$108 €96.4
$55.0 €48.91
$132 €117
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$51.7 €46.03
$27.60 €24.55
$88.3 €78.6
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$119 €106
$90.0 €80.1
$146 €130
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$160 €142
$111 €99.1
$225 €200
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$627 €558
$555 €494
$699 €622
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$609 €542
$507 €451
$732 €651
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,186 €1,055
$678 €603
$1,694 €1,507
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,121 €997
$897 €798
$1,233 €1,097
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$3,900 €3,469
$3,343 €2,973
$4,457 €3,964
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$3,026 €2,691
$2,273 €2,022
$3,125 €2,780
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,821 €2,510
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
3.4
2.8
3.95

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 10, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Bourges $1,937
Accommodation & Living
$609
Groceries & Markets
$394
Eating Out
$317
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$281
Clothing & Footwear
$198
Getting Around
$73
Sport & Entertainment
$65

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $627 for a central one-bedroom, or $609 outside the center. At 22% of the average salary ($2,821), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $2,821, while typical expenses reach $1,937. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $2,906.

Expect to spend about $394 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $80.0 for two – broadly in line with the European average.

Public transport is priced at around $48.81 per month – roughly in line with the European average of $49.00.

Cost Highlights

Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is more expensive than 91% of cities in Europe

Cappuccino is more expensive than 91% of cities in Europe

Gasoline is more expensive than 90% of cities in Europe

Good to know
🕒 Local time
08:25 8:25 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
63,702
💱 Currency
Euro EUR €
📈 Exchange rate
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD to EUR – Euro Converter

Euro exchange rates as of October 20, 2026: 1 USD = 0.889 EUR (1 EUR = 1.12 USD).

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Bourges Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Bourges - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bourges a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads compared with bigger French cities?
Yes. Bourges tends to offer a friendlier price-to-quality balance than major metropolises, with a slower pace, solid services, and opportunities to live comfortably without mortgage-like costs. The Cost of Living in Bourges, France shifts by district: the historic center is charming and walkable but can be pricier for some conveniences, while quieter outskirts often deliver more space at lower relative costs. Practical choices – choosing a smaller, well-located apartment, cooking at home, and taking advantage of local markets – can stretch a budget without sacrificing lifestyle. The city rewards longer stays with stable routines, local networks, and easier access to daily amenities. Tip: map a short baseline of errands and commute times before committing.
How do daily life aspects work in Bourges, including housing search, food options, transport, and coworking spaces?
Your housing hunt in Bourges typically centers on the historic core and riverbank neighborhoods where walkability shines; expect charming older buildings with good natural light and practical layouts. For food, local markets and bistros offer fresh produce and seasonal dishes; cooking at home helps control costs, while occasional meals out showcase regional flavors. Transport relies on a compact city layout: easy walking, bike lanes, and regular bus service, with trains nearby for weekend trips. For remote work, check a few coworking spots or cafes with reliable Wi‑Fi. Bourges, France living cost is influenced by neighborhood choice and how you structure daily errands – plan ahead to balance convenience and budget. Tip: sample different times of day to gauge crowd levels and noise.
Which factors make Bourges a good fit for your lifestyle, and how can you budget to maximize quality of life in Bourges?
Quality of life in Bourges blends compact living, rich culture, and pace that suits many itinerant lifestyles. Start with a simple budgeting framework that separates housing, daily needs, and discretionary spends, then adjust by season and neighborhood. Neighborhood fit depends on priorities: the historic center for walkability, the university belt for affordable cafés and coworking, or the riverside areas for quieter mornings and parks. Use seasonal markets to access fresh produce, and link with long-term rental contracts or local sim cards for predictable costs. Tip: use a short trial stay in a couple of neighborhoods to observe daily rhythms before renewing longer leases.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Bourges?
With 22% of the average paycheck going to rent, Bourges is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
What is the average cost of living in Bourges?
A single person in Bourges typically spends $1,937 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $1,085. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
Can you save money on an average salary in Bourges?
At $2,821 take-home, most residents in Bourges can cover the $1,937 monthly cost of living. Those earning $2,906 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What are typical rents in Bourges?
Where you live in Bourges makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $627; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $609. Overall, the market runs from $609 to $627 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Bourges?
A regular gym membership in Bourges costs around $35.97 monthly. It's a reasonable expense that fits into most budgets, and you generally get decent facilities for the price.
What is a typical grocery budget in Bourges?
Expect to spend around $394 per month on groceries in Bourges. Neither cheap nor expensive by global standards – everyday items are fairly priced, though imported or specialty products cost more.
Can a person live on $2,000 monthly in Bourges?
Living on $2,000 in Bourges means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,937. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
Is Bourges a good city for digital nomads?
Remote workers pick Bourges for good reason: fast internet, low crime rates, great local cuisine, all at about $1,937 per month including rent. It fits a wide range of remote salaries without compromising on comfort or connectivity.
Can you save money living in Bourges?
Monthly expenses in Bourges run around $1,937, so putting money aside takes more than $2,906 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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