Townleap

Cost of Living: Graz vs Montpellier (2026)

Austria vs France — relocation comparison

TL;DRGraz is 17% cheaper on rent ($772/mo vs $930/mo). Montpellier has milder winters (4°C vs -3°C lows). Both are solid options for settling down — the spreadsheet won't save you from this one.
77
Livability Score
🇦🇹 Graz
Austria
Full profile
69
Livability Score
🇫🇷 Montpellier
France
Full profile
Graz edges ahead 77 to 69. Montpellier isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you.
Graz
Montpellier
$772/mo
Rent
$930/mo
8.3/10
Democracy
8.0/10
0.9/100k
Safety
1.3/100k
74/100
English
38/100
💰
Cost of Living
Graz
$158/mo cheaper on rent alone
🔒
Safety
Graz
0.9 homicides per 100k
☀️
Weather
25°C vs 30°C summers
🗣️
English
Graz
higher proficiency score
Graz
Metric
Montpellier
$772/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$930/mo
$909/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$639/mo
0.9 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
1.3 / 100k
25°C
☀️
Summer high
30°C
-3°C
❄️
Winter low
4°C
15.1 μg/m³
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
7.3 μg/m³
8.3 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
8.0 / 10
74/100
🗣️
Street English
38/100
$74k
💼
GDP per capita
$63k
2.9% · Boringly steady
📈
Inflation
2.0% · Boringly steady
77 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
69 / 100

Settler Essentials

Democracy trend
stable

Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals

The Short Version

  • Rent is 17% cheaper in Graz ($772/mo vs $930/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are noticeably warmer in Montpellier (30°C vs 25°C).
  • Street-level English is easier in Graz (74/100 vs 38/100).

Graz vs Montpellier — Common Questions

Is Graz cheaper than Montpellier?

Graz is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $772/month in Graz vs $930/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Graz or Montpellier?

Graz is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Graz has a rate of 0.88 per 100,000 and Montpellier has 1.34 per 100,000.

Should I move to Graz or Montpellier?

Graz edges ahead 77 to 69. Montpellier isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Which has better weather, Graz or Montpellier?

Montpellier is warmer in summer (30°C vs 25°C). Graz has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Can I live in Graz or Montpellier without speaking the local language?

Graz is easier for street-level English (74/100) than Montpellier (38/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

Factor in your salary, family size, weather preferences, and deal-breakers.