Best Cities in France to Live In 2026
3 cities ranked by Livability Score — affordability, safety, internet, democracy & climate.
Marseille
78/100Lyon
76/100Paris
74/100Compare 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 78/100, and city-centre rent from around $814/month.
What is the safest city in France?▾
By UNODC homicide rate data, Marseille is the safest city in France in our database, with a rate of 1.6 per 100,000 people.
Should I move to Marseille or Lyon?▾
Marseille scores 78/100 on our Livability Score vs 76/100 for Lyon. Rent is $814/mo in Marseille vs $975/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.