There are so many things to consider before moving abroad. Of course, choosing where to live is at the top of the list. There are pros and cons to any city, but making the final decision requires careful consideration.
Since 2012, I’ve lived in four countries and five different cities. So, I know the ups and downs of expat life and how a city can play a role in the success of this adventure.
I decided to move to Strasbourg because I wanted to experience something different. I’ve lived in Paris, London, and Zurich and was looking for a smaller city close to the mountains. But I also wanted to live near an international airport.
After carefully researching my options, I found that Strasbourg fit all those criteria, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.
So, now, I want to share with you what I’ve learned and all the pros and cons of living in Strasbourg.
Pros of Living in Strasbourg
1. Well-Located
One of the advantages of living in Strasbourg, especially for expats, is its convenient location. It’s more or less situated in the heart of Europe near the border of Germany, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.
Not only that but, in less than two hours, you can also be in Paris, Frankfurt, or Basel, all of which have international airports. This makes traveling both within and outside of Europe easy and cheap.
As a serial expat who loves to travel, living in a well-located city is a must. It’s a big relief knowing that international travel is not a hassle and I can return to the United States if I need to.
In fact, I’m sure most expats would agree.
2. Strong Expat Community
Strasbourg’s central location means that its demographic is quite diverse. And, as a result, there is a strong community of expats.
From online forums to in-person meet-ups, there are endless resources for expats here. You can join a general expat community or one specific to your nationality. Either way, it’s a great way to build a local support network.
I’ve, personally, taken advantage of this opportunity. It helped me build my support network and adapt to my life here in Strasbourg.
Helpful Tip: One particularly welcoming group is Americans in Alsace. It’s a great group that is open to everyone.
3. Extra Healthcare Benefits
It’s well-known that France has some of the best healthcare in the world. In fact, it’s one of the biggest pros of living in France.
But the healthcare system in Alsace, the region where Strasbourg is located, is even better.
There’s a unique social security system whereby residents of Alsace receive extra coverage compared to the rest of France.
In the general healthcare system, 70% of medical expenses are covered. As an example, the cost of a doctor’s visit is €25. If you live outside Alsace only €17.50 is reimbursed, making the doctor’s visit €7.50.
But, if you live in any town in the region then 90% of the doctor’s visit is covered, making the total only €2.50.
And this is only one of the many benefits of the social security system in Alsace. It’s a huge pro of living in Strasbourg.
Interesting Fact: The unique Alsatian Health Insurance comes from its connection to Germany. From 1871 to 1918, Alsace belonged to Germany, which offered 100% coverage. Then, after World War II, when Alsace returned to France, they kept Germany’s healthcare system (with some modifications).
4. Low Cost of Living
Strasbourg is a popular city and attracts a lot of expats, so you would expect the cost of living to be high.
But this is not the case.
In fact, Strasbourg is far from being the most expensive city in France. Compared to Paris, the cost of living in Strasbourg is about 15% lower.
To give you an idea, I pay €700 per month (excluding the utilities) for a one-bedroom apartment in Strasbourg. The same-sized apartment in Paris cost me €1000 per month.
Then, for gas, electricity, and internet I pay about €175 per month.
If you consider the extra healthcare benefits and the average income (€2300 per month) then the cost of living in Strasbourg is low.
5. Engulfed in Natural Beauty
If you love the outdoors but still want to live in a city, then Strasbourg is the ideal place.
In less than 20 minutes, you can find yourself at the foot of the Vosges mountains, engulfed in natural beauty. This makes outdoor excursions, like hiking, skiing, and camping accessible.
Granted, I’m biased, but it’s not without reason. When I lived in Paris, taking a break from the city was always expensive.
So, I wanted to live in a city where I could get out in nature and walk. I didn’t realize how important it was for me until I didn’t have it.
Helpful Tip: Most of these activities are accessible by public transportation, but, if there is a place that’s not, renting a car in Strasbourg is cheap and easy.
6. Minimal Language Barrier
The French are very proud of their language, and, as a result, they are reluctant to speak any other language. This includes English, which makes the language barrier in France very high.
Luckily, Strasbourg is an anomaly.
More often than not you can find someone who speaks English, German, or even Spanish.
In fact, I’ve even come across government employees who speak perfect English, which is a rarity in France. It makes living in Strasbourg as an expat much easier than in other cities.
Helpful Tip: I used two platforms to learn French. The first was iTalki. It’s affordable online tutoring. The second is Alliance Française. They offer intensive classes in a group setting.
7. Visa Renewals are Easy
French bureaucracy is a beast like no other. It’s difficult to understand and complicated to navigate. And, as an expat, it can be overwhelming.
Before living in Strasbourg, I lived in Paris, where everything took an obscene amount of time.
On several occasions, I waited months for my visa to be renewed. I would submit the paperwork six months in advance, and my new visa would arrive six months late.
Luckily, the process in Strasbourg is much more efficient.
I’ve been through two long-stay visa renewals, and, I can, honestly, say that it’s been a pleasure.
The individuals working at the prefecture are helpful, kind, and patient. They are even efficient.
It’s made the entire process almost worry-free.
In fact, this is the main reason why, in my opinion, Strasbourg is one of the best cities in France to live in.
8. Public Transportation is Cheap
Strasbourg has a network of buses and trams that run throughout the city. There are even some trams to go all the way to Germany.
They run every five to ten minutes and are almost always on time. Not only that but they are also clean and comfortable.
Of course, you could walk, but a tram/bus ticket is only €1.90. So, if you have to travel across the city, it’s with public transportation than with a car.
Plus, free parking in Strasbourg is almost non-existent. So, taking the tram/bus is the best option.
Helpful Tip: Strasbourg’s public transport system is run by CTS-Strasbourg. They have an app to buy and store your tickets on your phone.
Cons of Living in Strasbourg
1. Electricity is Expensive
While the cost of living in Strasbourg is low, the cost of electricity is not. In fact, it’s the most expensive in France.
Unlike the rest of the country, Strasbourg only has one provider, Électricité de Strasbourg. And, since there is no competition, they charge as much as they can.
So, if you rent or buy a non-energy-efficient apartment you could have a big electricity bill.
As an example, when I first arrived in Strasbourg, I rented an apartment with a poor energy rating.
So, when winter arrived and temperatures plummeted, I found myself in front of a €200 bill (per month).
I later discovered that this is pretty standard, and, I realized an energy-efficient apartment is a must in Strasbourg.
2. High Taxes
One of the biggest things you should consider before moving to Strasbourg is the financial implications, particularly the high taxation rates.
France, as a country, has one of the highest tax burdens in the world, and Strasbourg is no exception.
To give you an idea, the tax system includes income tax, social security contributions, and a substantial value-added tax (VAT) on goods and services.
When I first moved to France, I was shocked. I couldn’t believe more than 40% of my income was being taken out in taxes. Once I realized they were used to fund public services like healthcare, education, and public transportation I was more understanding.
While my disposable income is lower than when I lived in the United States, I don’t have to worry about paying for amenities like healthcare.
3. Alsatian Cuisine is Very Heavy
Alsatian food is a combination of French and German cuisine. It often contains some form of pork with a large helping of potatoes, all covered in a rich, creamy sauce.
Some common dishes include flammekueche, choucroute garnie, and vol-au-vent. While it’s something to try if you’re spending a long weekend in Strasbourg, it’s not a diet you want to adhere to.
For me, this is one of the biggest cons of living in Strasbourg.
I’m not a vegetarian, but I do prefer vegetable-based dishes. And I often struggle to find restaurants that offer something other than traditional Alsatian cuisine.
I’ve searched and tried all the best restaurants in Strasbourg. So, it’s improving but still far from being diverse.
4. Pace of Life is Slow
As an American, I’m used to efficiency and unparalleled customer service. I rarely have the patience to wait for my meal in a restaurant or deal with doctors who are behind schedule.
In Strasbourg, this is the norm. Everyone takes their time with everything. I’ve waited up to 20 minutes in a restaurant for a glass of juice.
In fact, the other week, I waited over an hour to get my haircut because the hairdresser was behind schedule. While it was frustrating when I first arrived, I’ve become accustomed to the slower pace and go with the flow.
But, if you don’t think you can, you may want to reconsider your choice to live in Strasbourg.
5. Finding an Apartment is Difficult
Accommodation is difficult to come by in Strasbourg.
There are several reasons contributing to this problem.
First, Strasbourg is home to the European Parliament, which means there are a lot of diplomats who live part-time in Strasbourg. There’s even an entire neighborhood reserved for them.
Second, the University of Strasbourg has its campus in the city itself. The university alone has 52,000 students.
And, while they’ve made big strides in providing dedicated student housing, it’s not enough. So, that means there are a lot of students looking for accommodation at any given time.
Looking at these factors alone, it’s easy to see why finding an apartment in Strasbourg is challenging.
6. Extreme Weather
Strasbourg is a city of extremes.
In summer, temperatures soar to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). And in August, the sun is so strong it feels like your skin could melt off if you spend too much time outside.
Then, the winter is the opposite. Temperatures plummet to -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit), but the humidity stays at 100%. It’s the kind of cold you feel in your bones.
Of course, the weather in Strasbourg isn’t always terrible. And it’s much better than the weather in Lille, for example.
The scenarios I mentioned above are the extremes. And, if you can’t handle either, you’ll have to find solutions or consider living in a city like Marseille.
I usually head to the Vosges mountains in the summer and wear a warm-waterproof jacket in the winter.
7. It’s a Small City
If you look on Google Maps, it’s easy to miss Strasbourg. After all, it’s only 78 square kilometers (48 square miles).
In fact, I can walk across the main part of the city in under 20 minutes. So, to say it’s small would be an understatement.
Not only that but stores (including grocery and electronic stores) are also quite limited. Most of the time, I have to buy things online because I can’t find what I need.
Then, there are the restaurants and bars. Most have limited seating because there is not enough space. So, reservations are almost always mandatory, especially on the weekends.
Of course, for some, this is part of Strasbourg’s small-town charm, but for others, it can be frustrating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s it Like to Live in Strasbourg?
I often get asked this question and it’s difficult to answer because everyone has a different opinion.
I, myself, love living in Strasbourg. It has the amenities of a city, yet it’s close to the mountains.
Compared to other places I’ve lived (Paris, London, and Zurich), Strasbourg is a happy medium.
It’s also my favorite.
So, if you’re looking for a city that has that small-town charm, lots of outdoor activities, and a strong expat community then Strasbourg is for you.
Is Strasbourg Safe?
Strasbourg is, in general, very safe. Like any city, there are dodgy areas, especially at night.
L’Esplanade is one neighborhood that has had some problems. And it’s mostly due to the large student population who party all night long.
If you plan on going out in these areas at night, be aware of your surroundings and don’t flash valuable items.
Is English Widely Spoken in Strasbourg?
Since Strasbourg is one of the capitals of Europe, English is widely spoken.
In general, the demographic in Strasbourg is very diverse, so it’s not uncommon to hear several languages while walking around.
This means you’re almost always sure to find someone who speaks English.
What Language Do People Speak in Strasbourg?
Since Strasbourg is in France, the main language is French. However, its complex history with Germany has led to a unique dialect called Alsatian.
It’s actually a combination of German and French.
So more often than not, locals speak both French and German, and even, sometimes a third language, like English.
Is Strasbourg a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Strasbourg is an excellent place to live, especially for expats.
The pros I listed above are the reasons why I moved here and why I still live here. It’s a city that is perfect for first-time foreigners to France.
Not only that but it’s also safe, locals more often than not speak English, and it’s well-located.
Conclusion
There’s no denying that Strasbourg is a great city.
Of course, there are disadvantages, but they are minor compared to all the pros.
If it’s your first time moving abroad, Strasbourg is a great city to consider.
Hopefully, the pros and cons of living in Strasbourg that I listed in this post will help you decide.
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