Cost of Living in Brest - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,498 monthly including rent, or $793 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,347 with rent, or $1,355 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $3,196 including rent, or $1,917 for daily expenses alone.

Brest sits about 13% above the global median. Within Europe, costs are 17% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$16.52 €14.10
$9.44 €8.06
$27.15 €23.17
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$52.6 €44.92
$35.09 €29.94
$117 €99.8
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$11.13 €9.50
$9.38 €8.00
$14.07 €12.01
Cappuccino
$3.44 €2.94
$2.37 €2.02
$4.15 €3.54
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.51 €2.14
$1.41 €1.20
$3.98 €3.40
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.85 €1.58
$1.19 €1.01
$3.55 €3.03
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.78 €5.79
$3.09 €2.64
$9.20 €7.85
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.20 €4.43
$4.04 €3.45
$9.24 €7.88
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.16 €0.99
$1.02 €0.87
$1.31 €1.12
White Bread (500g)
$1.73 €1.48
$1.15 €0.98
$2.76 €2.35
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.10 €1.79
$1.05 €0.89
$3.49 €2.98
Eggs
$3.81 €3.25
$2.74 €2.33
$5.70 €4.86
Local Cheese (1kg)
$18.76 €16.01
$9.38 €8.00
$35.17 €30.01
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$13.44 €11.47
$9.15 €7.81
$20.59 €17.57
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.05 €11.13
$9.08 €7.75
$15.88 €13.55
Apples (1kg)
$2.83 €2.41
$1.19 €1.02
$3.57 €3.04
Banana (1kg)
$2.04 €1.74
$1.05 €0.89
$4.66 €3.98
Oranges (1kg)
$4.29 €3.66
$1.78 €1.52
$7.10 €6.05
Tomato (1kg)
$3.33 €2.84
$2.27 €1.94
$4.57 €3.90
Potato (1kg)
$1.89 €1.61
$0.70 €0.59
$3.50 €2.99
Onion (1kg)
$2.26 €1.93
$0.68 €0.58
$3.40 €2.90
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.42 €1.21
$1.19 €1.01
$1.72 €1.47
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.41 €0.35
$0.18 €0.15
$0.97 €0.83
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$12.96 €11.06
$11.78 €10.05
$16.49 €14.07
Wine (Bottle)
$7.25 €6.18
$5.43 €4.64
$9.67 €8.25
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$3.55 €3.03
$1.71 €1.46
$5.68 €4.85
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.01 €2.56
$2.25 €1.92
$3.38 €2.88
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.99 €1.70
$1.99 €1.70
$1.99 €1.70
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$48.50 €41.39
$34.64 €29.56
$48.50 €41.39
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$5.70 €4.87
$2.96 €2.53
$8.32 €7.10
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.83 €1.56
$1.28 €1.09
$2.86 €2.44
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$31.35 €26.75
$31.35 €26.75
$31.35 €26.75
Gasoline (1 liter)
$2.07 €1.77
$2.03 €1.73
$2.24 €1.91
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$37.1K €31.7K
$35.1K €30.0K
$37.9K €32.4K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$33.2K €28.3K
$31.3K €26.7K
$39.1K €33.4K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$179 €153
$116 €98.8
$295 €252
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$23.73 €20.25
$8.24 €7.03
$37.64 €32.12
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$24.66 €21.04
$13.05 €11.14
$45.28 €38.64
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$37.82 €32.27
$23.28 €19.86
$46.54 €39.72
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$24.38 €20.81
$11.79 €10.06
$41.29 €35.24
Cinema Ticket
$14.25 €12.16
$11.63 €9.92
$20.94 €17.86
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$227 €194
$227 €194
$227 €194
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$11.8K €10.1K
$11.8K €10.1K
$11.8K €10.1K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$58.5 €49.95
$46.82 €39.95
$99.5 €84.9
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$43.05 €36.73
$22.81 €19.46
$79.8 €68.1
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$73.8 €62.9
$35.40 €30.21
$118 €101
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$90.9 €77.5
$45.43 €38.77
$148 €126
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$533 €455
$463 €395
$753 €642
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$408 €348
$354 €302
$531 €453
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$847 €723
$744 €635
$1,260 €1,075
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$766 €654
$707 €603
$943 €804
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,823 €2,409
$2,622 €2,237
$3,468 €2,959
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,602 €2,220
$2,512 €2,143
$3,170 €2,705
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,595 €2,214
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
3.62
3.5
4

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

Last update: May 10, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $533 for a central one-bedroom, or $408 outside the center. At 21% of the average salary ($2,595), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $2,595, while typical expenses reach $1,498. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $334 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $53.0 for two – well below the European average of $75.0.

Public transport is priced at around $48.50 per month – roughly in line with the European average of $48.00.

Cost Highlights

Local beer is more expensive than 96% of cities in Europe

Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is cheaper than 90% of cities in Europe

Brest Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Brest - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brest a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads compared to other French cities?
The Cost of Living in Brest, France is generally lower than in larger metropolises like Paris or Lyon, while still offering solid access to quality groceries, dining, and services. The city favors practical, budget-conscious choices: you'll find good-value apartments in quiet neighborhoods, reliable public transport, and coastal leisure without the pretensions of bigger hubs. Seasonal markets and community events help you stretch meals and outings. Shorter commutes and a compact center make day-to-day life feel approachable for remote work or study. Tip: Build a short list of neighborhoods with easy transit to the city center and the coast to maximize value.
What does daily life look like in Brest, from housing search to getting groceries and getting around?
Housing options range from compact studios near the center to larger flats on quieter streets within easy reach of the waterfront. Groceries come from lively markets and well-stocked supermarkets, with enough local produce to keep meals affordable. Public transport is straightforward, and cycling is popular along the coast. Co-working spaces and cafés offer reliable work setups without long commutes. For budgeting, keep errands grouped by neighborhood to minimize travel time and costs, and plan weekly meals. Brest, France living cost is a helpful frame as you compare options. Tip: Map a three-neighborhood tour before you commit.
How can you maximize quality of life in Brest and choose a neighborhood that fits your rhythm and seasonality?
Quality often comes from balancing fixed expenses with flexible perks: rent, utilities, and transport first, then leisure. Brest's temperate seasons reward outdoor activities in spring and summer, while indoor options, libraries, and museums keep costs steady in shoulder seasons. Neighborhood fit matters: the ring around the port and central districts offer walkability and social life; outer residential areas feel calmer and more spacious, ideal for longer stays. Consider a short-term lease first to test vibe, commute, and noise levels across seasons. Tip: use a pocket checklist for each district's morning market, cafe scene, and transit access.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Brest?
With 21% of the average paycheck going to rent, Brest 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 Brest?
A single person in Brest typically spends $1,498 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $793. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
Can you save money on an average salary in Brest?
At $2,595 take-home, most residents in Brest can cover the $1,498 monthly cost of living. Those earning $2,247 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What are typical rents in Brest?
Where you live in Brest makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $533; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $408. Overall, the market runs from $408 to $533 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Brest?
A regular gym membership in Brest costs around $37.82 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 Brest?
Expect to spend around $334 per month on groceries in Brest. Neither cheap nor expensive by global standards – everyday items are fairly priced, though imported or specialty products cost more.
Can a person live on $700 monthly in Brest?
Living on $700 in Brest means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,498. 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 Brest a good city for digital nomads?
Remote workers pick Brest for good reason: fast internet, low crime rates, coastal lifestyle, all at about $1,498 per month including rent. It fits a wide range of remote salaries without compromising on comfort or connectivity.
Can you save money living in Brest?
Monthly expenses in Brest run around $1,498, so putting money aside takes more than $2,247 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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