An Expat’s Guide to Living in Nice, France

Thinking about moving to Nice, are you?

Well, let me give you the inside scoop on everything you need to know before packing your bags and jetting off to the French Riviera.

I had the pleasure of living in this beautiful city from 2020 to 2021 – and I can honestly say it was the best time of my life.

The charming Mediterranean culture, stunning architecture, and breathtaking natural beauty of Nice make it a wonderful place to call home.

But before you start daydreaming about your new life in Nice, I’ll give ya a few tips for making the move go as smoothly as possible.

Let’s dive in!

Prefer video? Check out the video version on my YouTube channel here 👇

The 411 on Nice, France

First things first, let’s talk about the history of Nice.

Did you know that it’s the 7th most populated city in France with over 1 million inhabitants and the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes (06) department?

Nice is quickly becoming one of the most popular cities in Europe, attracting tourists and expats alike. Especially with the Mediterranean climate, ample outdoor activities, and stunning art galleries, it’s easy to see why people flock here.

Nice is located on the southeast coast of France at the foot of the Alps on the Mediterranean Sea, and spreads across an area of about 287 square miles.

Plus, it’s approximately 8.1 miles (13km) from the Principality of Monaco and 19 miles (30km) from the French-Italian border.

The Benefits of Moving to Nice

Now that you know a bit about the city, let’s talk about why you should move to Nice.

The first and most obvious reason: the weather.

Nice has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters making it the perfect destination for those who want to escape cold temperatures.

Not only that, but Nice is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Europe, so it’s a great place to relax and soak up some sun during the warmer months.

And there are plenty of other outdoor activities like hiking, biking, swimming, sailing and even skiing nearby.

Finally, Nice offers a great lifestyle with all the luxuries of big city life in a much more laid-back atmosphere. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants, bars and nightclubs to explore, plus countless museums and galleries to visit.

It’s a very picturesque city to live in, with tons of instaworthy photo spots sprinkled all over the city.

Related read: Most Instagrammable Photo Spots in Nice to Visit

Moving to Nice: What You Need to Know

So now that you know what Nice has to offer, let’s talk about what you need to prepare for before moving here.

Parlez-vous français?

First, it’s important to remember that the official language in Nice is French (obviously), so make sure you brush up on your French language skills before arriving.

I wouldn’t worry about this too much though – there’s a large English-speaking population here, so you can easily get by on the basics. The essential French words like bonjour and s’il vous plait will go a long way here!

And although they’ll still probably give you shit for not speaking perfect French, the locals are generally friendly and welcoming and will appreciate your effort to speak French.

Related read: My Best Tips for Learning French Fast: How I became fluent in one year

Be prepared to spend some $$$

It’s also important to remember that Nice has become increasingly expensive over the last few years, so you’ll need a decent income to cover your living expenses here. It’s definitely not one of the most affordable cities in France to live in.

Still, it’s worth it – there really is no place quite like Nice!

Even though it’s a bit on the spenny side, I still found it to be far more cost-effective than living in Paris. For some reason, spending 1600 euros per month in Paris just didn’t seem to get me as much as it did while I was living in Nice.

Hell, if you’re going to pay an arm and a leg to live somewhere, why not at least be able to say you’re living in the French Riviera?

Cost of Living in Nice

Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty of living in Nice – the cost of living.

On average, it costs around 1600 EUR per month to live in Nice.

This of course will be different depending on your lifestyle and where you choose to live, but it’s a good estimate.

You can expect to pay around 800 EUR for rent, 200 EUR for groceries and utilities, and 300-400 EUR for entertainment. Because of the proximity to the beach and the beautiful weather all year round, it’s easy to save money on entertainment here.

You can spend a beautiful day on the beach or just enjoy a picnic in one of the many parks without breaking the bank!

Again – these are just estimates and of course will vary according to your own personal needs.

But don’t take my word for it, check out my Cost of Living in Nice video for a full breakdown of what I spent in a month while living there! 👇

Note: This video is from 2021 and prices have definitely increased a bit since then (thanks, inflation). But, it’ll still give you a pretty good idea of what you can expect to spend here on a monthly basis.

What to do in Nice

Now, let’s talk about things to do in Nice. This city admittedly doesn’t have as many of the cultural and historic attractions that Paris does, but there’s still plenty to do here.

P.S. Check out my complete guide to How to Spend One Day in Nice here!

Things to do in Nice

• Colline du Château (Castle Hill): Climb up the hill and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Old Town

• Nice Promenade des Anglais (Englishman’s Promenade): Take a stroll along this famous promenade, people-watch, and enjoy the sites.

• Cours Saleya: Visit this vibrant market where you can buy fresh produce and explore the different stalls

• Museums: Nice has a number of great museums, including Musée Matisse, Musée Marc Chagall, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

• Beaches: Not too far from Old Town you can find some nice beaches where you can lay out and relax! The best beach in Nice is La Réserve, but there are several others to choose from. Plage du Ponche is another great beach located right near Old Town (it’s a bit more secluded and less crowded than La Réserve)

• Parc Phoenix: A beautiful botanical garden located right in the heart of town

• Vieux Nice: The highlight of the city, take a stroll through the old streets and explore the colorful houses of this picturesque neighborhood

• Mont Boron: A great place to go for a hike or enjoy views of the city below

Things to do nearby Nice

Hikes near Nice: there are tonnnnns of hiking trails near Nice for those of you who love hiking and exploring nature. A few of my favorites include the Pic de l’Ours, Tête de Chien, and Aspremont/Mont Chauve.

Villefranche-sur-Mer: This beautiful seaside village is a must-visit for anyone visiting the Riviera. It is just a few minutes by train from Nice (it’s literally the next town over) and is sprinkled with bright, colorful houses and plenty of great restaurants.

Eze: Just a 30-minute drive from Nice is the charming village of Eze. Here, you can explore its narrow cobblestone streets and take in the stunning views from its elevated vantage point. It’s one of the best places to go for a cute day trip from Nice!

Cap d’Ail: Hands down one of the most beautiful villages in the French Riviera (and my absolute favorite!).

Cap d’Ail is a small village located just minutes away from Nice, and it’s definitely worth a visit! It’s filled with million-dollar villas and beach restaurants with insane views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Stop by La Pinede for a fresh seafood lunch with a stunning view!

Monaco: Ahhhh, Monaco. Known for its glitz and glamour, Monaco is a must-visit while you’re in the French Riviera. It’s only 15 minutes away from Nice and it really feels like another world.

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Visit the Old Town, visit Monte Carlo Casino and Gardens, and of course, don’t miss out on the Grand Prix! Monaco is just a short train ride away from Nice and offers some incredible views (and even better shopping).

Cannes: Last but not least, Cannes shouldn’t be missed if you’re visiting the French Riviera. After all, it’s home to the world-famous Cannes Film Festival!

While there, make sure to check out La Croisette (the iconic promenade with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea!), Le Suquet (Cannes old town), and the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès (where the Cannes Film Festival takes place).

And don’t forget to spend some time sunbathing on the sand – the beaches in Cannes are some of the best in the French Riviera.

P.S. Need more inspiration for your Cannes trip? Read my guide to the 25 Best Things to Do in Cannes to get some ideas flowing!

Easy day trips from Nice

• Gorge du Verdon:  This stunning gorge is located in Provence and it’s perfect for nature lovers. Make sure to check out the turquoise waters that make up the Verdon River. The Gorges du Verdon is a popular place to go kayaking and paddleboarding. It’s about 2 hours away from Nice, and it is a bit difficult to get there by public transport. I’d recommend renting a car for this one!

• St. Tropez: This chic and glamorous beach town is about 2 hours away from Nice by car. It’s known for its stunning beaches, yachts, and of course, celebrities. There are plenty of great restaurants to choose from as well as some nice shops to explore. And of course, tons of bougie beach clubs to check out.

• Grasse: A beautiful medieval city located in the hills of Provence, Grasse is known for its perfumeries and gorgeous architecture. It’s about an hour away from Nice by car and definitely worth a visit if you have some spare time!

• San Remo/Vintimille: Why not spend a day in Italy? One of the best things about living in Nice was just how close it was to Italy. San Remo and Vintimille are both around 30-40 minutes away from Nice, and the border crossing is super easy. The train will take you there from Nice for as little as €8 for a one-way ticket. It makes for a great day trip and is a cool way to explore two different countries in one day!

• Lavender fields in Valensole:  Head over to Valensole for the most stunning lavender fields you’ll ever see. Located in Provence, it’s about 1.5 hours away from Nice and has some amazing views of the countryside. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for some gorgeous landscapes!

This is another destination that’s tough to reach without a car, so it might be best to rent one for the day.

It’s also not available to visit all-year round, so make sure to plan ahead and check the dates of availability. It’s best to visit in mid-June to mid-July when the lavender plants are in full bloom!

Nightlife

When it comes to nightlife in Nice, there’s a selection of bars, clubs, and lounges to choose from.

Les Distilleries Idéales is a popular spot for locals, with its quirky decor and live music. Ma Nolan’s and Wayne’s Bar are also two of the busiest spots for those wanting a chill, pub vibe.

For a more upscale experience, Hotel Le Negresco is the go-to spot in Nice. It’s located right on the Promenade des Anglais and is home to amazing cocktails!

In the summertime, I love a great rooftop bar experience with friends. And Nice is the absolute perfect place for that! Head to the rooftop of Le Meridien Hotel for a sunset cocktail and some stunning views of the city.

Movida is another bar located right on the Promenade des Anglais and was my go-to for great cocktails with a nice view in a trendy atmosphere with good music.

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When it comes to going out in Nice, you can expect to find mostly pubs and bars here, rather than crazy upscale clubs like in Cannes or Monaco. It’s a student city, so the atmosphere is mostly relaxed and low-key.

So don’t worry too much about dressing up, just dress comfortably and remember to bring your ID!

Foods to try

Of course, you can’t talk about living in France without mentioning the food! Nice prides itself on birthing some of the best dishes in France.

The city’s most famous dish is Socca, a thin pancake made with chickpea flour. It’s usually served as street food in paper cones and sprinkled with freshly ground pepper. Make sure to try it when you come across a stand!

Salad Nicoise is another popular dish from the region. It’s usually made with tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, anchovies, olives, and tuna or salmon.

Pissaladière is a local tart made with onions and anchovies and is a great snack if you’re looking for something light and tasty.

There’s also lots of really good seafood here! This is hands down one of the best things about living in Nice in my opinion.

I am seafood obsessed, so being able to try the freshest seafood here anytime I wanted was an absolute dream for me!

Some of my favorite dishes include fried calamari, seared scallops, and grilled fish with a spritz of lemon juice. Yummmm!

And of course, don’t forget about the wine! Nice has some amazing wines that come from the nearby Provence region. You can find some great options at local supermarkets or even better, directly from vineyards in the area.

P.S. I loved the food in Nice so much that I wrote a whole guide on the best local foods you absolutely must try while visiting the French Riviera!

Finding accommodation and apartments in Nice

Now that I’ve *hopefully* convinced you to move your butt to Nice, let’s talk logistics.

Finding accommodation can be a bit tricky in Nice, as the city is quite popular among tourists so it’s best to book early. There are lots of options available though, depending on your budget and salary.

Both short-term and long-term rental apartments are available to rent in Nice.

There are also plenty of resources available to help you in your search: Facebook groups, real estate agent offices, and various websites such as SeLoger, Leboncoin, and PAP.fr are great places to start.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to negotiate if you think you can get a better deal. It never hurts to ask for discounts or extras when renting an apartment in Nice! If you don’t ask, you’ll never know.

I personally used a Facebook group to find my apartment in Nice and it worked out great! I was able to find a nice studio apartment in the city center for an affordable price.

If you’re new to Nice (or France in general), I’d recommend getting an agency to help you out with the paperwork.

It’s a bit tricky and can be confusing, so having someone who knows all the laws and regulations is a great way to make sure you don’t miss anything important.

An agency will be able to seek out apartments for you based on your budget and search criteria. They’ll also be able to communicate with the landlord on your behalf, so you don’t have to worry about understanding all of the French paperwork and legal stuff.

And if that’s not enough, they might even be able to help you find furniture for your apartment too!

You will have to pay an agency fee, but I think it’s worth it in the end.

Working in Nice

I’ll admit, the job market in Nice is not the greatest. But don’t let that scare you off! If you’re willing to put in the work and hustle, there are plenty of opportunities here.

The largest industries in Nice are tourism, finance, IT, and healthcare. These four sectors account for most of the job openings in the city so if any of those fields interest you, then you’re in luck!

Hospitality jobs

There are lots of hospitality jobs (food service/bars/yachts) available, especially in the summer. Since the city thrives on tourism, these sectors are practically begging for people to apply every summer.

And most people I met while living here were working in restaurants or bars. So if you have any experience in that field, then it’s definitely something to keep in mind!

I also recommend checking out job boards such as Indeed and LinkedIn for more opportunities. Most workplaces are open to hiring international employees so don’t be afraid to apply just because you’re not from France.

Just as long as you have the proper paperwork and visa to legally work here, of course.

Freelancing

You can also try your hand at freelancing or starting your own business. There are a lot of remote job opportunities available these days, so if you’re willing to put in the effort and explore, there’s no reason why you couldn’t make it work.

I was working as a freelance travel writer and teaching English online while living here and it worked out great. Just make sure you have all the proper paperwork before you start working remotely in Nice!

Networking

And lastly, don’t forget about networking! Making contacts in Nice is a great way to get your foot in the door. Try attending local events or reaching out to people on LinkedIn.

You never know who you might meet and what opportunities they can offer you!

Finding jobs in Nice

If you’re thinking about finding a job in Nice, Check out the English-speaking jobs on the Riviera Facebook group, Indeed, Leboncoin, and Welcome to the Jungle.

For restaurant and bar jobs, don’t hesitate to just pop in and ask if they’re hiring. It’s quite common here.

Best (and worst) neighborhoods in Nice

When it comes to the best and worst neighborhoods, there are some neighborhoods here that are objectively better than others.

If you want to be close to the city center, then I recommend checking out the neighborhoods of Le Port, Cimiez, and Jean Medecin. These areas are quite popular among expats and offer plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, and other amenities.

If you’re looking for quieter neighborhoods that are a bit more affordable, then check out Carras and Magnan. These two neighborhoods are a bit further away from the city center but still offer plenty of charm and amazing views.

Be sure to avoid some of the less desirable areas, such as L’Ariane, Les Moulins, and Nice Nord (near the train station). These three neighborhoods are not as safe as the others and should be avoided if possible.

Though they’re not “dangerous” per-se, they’re definitely not the best places to live.

Safety

While we’re on the subject, let’s talk about safety.

Overall, Nice is a relatively safe city, but like any other city, there are certain safety risks that visitors and residents should be aware of.

According to the safety scores from TravelSafe Abroad, Nice has a low violent crime score, a medium terrorism risk score, a medium scams score, a low mugging risk score, and a medium pickpocket risk score.

The terrorism risk score in Nice is slightly higher than in some other French cities due to a terrorist attack that occurred in Nice in 2016 and a church stabbing incident in 2020.

However, the city has responded to these incidents by increasing security measures and patrolling tourist areas with police and military personnel. Visitors and residents should also be vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to the authorities.

Scams can be a problem in Nice, particularly in tourist areas. Some common scams include pickpocketing, fake petitions, and overpriced goods and services.

It’s important to keep an eye on your belongings, avoid giving money to people on the street, and always double-check prices before making a purchase.

Mugging is not a common occurrence in Nice, but it’s still a good idea to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in dark or isolated areas, and try to stay in well-lit and busy areas.

Overall, Nice is a relatively safe city as long as you use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings. It’s always a good idea to take precautions, particularly when in crowded tourist areas or at night.

Final thoughts

All in all, Nice is a beautiful city full of opportunities and culture. From the stunning Mediterranean coastlines to the bustling city center, there’s something here for everyone.

Whether you’re moving to Nice for work or just looking for an adventure, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with this amazing French Riviera destination!

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Living here for a year was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. I would move back in a heartbeat and I love hearing people tell me how much they love it here.

So if you’re considering moving to Nice, don’t hesitate! You won’t regret it.

I hope this advice has been helpful and I wish you an amazing experience living in the beautiful city of Nice, France! Au Revoir! 🙂