Bordeaux and Toulouse are two of the best cities in southwest France for anyone moving to France, and if you are torn between them, this guide settles it with real numbers. We compare the cost of living in France for expats in both cities, renting in France and what a one or two bedroom actually costs, buying property in France per square meter, the job market and salaries, schools, the weather, the food, and how easy each one is to reach from Paris. Here is everything we compare in this side by side guide to living in Bordeaux and Toulouse, France:
0:00 Intro
0:43 Regions/Basics
1:48 Renting/Buying
2:19 Grocery Budget
2:52 Who Lives There
3:26 Weather and Seasons
4:33 Walkability
4:55 Transit and Regional
6:54 Jobs & Salaries
7:38 Expat Scene
8:15 Education
9:25 Retirement
9:54 Safety
10:22 Art & Culture
11:20 Cuisine
12:41 Who Each City Is For
13:04 The Big Reveal
Whether you are drawn to wine, grand architecture, and quick weekends in Paris, or to sunshine, real careers in aerospace, and better value for your money, the right call comes down to the life you want day to day. If you are comparing the best cities in France to live, weighing job options for moving to France, or just trying to figure out which southern city fits your budget, this side by side gives you the real picture of Bordeaux and Toulouse so you can decide with confidence.
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*Facebook Group: Expats move to France (Highly valuable resource):* https://www.facebook.com/groups/23814372316
*Blog Post about Bordeaux vs Toulouse:* https://storybooklivingfrance.com/bordeaux-vs-toulouse-how-to-actually-choose
*Links mentioned in the video:*
*Transit Links*
Bordeaux Transit
https://www.infotbm.com/en/mode/bus-tramway
Toulouse Transit
https://www.tisseo.fr/
*Airports*
Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD)
https://www.bordeaux.aeroport.fr/en?at_platform=gmb&utm_medium=gmb&utm_source=google
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS)
https://www.toulouse.aeroport.fr/en
*TGV*
Bordeaux to Paris
https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/tgv-inoui
Toulouse to Paris via Bordeaux
https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en
*Expat Groups/Communities*
Bordeaux Expats Community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhatToDoInBordeaux/
Internations
https://www.internations.org/bordeaux-expats/guide/living-short
Toulouse Expats
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ToulouseExpats/
Internations
https://www.internations.org/toulouse-expats
*Education*
University of Bordeaux
https://www.u-bordeaux.fr/en
Higher Institute of Aeronautics and Space – Toulouse
https://www.isae-supaero.fr/en/
*Arts & Culture*
Bordeaux
https://www.opera-bordeaux.com/en
https://www.musba-bordeaux.fr/en
https://www.musee-aquitaine-bordeaux.fr/
https://www.laciteduvin.com/en
Toulouse
https://www.toulouse-tourisme.com/en/activite/the-capitole-city-hall/
https://www.lesabattoirs.org/en/homepage/
https://en.cite-espace.com/
https://www.stadetoulousain.fr/
*Airbus*
https://www.airbus.com/en
▶️ *WATCH NEXT:*
*Nice vs Montpellier:* https://youtu.be/86ONn8Zt1nk
*Montpellier Part 1:* https://youtu.be/XSBEJoGfl7Y
*Montpellier Part 2:* https://youtu.be/UFxksRrn8dk
*Bordeaux:* https://youtu.be/plCqZ1mC-Bg
*Toulouse Part 2:* https://youtu.be/CjE3AFccFIw
*Toulouse Part 1:* https://youtu.be/_7lXmgz-X4U
*Baguette Bound Channel:* (For tons of French Info!): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaeSuJ1RxJtjQCo_AelQnNQ
*Media, Photo & Image Credits: 🎥:*
*Music:* No.9 “Esther’s Waltz” — Esther Abrami https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOFrldzxeKGG8fTpN5_d75Q
*Master Image Credit Ledger for Storybook Living France* https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eJJ8-83oNqSwuOY5hWqFos8Hbj1e1yK0L6EbMzbrBDQ/edit?usp=sharing
#StorybookLivingFrance #BordeauxVsToulouse #MovingToFrance #BordeauxFrance #ToulouseFrance #LivingInBordeaux #LivingInToulouse #CostOfLivingInFrance #BestCitiesInFrance #RentingInFrance #BuyingPropertyInFrance #RetireInFrance #FranceRelocation
10 Comments
Enjoy this weeks new video. Are either city on your shortlist?
🇫🇷 FIND YOUR FRENCH CITY Wondering which French city fits your budget, your weather, and the life you want? I built tools to help you find out, with real data instead of guesswork. Everything's in one place here: 👉https://storybooklivingfr.gumroad.com/
I really enjoyed this comparison and agree with the main points. Having just visited both cities I found Toulouse to have a younger more energetic vibe and Bordeaux more refined and a little slower but definitely pockets of younger lively party areas. The head to head comparison is very useful, perhaps you can compare Lyon v Strasbourg or Marseille v Nice.
Great content here Tia! Both of these cities provide excellent opportunities for a full and interesting expat life for sure. Of course, for wine lovers the choice is obvious!🍇
FYI, the French government has just clarified the rules for remote employment while living in France, including the tax implications, and who qualifies. The key here being the employer and their relationship to/with the French economy. My (limited) understanding of this is that people who work remotely for American companies may be able to live in France without the burden of double taxation. Good news for people who qualify!
Toulouse should be connected to Paris via high speed trail in a few years. That will likely change the feel of the city (and prices) in a similar way to what happened in Bordeaux when it was connected to the TGV.
Do these cities have well paying jobs? Like CDI, around € 3500 a month?
Thanks, Tia! Loving your new format …!! 😊❤
I love these videos Tia. Is there any chance you would consider doing one for those of who are retirees/Seniors? I will be living on passive income and would love to hear about your recommendations.
Of course I realize people have different priorities, budgets, choice of climate, etc. I will be a single Senior and appreciate your content. 😊
Insightful, especially on integrating with French natives and opportunities to deepen French conversation skills and friendships.
Thanks, Tia, for your research. 😊
I was wondering if you had actually travelled to these cities and spent time there? I appreciate your research! 😊
Really good video. However, you need to check your sound levels properly and get a new microphone cuz the sound is terrible. Sorry but you got to know you want to improve your videos and prove the sound as well. But great comparisons good data. Good presentation.