Best Cities in France to Live In 2026
5 cities ranked by Livability Score — affordability, safety, internet, democracy & climate.
Country at a Glance
Freedom House score
Press freedom rank
Grid reliability
Path to PR
Corporate tax
Marseille
76/100Lyon
75/100Paris
72/100Montpellier
69/100Nice
69/100Compare cities in France
❓ Living in France — Common Questions
What is the best city to live in France?▾
Based on our Livability Score, Marseille ranks #1 in France with a score of 76/100, and city-centre rent from around $902/month.
What is the safest city in France?▾
By UNODC homicide rate data, Paris is the safest city in France in our database, with a rate of 1.1 per 100,000 people.
Should I move to Marseille or Lyon?▾
Marseille scores 76/100 on our Livability Score vs 75/100 for Lyon. Rent is $902/mo in Marseille vs $972/mo in Lyon. See the full comparison at the bottom of this page.
How do I get long-term residency or a visa to live in France?▾
France offers the France Talent Passport (complex process). Duration: Up to 4 years. Key requirement: For freelancers, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. Income and project viability assessed.. The process is complex. Check individual city pages for full details.