LifeCost Blog
Lille

Lille

France

Updated on August 12, 2025

Overview

Lille is the fourth largest city in France, located in the north of the country near the Belgian border. Historically linked to textiles and fashion, today it is an important technology center with two major innovation hubs: Eurotechnologies and the technology applications district. It's a vibrant university city with rich nightlife.

Average cost of living€2,034.00
Quality of Life84/100

Accommodation

Rent room (flat-share)€500.00
1-bed flat (center)€896.00
1-bed flat (outside)€683.00
3-bed flat (center)€1,375.00
3-bed flat (outside)€1,079.00

Utilities

Basic utilities€246.00
Internet€25.00
Mobile plan€15.00

Transportation

One-way ticket€1.80
Monthly pass€65.00
Taxi start€2.50
Gasoline (1 l)€1.71

Leisure

Cinema ticket€12.50
Fitness club€35.00

Education

Preschool (month)€650.00
Intl. primary (year)€10,000.00

Buying House

sqm in city center€5,100.00
sqm outside center€3,800.00

Advantages

  • Growing technology center with job opportunities
  • University city with youthful atmosphere and active nightlife
  • Proximity to Belgium and other European countries
  • Rich textile history and architectural heritage
  • Innovation hub with film and art schools
  • Good rail transport connections

Disadvantages

  • × Northern French climate can be humid and cold
  • × Less international recognition than Paris or Lyon
  • × Language barrier for non-French speakers
  • × Less diversified job market outside technology sector